Instant Pot Big Mac Casserole: A Deconstructed Fast Food Favorite in Just 15 Minutes 🍔🔥

There’s something undeniably nostalgic about a Big Mac—the layered burger, special sauce, and crunchy lettuce packed into every bite. But what if you could recreate that fast-food magic at home, skip the bun, keep all the flavor, and have it on the table in just 15 minutes? That’s where this Instant Pot Big Mac Casserole comes in.

A deconstructed take on the American classic, this Big Mac in a Bowl is loaded with all your favorite flavors: seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, tangy pickles, crisp lettuce, and a creamy Thousand Island dressing that mimics that iconic “special sauce.” And thanks to the Instant Pot, this comforting casserole is not only quick but also made with minimal cleanup.

Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, need a fast family dinner, or just craving comfort food with a twist, this pressure cooker delight will become your new go-to. Let’s dive into the details.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything that goes into this comforting, fast-food-inspired casserole:

• 1 pound ground beef – Choose lean or regular based on preference. Leaner beef (90/10 or 85/15) reduces excess grease but still adds flavor.
• 1/2 cup diced onions – Adds aromatic depth to the beef.
• 1/2 cup diced pickles – Classic dill pickles bring tang and crunch.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Melts beautifully into the beef for gooey texture.
• 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing – Creamy, sweet, and tangy—this dressing is key to replicating the Big Mac flavor.
• 4 cups shredded iceberg lettuce – Light and crisp, the perfect base for your bowl.
• 1 cup diced tomatoes – Optional, but adds freshness and juiciness to balance the richness.
• Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning the beef.
• Sesame seeds – A fun garnish that nods to the sesame seed bun in the original Big Mac.

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🍔 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sauté the Beef and Onions

Start by setting your Instant Pot to the Sauté function. Once hot, add 1 pound of ground beef and ½ cup diced onions. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft.

🔪 Tip: For extra depth, sauté the beef in a tablespoon of butter instead of oil. It enhances the flavor and gives it a richer mouthfeel.

2. Drain the Fat

Once the beef is cooked through, turn off the Sauté function. Drain any excess grease from the pot. This prevents the casserole from being too oily and helps the sauce adhere better.

3. Add Pickles and Sauce

Stir in ½ cup diced pickles and ½ cup Thousand Island dressing. Mix until well combined. The pickles will release some briny flavor and pair perfectly with the creamy, tangy dressing.

🍽️ Variation: Want to elevate this even more? Add a tablespoon of Dijon mustard or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to intensify the savory elements.

4. Layer the Cheese

Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture, but do not stir it in. Letting the cheese melt on top creates a gooey, lasagna-like layer during pressure cooking.

5. Pressure Cook

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to Sealing. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook setting, adjust to High Pressure, and cook for 5 minutes.

⏱️ Note: Since the ingredients are already cooked, this short pressure cycle is all it needs to meld flavors and melt the cheese beautifully.

6. Quick Release

Once the timer beeps, do a Quick Release by carefully turning the valve to Venting. Open the lid and admire your bubbling Big Mac-inspired casserole.

7. Assemble the Bowls

To serve, place shredded iceberg lettuce in individual bowls and scoop the beef mixture on top. Add diced tomatoes and a light sprinkle of sesame seeds for an authentic Big Mac touch.

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🧠 Expert Tips for the Perfect Big Mac Casserole

• Lettuce matters: Iceberg is traditional, but romaine can work if you want more nutrients and texture.
• Make it low-carb: Swap Thousand Island for a sugar-free alternative and skip the tomatoes for keto-friendly macros.
• Add crunch: Crumble some low-carb crackers or toasted sesame crisps on top for a bun-like bite.
• Prep ahead: Cook the beef mixture in advance and refrigerate. Reheat and serve over fresh lettuce for a lightning-fast dinner.

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🥡 Storage & Meal Prep

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze the beef mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat: Microwave individual portions or warm on the stove with a splash of broth to loosen it up.

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🧂 Customization Ideas

• Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or pepper jack cheese for a spicier take.
• Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian: Swap meat for crumbled tofu or lentils and use vegan Thousand Island.

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🧾 Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving – Estimate)

• Calories: 450 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbs: 9g (mostly from dressing and tomatoes)
• Fat: 32g
• Fiber: 2g

🌱 Allergy Notes: Contains dairy (cheese), eggs (from dressing), and potential gluten (depending on dressing brand). Always check labels!

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📌 Perfect Pairings

• Drink: A crisp dill pickle martini or sugar-free lemonade balances the rich flavors.
• Side: Serve with air-fried sweet potato wedges or a low-carb coleslaw.
• Dessert: Finish with a mini no-bake cheesecake or keto chocolate mousse.

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