If you crave the classic flavors of your favorite fast food burger but want an easy weeknight meal, Big Mac Sloppy Joes are about to become your new obsession. This recipe takes everything you love about the iconic sandwich—juicy ground beef, tangy pickles, creamy secret sauce, and melty cheese—and piles them onto soft buns for a sloppy joe that’s pure comfort. It’s quick, fun, and incredibly satisfying, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings when you want a little nostalgia with a delicious twist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Big Mac Sloppy Joes is refreshingly simple, yet every component plays a crucial role in bringing those signature flavors and textures to life. You probably have most of these on hand, and each one helps create that irresistible combination of savory, tangy, creamy, and crunchy in every bite.
- Ground Beef: Choose 80/20 for the juiciest, most flavorful filling—leaner beef works too, but a bit of fat keeps things moist.
- Diced Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and classic burger flavor as it cooks with the beef.
- Diced Dill Pickles: For that signature Big Mac tang and a delightful pop of crunch.
- Salt: Just the right amount brings out all the flavors in the beef.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick that balances the richness.
- Garlic Powder: Infuses a touch of savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Ketchup: Lends a touch of sweetness and body to the sloppy joe base.
- Yellow Mustard: Brings brightness and zip, echoing classic burger flavors.
- Mayonnaise: Essential for the creamy, dreamy special sauce.
- Sweet Relish: Adds sweetness and texture to the sauce, just like the original.
- White Vinegar: A splash sharpens and balances the creamy elements.
- Sugar: Just a tiny bit rounds out the tang in the sauce.
- Hamburger Buns: Soft, classic buns hold everything together—bonus points for sesame seeds.
- Shredded Lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp layer to contrast the rich filling.
- American Cheese: Melts beautifully and gives that classic cheeseburger ooze.
- Sesame Seeds (optional): Sprinkle over the buns for the real deal Big Mac vibe.
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef and diced onions. Cook them together, breaking up the beef with a spoon or spatula as it browns. You want the meat fully cooked and the onions tender—this forms the flavorful base for your Big Mac Sloppy Joes. If there’s excess grease, go ahead and drain it off for a less greasy filling.
Step 2: Season and Simmer
Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then stir in the ketchup and yellow mustard. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes. This step helps all those classic burger flavors meld into the beef, making every bite taste just like your favorite drive-thru order.
Step 3: Make the Special Sauce
While your meat mixture is simmering, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet relish, white vinegar, and sugar in a small bowl. This is your homemade “special sauce”—creamy, tangy, and a little sweet. It’s so good, you might want to double the batch for drizzling or dipping!
Step 4: Toast the Buns (Optional, but Worth It!)
If you have a few extra minutes, lightly toast the hamburger buns. This step adds a hint of crunch and helps prevent the buns from getting soggy once you pile on the saucy filling.
Step 5: Build the Big Mac Sloppy Joes
On the bottom half of each bun, lay down a slice of American cheese so it starts to melt just a bit. Pile on a generous scoop of the sloppy joe mixture, then top with shredded lettuce, diced pickles, and a spoonful of your special sauce. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top bun if you like, then crown your masterpiece and dig in while it’s warm and messy!
How to Serve Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Garnishes
For the full burger shop experience, a sprinkle of sesame seeds on the buns makes these Big Mac Sloppy Joes feel extra special. Add some extra shredded lettuce or a few more pickle slices for crunch and color. If you’re a sauce lover, set out extra special sauce for drizzling or dipping.
Side Dishes
This saucy, cheesy sandwich loves classic sides! Serve with crispy oven fries, potato chips, or even a tangy coleslaw to cut the richness. A side of pickles or a handful of baby carrots gives a refreshing crunch, while a simple green salad balances out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Big Mac Sloppy Joes aren’t just for buns! Try spooning the mixture over baked potatoes, stuffing it into lettuce wraps for a lighter version, or scooping it up with tortilla chips for a party-ready appetizer. The special sauce makes a fantastic dip for veggies or fries, too—just double up the recipe for snacking.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Big Mac Sloppy Joes keep beautifully! Store the meat mixture and special sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Assemble the sandwiches fresh so the lettuce and buns stay crisp and delicious.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead, freeze the cooked beef mixture (without lettuce or sauce) in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. The sauce is best made fresh, but you can prep the dry ingredients in advance to save time.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the beef mixture on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring often until hot. Give the sauce a good stir and assemble your Big Mac Sloppy Joes just before serving for the best taste and texture.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works great for Big Mac Sloppy Joes. Just keep in mind that leaner meats may be a bit drier, so you might want to add a splash of broth or extra sauce for moisture.
Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap traditional hamburger buns for your favorite gluten-free buns or lettuce wraps. Double-check that your condiments are gluten-free, and you’re good to go.
Can I make the special sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The special sauce for Big Mac Sloppy Joes can be mixed up a day or two in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors get even better as they meld.
What’s the best way to keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toasting the buns gives a nice barrier, and assembling the sandwiches just before eating helps keep everything fresh. If you’re packing these for lunch, store the components separately and build when ready to eat.
Can I add more toppings?
Of course! While the classic toppings are lettuce, pickles, and cheese, feel free to get creative—tomato slices, jalapeños, or even crispy onions make tasty additions to your Big Mac Sloppy Joes.
Final Thoughts
There’s something irresistible about the combination of flavors in Big Mac Sloppy Joes—each bite is nostalgic, messy, and totally crave-worthy. If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful dinner that’s quick to make and guaranteed to please a crowd, give this recipe a try. You might just find yourself making it on repeat for family and friends!
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Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Big Mac Sloppy Joes combine the beloved flavors of a classic Big Mac with the comfort of sloppy joes for an easy, flavorful dinner. Ground beef is cooked with onions and a tangy sauce, then piled on toasted buns with American cheese, shredded lettuce, diced pickles, and a special homemade sauce, creating a deliciously satisfying sandwich.
Ingredients
Meat Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
Special Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sweet relish
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Assembly
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1/4 cup diced dill pickles
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Season Meat Mixture: Stir in salt, pepper, garlic powder, ketchup, and mustard. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine flavors.
- Prepare Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet relish, white vinegar, and sugar until smooth and well combined.
- Toast Buns: Toast the hamburger buns if desired, to add crunch and prevent sogginess.
- Assemble Sandwiches: Place a slice of American cheese on the bottom half of each toasted bun, then top with the sloppy joe meat mixture. Add shredded lettuce, diced pickles, and a spoonful of the special sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top bun if using, then close the sandwich and serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- For a lower-carb version, serve the meat mixture over lettuce wraps instead of buns.
- You can double the special sauce and use it as a dip or drizzle for fries or veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 33g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
