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• You Won’t Miss the Bun With My Big Mac Casserole
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make A Big Mac Casserole
• My Recipe Tips
• Big Mac Casserole (Fast Food Fix) Recipe card
• More Ground Beef Casserole Recipes
• Recipe Reviews

You Won’t Miss the Bun With My Big Mac Casserole

I don’t really eat fast food anymore, but every once in a while, I still crave a Big Mac from McDonald’s. This Big Mac casserole hits the spot. It’s a cozy spin on my popular Big Mac salad , but baked into a hearty dish that’s perfect for dinner . And the secret? It’s all in the sauce. My homemade thousand island dressing makes every bite taste just like the real thing. Here’s why I keep making this one on repeat:

• Seriously tastes like a Big Mac – I’m not the only one who thinks so! Hundreds of 5-star reviews say it tastes shockingly close to the fast food classic — just without the bun.
• Sneaky veggies – I swapped the bun for a layer of roasted zucchini . You won’t even miss the bread, but you can use other veggie options if you want (see ingredient notes below).
• Easy for weeknights – It only takes about 10 minutes to prep and minimal ingredients, or you can freeze it ahead like I do for a quick grab-and-bake dinner.

Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy pickles… it checks all the Big Mac burger boxes. Make it with me!

“My husband just went back for seconds and says it tasted just like a Big Mac! Great flavors — I will definitely make this again and again!” –Michele

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my Big Mac casserole recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

Zucchini Layer:

• Zucchini – I layer roasted zucchini on the bottom so it’s not just a pile of meat. I’ve also made this with roasted cauliflower , broccoli , and even bell peppers. Just make sure whatever veggie you use is cooked first so the casserole doesn’t get watery. If you want something heartier, sweet potatoes , regular potatoes , or other root veggies totally work too.
• Olive Oil – I use this to roast the zucchini so it gets a little caramelized and not mushy. Avocado oil works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
• Sea Salt

Meat Layer:

• Ground Beef – I like using grass-fed beef because it has the best flavor and a little extra nutrition. My go-to is 85/15, which gives enough richness without being greasy. You can also make a Big Mac casserole with ground chicken or ground turkey. It’s just a bit lighter, but still super flavorful once you add the sauce and toppings.
• Onion – I usually go for white onion since it’s classic for that Big Mac flavor, but yellow or red onion work just fine too
• Olive Oil – Or avocado oil.
• Sea Salt & Black Pepper

Assembly:

• Thousand Island Dressing – This is the Big Mac sauce , so don’t skip it! You can buy it pre-made, but most store-bought versions have added sugar, so I like to mix up my own. I usually use my homemade thousand island dressing , but my NEW Big Mac sauce recipe works here too (It’s the one I use in my Big Mac bowl ).
• Shredded cheese – I use cheddar because it melts well and tastes great with the beef, but honestly, any shredded cheese you like will work. Monterey jack, Colby, or even a cheddar blend are all good options for this Big Mac casserole.

Big Mac Casserole Toppings:

• Lettuce – I prefer iceberg cut from a head because it’s extra crisp, but pre-shredded works too. You can also use any other lettuce you like here.
• Tomato – Roma tomatoes are my go-to because they’re less watery, but honestly, any ripe tomato will do the trick.
• Pickles – I slice them into little circles for that classic Big Mac look. Just make sure you’re using dill pickles without added sugar or try making your own ! I’ve also used diced asparagus pickles before for a fun twist.
• Thousand island dressing – Just drizzle a little more over the top before serving. It ties everything together.
• Sesame Seeds – Totally optional, but I love sprinkling these on top! It gives the whole thing that “burger bun” vibe without the actual bun.

How To Make A Big Mac Casserole

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Roast zucchini. Spread the zucchini slices out in a single layer on a baking sheet . Brush them with oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Pop them in the oven and roast until they’re nice and tender.
2. Cook beef and onion. Heat the oil in a large skillet , add the beef, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and most of the liquid is gone. Then, stir in the onion and cook until soft. I like a little browning for extra flavor, but translucent is fine too.

1. Assemble. Layer the zucchini in the bottom of a baking dish , slightly overlapping. Spread on the dressing, then add the beef and sprinkle with cheese.
2. Bake. Pop the Big Mac casserole into the oven until everything’s hot and the cheese is nice and melty.
3. Add toppings. Add the lettuce, tomato, and pickles. Drizzle with more dressing and finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

My Recipe Tips

• Try to cut the zucchini into uniform rounds so they roast at the same rate. Thinner slices can get too soft, and thicker ones take longer to cook.
• After roasting the zucchini, I like to pat it dry with paper towels to soak up any extra moisture. It helps keep the casserole from getting watery.
• Don’t skip roasting the veggies. I’ve tried tossing raw zucchini straight into the casserole, and it just turns watery and mushy. Roasting first makes a big difference in texture and flavor.
• If you’re using a higher-fat ground beef, drain it when it’s done cooking. If you don’t the Big Mac casserole can become greasy.
• I like to let the casserole sit for 5 minutes after baking before adding the toppings. It helps the layers settle and keeps the lettuce from wilting too fast.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Zucchini Layer:

• 1 lb Zucchini (sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds) ▢
• 2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt ▢

Meat Layer:

• 1/2 tbsp Olive oil ▢
• 1 1/2 lbs Ground beef ▢
• 1/2 tbsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 1/2 large Onion (diced) ▢

Assembly:

• 3/4 cup Sugar-free thousand island dressing ▢
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded) ▢

Toppings:

• 1 1/2 cups Iceberg lettuce (shredded) ▢
• 1 medium Roma tomato (diced) ▢
• 3/4 cup Pickles (sliced) ▢
• 1/4 cup Sugar-free thousand island dressing ▢
• 1/2 tbsp Sesame seeds ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. Arrange the zucchini in a single layer on a large baking sheet . Brush with olive oil, then sprinkle both sides lightly with sea salt.
3. Roast the zucchini slices in the oven for about 20 minutes , until tender.
4. When done, remove the zucchini from the oven but leave it on at 400. Pat the zucchini with paper towels to soak up any extra water or oil.
5. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon (7.39 ml) of oil in a saute pan or cast iron braiser on the stove over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes , until browned.
6. Add the diced onion. Cook for 7-8 minutes , until onions are translucent and starting to brown.
7. Arrange the zucchini slices at the bottom of a 9×13 casserole dish , overlapping slightly. Pour 3/4 cup dressing over the zucchini and spread evenly. Top with the meat, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
8. Bake for 10-15 minutes , until the cheese on top is melted.
9. Top the casserole with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. Drizzle with the remaining 1/4 cup dressing. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/8 entire casserole

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best texture, keep things simple, and make sure every bite turns out delicious.
• Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. For the best texture, store the toppings separately and add them fresh.
• Meal prep: Cook the meat and roast the zucchini, then layer everything in the dish without toppings. Cover and store in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350 degree F or use the microwave. Add the toppings after heating so they stay fresh.
• Freeze: Freeze the Big Mac casserole without toppings for up to 3 months. You can reheat straight from frozen or thaw first, then finish with fresh toppings.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

More Ground Beef Casserole Recipes

If you’ve got more ground beef to use up, here are a few other casseroles I think you’ll love:

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

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1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Big Mac Casserole (Fast Food Fix)

My Big Mac casserole has all the classic flavors, turned into a healthy, bun-free bake with beef, cheese, pickles, and sneaky veggies.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/big-mac-casserole/

Ingredients

Zucchini Layer:

• 1 lb Zucchini (sliced into 1/4-inch-thick rounds)
• 2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt

Meat Layer:

• 1/2 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 1/2 lbs Ground beef
• 1/2 tbsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 large Onion (diced)

Assembly:

• 3/4 cup Sugar-free thousand island dressing
• 2 cups Cheddar cheese (shredded)

Toppings:

• 1 1/2 cups Iceberg lettuce (shredded)
• 1 medium Roma tomato (diced)
• 3/4 cup Pickles (sliced)
• 1/4 cup Sugar-free thousand island dressing
• 1/2 tbsp Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. Arrange the zucchini in a single layer on a large baking sheet . Brush with olive oil, then sprinkle both sides lightly with sea salt.
3. Roast the zucchini slices in the oven for about 20 minutes , until tender.
4. When done, remove the zucchini from the oven but leave it on at 400. Pat the zucchini with paper towels to soak up any extra water or oil.
5. Meanwhile, heat the remaining 1/2 tablespoon (7.39 ml) of oil in a saute pan or cast iron braiser on the stove over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes , until browned.
6. Add the diced onion. Cook for 7-8 minutes , until onions are translucent and starting to brown.
7. Arrange the zucchini slices at the bottom of a 9x13 casserole dish , overlapping slightly. Pour 3/4 cup dressing over the zucchini and spread evenly. Top with the meat, then sprinkle with shredded cheese.
8. Bake for 10-15 minutes , until the cheese on top is melted.
9. Top the casserole with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. Drizzle with the remaining 1/4 cup dressing. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/8 entire casserole

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best texture, keep things simple, and make sure every bite turns out delicious.
• Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. For the best texture, store the toppings separately and add them fresh.
• Meal prep: Cook the meat and roast the zucchini, then layer everything in the dish without toppings. Cover and store in the fridge or freezer until you’re ready to bake.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350 degree F or use the microwave. Add the toppings after heating so they stay fresh.
• Freeze: Freeze the Big Mac casserole without toppings for up to 3 months. You can reheat straight from frozen or thaw first, then finish with fresh toppings.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)