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
What’s Inside Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Meat:Sauce Ingredients:Seasoning and Sweeteners:Cheese and Toppings:Bread: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: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: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
Keeping Big Mac Sloppy Joes Fresh
Side Pairings for Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Big Mac Sloppy Joe Recipe Variants
FAQs
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.
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives while keeping the same seasoning and preparation method.
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.
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
- 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
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
- 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.
- Eliminate excess grease from the beef by carefully draining the fat using a colander or paper towels.
- Incorporate ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper into the meat mixture, stirring thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Reduce heat and allow the mixture to simmer, developing rich flavors and thickening the sauce for approximately 10 minutes.
- 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.
- Position oven rack near the broiler and set to high temperature, ensuring even heating.
- Carefully split hamburger buns and arrange them cut-side up on a sturdy baking sheet.
- Toast bun halves under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to achieve a golden-brown color without burning.
- Layer a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom bun half, creating a protective barrier against moisture.
- Generously spoon the seasoned beef mixture over the cheese, covering it completely.
- Add another cheese slice atop the meat for extra indulgence.
- Sprinkle fresh, crisp shredded lettuce over the beef for texture and freshness.
- Strategically place dill pickle slices across the surface for tangy crunch.
- Drizzle the prepared special sauce generously over the assembled sandwich.
- Crown the creation with the toasted top bun half.
- 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
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.