Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe

Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe: Handheld Burger Bliss!

A big mac sloppy joes twist might just revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Burger enthusiasts will adore this playful culinary mashup.

Classic comfort meets fast-food nostalgia in one incredible skillet.

Layers of savory beef promise maximum flavor explosion.

Melted cheese and secret sauce guarantee pure deliciousness.

Each messy bite connects you with childhood memories.

Prepare for a seriously satisfying meal that everyone will devour.

How to Assemble Big Mac Style Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Whip Up the Secret Sauce

Grab a small mixing bowl and combine:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Sweet pickle relish
  • Vinegar
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Paprika

Stir everything until it blends into a smooth, creamy sauce. Set this tasty mixture aside.

Step 2: Brown the Meaty Base

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Toss in ground beef and diced onions. Sizzle and cook until the beef turns a rich brown color and onions become translucent. Drain off any extra grease to keep things light.

Stir in:
  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Dill pickle relish
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Let the mixture simmer, allowing flavors to dance and meld together.

Step 3: Craft the Ultimate Sandwich

Lightly toast sesame seed buns until they’re golden and crisp. Spread a generous layer of the secret sauce on the bottom bun. Add a bed of crisp shredded lettuce, then place a slice of melty cheese on top.

Heap the saucy beef mixture onto the cheese. Add pickle slices for an extra crunch. Crown with another dollop of sauce and the top bun. Give it a gentle press to bring all the flavors together.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Plate these mouthwatering Big Mac Sloppy Joes immediately. Pair with crispy french fries or a fresh side salad for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds sing.

Tips for Saucy, Flavor-Packed Sloppy Joes

  • Customize Sauce Intensity: Adjust the Big Mac sauce by adding more or less of each ingredient to match your preferred tangy or creamy flavor profile.
  • Drain Meat Thoroughly: Remove excess grease completely to prevent soggy or oily sloppy joe filling and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing texture.
  • Cheese Melting Trick: Place cheese slice on hot meat mixture briefly to help it melt slightly, creating a gooier and more delicious sandwich experience.
  • Lettuce Freshness Hack: Use crisp, cold lettuce to add a refreshing crunch and balance the warm, rich meat mixture for a more dynamic bite.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare sauce and meat filling in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing quick assembly when ready to serve.

How to Reheat Sloppy Joes Without the Sog

  • Store leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled meat mixture to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Freezes well for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Heat until temperature reaches 165°F.
  • Place meat in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed. Discard any leftovers sitting at room temperature for over 2 hours.

What Works with Big Mac Sloppy Joes

  • Choose an ice-cold craft cola or classic Coca-Cola to complement the rich, tangy beef filling and cut through the saucy texture.
  • Pair with classic golden french fries sprinkled with sea salt to enhance the burger's robust flavor profile and provide a satisfying crunch.
  • Serve alongside a light cucumber and dill coleslaw that offers a cool, crisp contrast to the warm, hearty sloppy joe meat mixture.
  • Include extra Big Mac sauce on the side for adventurous diners who want to amp up the signature McDonald's-inspired taste with additional creamy condiment.

Sloppy Joe Variations Inspired by the Big Mac

  • Vegetarian Joe: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free version that maintains the classic flavor profile and texture.
  • Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap: Swap sesame seed buns with large lettuce leaves to create a keto-friendly alternative that reduces carbohydrate intake while preserving the delicious Big Mac taste.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free hamburger buns or grain-free wraps to accommodate those with wheat sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this hearty meal.
  • Spicy Big Mac Joe: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for those craving an extra kick of heat and bold flavor.

FAQs for Big Mac Sloppy Joe

  • How is this recipe different from a traditional Sloppy Joe?

This version mimics the flavors of a Big Mac by incorporating special sauce, pickles, and a specific cheese and lettuce layering technique, transforming the classic Sloppy Joe into a McDonald’s-inspired burger experience.

  • Can I make the Big Mac sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Big Mac sauce up to 3-4 days in advance and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes meal prep easier.

  • What type of ground beef works best for this recipe?

Use ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for the most flavorful and juicy Sloppy Joe filling. The fat content helps keep the meat moist and adds rich flavor to the dish.

  • Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

You can use lean ground turkey instead of beef, opt for whole wheat buns, and reduce the amount of sauce to cut down on calories while maintaining the delicious Big Mac-inspired taste.

Why Big Mac Sloppy Joes Taste Like Nostalgia

  • Big Mac Sloppy Joes bring fast-food magic straight to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
  • Swap ingredients, adjust seasonings, or add extra toppings to make this recipe perfectly suited to your family's taste preferences.
  • Transform classic ground beef into a nostalgic meal that delivers restaurant-style excitement in just 20 minutes of total cooking time.
  • Familiar flavors and fun assembly make these Sloppy Joes a guaranteed hit with children and adults alike, ensuring everyone cleans their plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Meat and Protein:
  • Ground Beef: Hearty base for the sloppy joe filling, best with 80/20 lean to fat ratio for rich flavor.
  • Cheese Slice: Classic American cheese adds creamy meltiness to the sandwich.
Sauce and Condiments:
  • Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Mustard: Essential components for creating signature Big Mac sauce, providing tangy and creamy balance.
  • Sweet Pickle Relish, Dill Pickle Relish: Adds signature pickle flavor and texture to sauce and meat mixture.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens meat's savory flavor with complex umami notes.
  • Vinegar: Provides bright, sharp undertone to the sauce.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Onion, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds depth and traditional burger-style seasoning.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings to enhance overall flavor.
  • Paprika: Subtle warmth and slight smoky undertone.
Bread and Toppings:
  • Sesame Seed Buns: Classic burger base with nutty, toasted texture.
  • Lettuce: Fresh, crisp element for added texture and lightness.
  • Pickle Slices: Optional topping for extra tang and crunch.
Print
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Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe

Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Classic Big Mac meets homemade comfort in these irresistible sloppy joes that bring McDonald’s iconic flavors straight to your kitchen. Zesty ground beef, tangy special sauce, and melted cheese create a mouthwatering twist on the beloved fast-food favorite you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

Sauce Components:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • ¼ cup dill pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Serving Items:

  • 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 4 slices cheddar cheese
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • Dill pickle slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft the signature Big Mac sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, sweet pickle relish, vinegar, and aromatic spices until silky smooth, then set aside for later layering.
  2. Activate a skillet over medium flame and introduce ground beef with finely chopped onions, sautéing until the meat develops a rich golden-brown complexion and onions turn translucent.
  3. Eliminate excess fat from the beef mixture, then infuse the skillet contents with tangy ketchup, robust mustard, umami-packed Worcestershire sauce, zesty dill pickle relish, and a delicate seasoning of salt and pepper.
  4. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, encouraging the flavors to meld and intensify, creating a luscious and harmonious filling.
  5. Prepare sesame seed buns by delivering a gentle toast to enhance their texture and warmth.
  6. Construct each sandwich by generously spreading the prepared Big Mac sauce across the bottom bun’s surface.
  7. Layer crisp, shredded lettuce atop the sauce, followed by a melting slice of cheese to provide a creamy foundation.
  8. Generously cascade the seasoned beef mixture over the cheese, ensuring complete coverage.
  9. Embellish with pickle slices and crown with an additional dollop of signature sauce.
  10. Gently press the top bun into place, creating a compact and inviting sandwich.
  11. Serve immediately alongside golden french fries or a refreshing side salad for a complete dining experience.

Notes

  • Customize the sauce by adjusting mayo, ketchup, and spices to match your taste preferences for a personalized Big Mac flavor profile.
  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a healthier version of this indulgent dish.
  • Consider using lettuce wraps instead of buns for a low-carb alternative that still delivers the classic Big Mac taste experience.
  • Prepare the Big Mac sauce ahead of time and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld, intensifying the overall taste of the sloppy joes.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 8 g
  • Sodium: 900 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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