Description
This Healthy Big Mac Casserole is a nutritious and delicious spin on the iconic fast-food favorite, combining lean ground beef, a creamy Greek yogurt-based special sauce, and fresh veggies all baked into a comforting casserole. It’s a perfect low-carb, high-protein meal that satisfies your burger cravings without the guilt.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef (93% lean)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Special Sauce
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons diced dill pickles
- 1 tablespoon pickle juice
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Toppings and Cheese
- 2 cups shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
- 3 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup diced pickles (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef and diced onion until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess fat. Add the minced garlic, paprika, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper, stirring well to combine. Remove from heat.
- Make the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, reduced-fat mayonnaise, ketchup, diced dill pickles, pickle juice, and Worcestershire sauce until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the cooked beef mixture evenly across the prepared baking dish. Drizzle half of the special sauce evenly over the beef layer then sprinkle with half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Top with chopped iceberg lettuce, diced tomatoes, and extra diced pickles. Drizzle the remaining special sauce on top and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm for a satisfying and healthy twist on a classic Big Mac flavor, perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Notes
- This casserole offers a lighter alternative to the traditional Big Mac by using lean beef and Greek yogurt instead of heavy sauces.
- To make this casserole lower in carbs, omit the ketchup and tomatoes.
- Leftovers can be reheated, but fresh toppings like lettuce and pickles are best added just before serving for maximum crunch and freshness.
- Sesame seeds are optional but add a nice textural element and mimic the burger bun feel.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
