Ingredients:
2 pounds of lean ground beef.
1 cup of Thousand Island dressing.
1/4 cup of mayonnaise.
One cup of diced yellow onion.
One cup of diced dill pickle.
One tbsp. of onion powder.
One tablespoon of garlic powder.
One teaspoon of salt.
One teaspoon of pepper.
2 cups of shredded triple cheddar cheese blend.
1/4 cup of Island Thousand dressing.
Instructions:
Step 1
First, preheat the oven to 400°F, then place the ground beef into a generously sized sauté pan, set over medium-high heat, and add a small amount of margarine or butter.
Step 2
As you cook, crumble the ground beef thoroughly, and once the ground beef is completely cooked, remove the sauté pan from the heat and carefully drain any excess grease.
Step 3
Then, add your Thousand Island dressing, diced onion, mayo, garlic powder, diced dill pickle, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the pan with the beef. Stir till all the components are absolutely combined.
Step 4
After that, transfer the cooked ground beef mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish, ensuring it is spread out evenly across the dish.
Step 5
Next, sprinkle the shredded cheese over the ground beef, ensuring an even distribution. Then, place the tater tots on top of the cheese in a single layer.
Step 6
Put the prepared baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the casserole until the tater tots turn golden brown, typically taking about 40 to 45 minutes.
Step 7
Finally, take the casserole out of the oven and evenly sprinkle shredded lettuce on top. Drizzle Thousand Island dressing over the lettuce, ensuring it is distributed evenly.
Serve and enjoy!!
Tips and Variations:
Lean ground beef works best for this recipe to keep it healthier, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
Adding diced bacon to the ground beef mixture can provide an extra layer of smoky flavor and a crispy texture.
For a spicier twist, you can incorporate some diced jalapenos or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the ground beef mixture.
Customize the toppings to your liking! You can add sliced tomatoes, chopped onions, or even a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch.
If you’re a fan of gooey cheese, feel free to mix in some shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese along with the cheddar blend.
To make it a complete meal, serve the casserole with a side of crispy French fries or a fresh green salad.
Get ready to savor the delightful fusion of flavors and enjoy a playful twist on a beloved classic with the Big Mac Tater Tot Casserole – a dish that will leave your taste buds satisfied and your heart full of laughter!!
