Craving something big and bold for dinner? Big Mac Sloppy Joes are here to satisfy your hunger. Imagine all the flavors of a Big Mac, served in a messy, delicious sloppy joe.
These sloppy joes are packed with savory beef, special sauce, and cheese, just like your favorite fast food burger. You get all the tasty goodness without the bun!
I love how easy and fun these are to make. They’re perfect for family dinners or a quick weeknight meal. Every bite is like a Big Mac, but even better!
Ready to dig into this crave-worthy meal? Let’s get cooking and enjoy a fun twist on the classic Big Mac!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- A Crowd Favorite: If you love Big Macs, you’ll love this fun twist on the classic!
- Big Mac Flavor in a New Form: All the flavors you love in a Big Mac, with a sloppy joe-style twist.
- Quick & Easy: Whip up this dish in about 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Great for Feeding a Crowd: This recipe is hearty and satisfying, making it ideal for larger groups or meal prepping.
- Fun, Kid-Friendly: It’s a fun, hands-on meal for everyone to enjoy!
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings:
This recipe serves 4-6 people, depending on portion size. Perfect for family dinners or a quick meal for two.
Difficulty:
Easy! Even beginners can follow this recipe with ease.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Skillet or Large Pan: For cooking the ground beef.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For stirring the beef.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: To measure out ingredients.
- Lid (optional): For covering the pan while the beef simmers.
Ingredients for Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these delicious Big Mac Sloppy Joes:
- Ground Beef: 1½ pounds (85/15), for a perfect mix of flavor and tenderness.
- Yellow Onion: ½, finely chopped to add sweetness and texture.
- Hamburger Pickles: ¼ cup, chopped for that classic Big Mac crunch.
- Kosher Salt: 1 teaspoon, to bring out the flavor of the beef.
- Coarse Ground Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, for a mild kick.
- Worcestershire Sauce: 2 teaspoons, for depth of flavor.
Big Mac Sauce (Copycat Version):
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup, the creamy base of the sauce.
- French Dressing: ¼ cup, adds tanginess and color.
- Sweet Relish: 2 tablespoons, for that signature sweet bite.
- Ketchup: 1 tablespoon, for a bit of sweetness and depth.
- White Vinegar: 1 teaspoon, to balance the richness of the sauce.
- Onion Powder: ¼ teaspoon, for savory undertones.
- Salt: 1/8 teaspoon, to bring it all together.
To Assemble:
- Sesame Seed Hamburger Buns: 8, soft and perfect for stacking.
- Iceberg Lettuce: 2 cups, shredded for crunch and freshness.
- Hamburger Pickle Chips: 12 slices, for that quintessential Big Mac crunch.
- American Cheese: 4 slices, melted and gooey.
Variations for Big Mac Sloppy Joes
- For a Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the Big Mac sauce.
- Add Extra Veggies: You can throw in some shredded carrots or bell peppers for a veggie boost.
- Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version, swap the ground beef with turkey or chicken.
- Make it Low-Carb: Serve the sloppy joe mix in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes – Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
2. Add Onion and Pickles
Add the finely chopped yellow onion and chopped hamburger pickles to the pan with the beef. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the onions soften and become fragrant.
3. Stir in the Worcestershire Sauce and Seasonings
Once the onions have softened, add the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for another 2-3 minutes.
4. Make the Big Mac Sauce
While the beef mixture is cooking, prepare the Big Mac sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet relish, ketchup, white vinegar, onion powder, and salt. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are fully blended together.
5. Combine Sauce with Beef Mixture
Pour the Big Mac sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef mixture. Stir everything together to coat the beef and onions with the creamy sauce. Let it simmer on low heat for 3-5 minutes, so the flavors can combine and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Toast the Buns (Optional)
While the beef is simmering, toast the sesame seed buns for an extra touch of crispiness. You can do this in a toaster or in a skillet, cooking them for about 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
7. Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Spoon the Big Mac beef mixture onto the bottom half of the toasted buns. Top with shredded iceberg lettuce, a slice of American cheese, and pickles. Place the top half of the buns on top to complete the sandwich.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Big Mac Sloppy Joes are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
- Classic Sloppy Joe: Serve on toasted sesame seed buns with all the toppings like lettuce, cheese, and pickles for that classic Big Mac experience.
- As a Salad: Scoop the beef mixture on top of a bed of lettuce, adding cheese, pickles, and a drizzle of extra Big Mac sauce for a lighter, low-carb option.
- With Fries or Chips: Pair your sloppy joes with crispy French fries or crunchy potato chips for a traditional, comforting meal.
- As a Wrap: If you’re looking to avoid bread, wrap the Big Mac sloppy joe filling in a large lettuce leaf for a fresh and low-carb alternative.
Storing Big Mac Sloppy Joes
- Leftovers: Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little extra Big Mac sauce if needed.
- Sauce Storage: Store the leftover Big Mac sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Use it on other sandwiches, burgers, or as a dip for fries.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer for a few extra minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Customizing Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce if you want some heat.
- Extra Flavor: For more flavor, top the finished sloppy joes with chopped onions or a slice of tomato before serving.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 900mg |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 6g |
Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Course: Uncategorized4-6
servings10
minutes20
minutes450
kcalIngredients
1½ pounds ground beef (85/15)
½ yellow onion, finely chopped
¼ cup hamburger pickles, chopped
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- For the Big Mac Sauce:
1 cup mayonnaise
¼ cup French dressing
2 tablespoons sweet relish
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon white vinegar
¼ teaspoon onion powder
1/8 teaspoon salt
- For Assembling:
8 sesame seed hamburger buns
2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
12 hamburger pickle chips
4 slices American cheese
Directions
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onions and pickles to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Make the Big Mac sauce by combining mayo, French dressing, relish, ketchup, vinegar, onion powder, and salt in a bowl.
- Mix the Big Mac sauce into the beef mixture and simmer for 3-5 minutes.
- Toast the buns if desired, then assemble the sandwiches with beef mixture, lettuce, pickles, and cheese.
Big Mac Sloppy Joes FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of meat for the sloppy joes?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, consider using a plant-based meat substitute.
2. Can I make the Big Mac Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make the beef mixture and sauce ahead of time and store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat the beef mixture and assemble the sandwiches.
3. How can I make the Big Mac Sloppy Joes spicier?
To spice things up, add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or mix in some hot sauce to the Big Mac sauce. Adjust the heat to your preference!
4. Can I freeze the Big Mac Sloppy Joes?
Yes, you can freeze the beef mixture for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before storing in an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to serve, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
5. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make Big Mac Sloppy Joes gluten-free, use gluten-free buns and make sure the Worcestershire sauce you use is gluten-free as well.
Conclusion
Big Mac Sloppy Joes are the perfect combination of comfort food and classic fast-food flavor, making them a great choice for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings. With their juicy beef filling, creamy Big Mac sauce, and fresh toppings, these sloppy joes are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this easy and flavorful recipe is a winner every time.