Bold Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe

Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe: Tasty Burger Twist

Craving a mouthwatering twist on a classic sandwich?

These Big Mac sloppy joes blend the iconic fast-food flavor with hearty homemade comfort.

Ground beef sizzles with tangy special sauce, creating a irresistible blend of familiar tastes.

Chopped pickles and onions add delightful crunch and zesty notes to every bite.

Melted cheese drapes over the rich meat, promising a seriously satisfying meal.

Soft burger buns cradle the savory filling, making this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why Big Mac Sloppy Joes Are So Fun

  • Reinvent Classic Comfort: Transform the beloved Big Mac into a messy, delightful Sloppy Joe that brings nostalgic fast-food flavors to your home kitchen.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly flexible for different palates.
  • Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare a satisfying meal that kids and adults will devour, packed with familiar flavors and fun eating experience.
  • Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: Whip up this recipe with simple ingredients and basic cooking skills, delivering restaurant-quality taste without complex techniques.

What’s Inside Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Meat:
  • Ground Beef: A juicy protein that forms the hearty base of this dish.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise, French Dressing, Sweet Pickle Relish, White Vinegar: A creamy and tangy blend that creates the signature special sauce.
  • Ketchup, Mustard, Worcestershire Sauce: Classic condiments that add depth and flavor to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
Seasoning and Sweeteners:
  • Brown Sugar, Salt, Pepper: Simple seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
  • Minced Onion, Sugar: Extra flavor boosters that add complexity.
Cheese and Toppings:
  • Cheddar Cheese: A melty, sharp cheese that adds richness.
  • Lettuce, Dill Pickle Slices: Fresh and crisp toppings that provide crunch and brightness.
Bread:
  • Hamburger Buns: Soft, golden carriers for the delicious Sloppy Joe mixture.

How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Brown Beef and Onions

Cook ground beef and chopped onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the beef is completely browned and onions are soft.

Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Stir in the following ingredients to create a rich sloppy joe base:
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Brown sugar
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Simmer the mixture for 10 minutes until it thickens and becomes deeply flavorful.

Step 3: Whip Up Special Sauce

In a small bowl, blend these ingredients until smooth:
  • Mayonnaise
  • French dressing
  • Sweet pickle relish
  • Minced onion
  • White vinegar
  • Sugar
  • Salt

Set the special sauce aside.

Step 4: Toast Bun Bases

Preheat the oven to broil.

Split hamburger buns and place them cut side up on a baking sheet.

Toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until they turn golden brown.

Step 5: Layer Cheese and Meat

Place a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each toasted bun.

Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture over the cheese.

Add another slice of cheddar cheese on top of the meat.

Step 6: Add Final Toppings

Sprinkle shredded lettuce and dill pickle slices over the cheesy meat.

Drizzle with the prepared special sauce.

Step 7: Complete and Serve

Top with the remaining bun half.

Serve immediately with extra special sauce on the side for dipping.

Enjoy your restaurant-style Big Mac Sloppy Joes!

Smart Tips for Big Mac Sloppy Joes

  • Let the cheese sit on the hot Sloppy Joe mixture for a minute to create a perfectly melted, gooey layer that adds rich flavor.
  • Adjust the special sauce ingredients to taste, ensuring a tangy and creamy balance that mimics the classic Big Mac flavor profile.
  • Cook ground beef on high heat to achieve a deep brown crust, which locks in more flavor and creates a tastier meat base.
  • Chop dill pickles finely for even distribution, giving each bite a consistent crunch and zesty pickle flavor throughout the sandwich.
  • Watch the buns closely under the broiler to prevent burning, aiming for a light golden-brown color that adds crunch without charring.

Keeping Big Mac Sloppy Joes Fresh

  • Store leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Pack cooled mixture in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Warm refrigerated mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent drying.
  • Transfer portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.

Side Pairings for Big Mac Sloppy Joes

  • Pair with Classic Cola: The sweet and fizzy carbonation cuts through the rich, savory meat perfectly, complementing the tangy special sauce and cleansing the palate between bites.
  • Serve with Crispy Dill Pickle Chips: The crunchy, briny chips echo the pickle slices in the sandwich and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty Sloppy Joe filling.
  • Chill with Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, creamy texture and slight vinegar tang of coleslaw balances the warm, heavy meat mixture, adding a light and fresh dimension to the meal.
  • Match with Cold Beer: A light lager or pilsner helps cut through the richness of the beef, with its crisp bubbles and mild flavor enhancing the overall dining experience.

Big Mac Sloppy Joe Recipe Variants

  • Gluten-Free Beef Bonanza: Swap hamburger buns with gluten-free buns or large lettuce wraps for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Low-Carb Protein Power: Replace traditional buns with large portobello mushroom caps or crisp iceberg lettuce leaves for a carb-conscious meal.
  • Vegetarian Comfort Craver: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or finely chopped mushrooms mixed with lentils to create a meat-free alternative that mimics the original flavor profile.
  • Turkey Lean Machine: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner protein option with similar taste and texture, perfect for health-conscious eaters.

FAQs

  • What makes the Big Mac Sloppy Joes different from traditional sloppy joes?

The Big Mac Sloppy Joes combine the classic sloppy joe concept with iconic Big Mac flavors, using a special sauce, cheese layers, pickles, and lettuce to mimic the famous McDonald’s burger.

  • Can I use a different type of ground meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives while keeping the same seasoning and preparation method.

  • How spicy or tangy is the special sauce?

The special sauce is more creamy and slightly tangy with a hint of sweetness from the pickle relish and sugar, but it’s not spicy. It provides a balanced flavor similar to the original Big Mac sauce.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids typically love sloppy joes, and the familiar Big Mac flavors make this dish appealing to children. The recipe is easy to eat and has familiar ingredients that most kids enjoy.

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Bold Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe

Bold Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Craving classic American diner vibes? Big Mac Sloppy Joes bring McDonald’s iconic burger magic straight to your kitchen, blending nostalgic flavors with hearty comfort. Creamy, tangy, and packed with beef, you’ll devour these messy delights in pure culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 lb (454 grams) ground beef

Cheese:

  • 8 slices cheddar cheese

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons French dressing
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar

Other Ingredients:

  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced onion
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle slices

Instructions

  1. Sear ground beef and diced onions in a skillet over medium-high heat until meat browns completely and onions soften, ensuring no raw meat remains.
  2. Eliminate excess grease from the beef by carefully draining the fat using a colander or paper towels.
  3. Incorporate ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
  4. Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer, developing rich flavors and thickening the sauce for approximately 10 minutes.
  5. Prepare the signature sauce by whisking mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, minced onion, white vinegar, sugar, and salt in a separate bowl until smooth and well-combined.
  6. Position oven rack near the broiler and set to high temperature, ensuring even heating.
  7. Carefully split hamburger buns and arrange them cut-side up on a sturdy baking sheet.
  8. Toast bun halves under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to achieve a golden-brown color without burning.
  9. Layer a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom bun half, creating a protective barrier against moisture.
  10. Generously spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the cheese, covering it completely.
  11. Add another cheese slice atop the meat for extra indulgence.
  12. Sprinkle fresh, crisp shredded lettuce over the beef for texture and freshness.
  13. Strategically place dill pickle slices across the surface for tangy crunch.
  14. Drizzle the prepared special sauce generously over the assembled sandwich.
  15. Crown the creation with the toasted top bun half.
  16. Serve immediately with additional special sauce on the side for enthusiastic dipping.

Notes

  • Customize the meat by using lean ground beef or turkey for a healthier twist without compromising flavor.
  • Control spiciness and saltiness by gradually adding seasonings and tasting the mixture before final simmering.
  • Prep sauces and chop ingredients beforehand to streamline cooking and reduce overall preparation time.
  • Experiment with cheese varieties like American or Swiss for different flavor profiles while maintaining the classic Big Mac essence.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 570
  • Sugar: 10 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
James Hambly

James Hambly

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Education, Farm-to-Table Cooking, Southern Cuisine

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in professional cooking techniques, emphasizing farm-to-table practices and Southern cuisine.

The Chef’s Academy
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive culinary education covering global cuisines, kitchen management, and food safety.​


James grew up surrounded by the smells of cast-iron skillets and slow-cooked Southern meals in Asheville, North Carolina.
He sharpened his skills with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, and later leveled up with an Associate Degree from The Chef’s Academy.
James’s philosophy is simple: the best meals don’t need fancy tricks, just fresh ingredients, a hot pan, and a little bit of heart. His favorite days are spent testing one-pan wonders, chasing bold flavors, and creating recipes that feel easy, even on a busy night.

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