What happens when you take the iconic flavors of a Big Mac and combine them with the ease and comfort of a sloppy joe? You get the ultimate weeknight dinner mashup: Big Mac Sloppy Joes! This fun and flavorful recipe brings together juicy ground beef, creamy special sauce, and all the classic Big Mac toppings in a single, deliciously messy sandwich. It’s everything you love about the famous burger—made at home, no drive-thru required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike!
- Big Mac Flavor at Home: Enjoy the taste of your favorite fast-food burger without leaving your kitchen.
- Customizable: Add or omit toppings to suit your preferences.
What Makes a Big Mac Sloppy Joe?
Think of this recipe as a deconstructed Big Mac. It combines the iconic elements of the burger—juicy beef, tangy pickles, shredded lettuce, melty cheese, and that signature special sauce—into a sloppy joe format. Served on soft buns, it’s the ultimate comfort food mashup.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring these Big Mac Sloppy Joes to life:
- Ground Beef: The base of the recipe, perfectly seasoned for that classic Big Mac taste.
- Onions: Sautéed with the beef for extra flavor.
- Special Sauce: A homemade version of the iconic Big Mac sauce, made with mayo, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, and a touch of vinegar.
- Pickles: For that signature tangy crunch.
- Shredded Lettuce: Adds freshness and texture.
- Cheese: Melts perfectly into the beef mixture. I chose Cheddar but you can use American.
- Soft Buns: The foundation of any great sloppy joe. Sesame seed buns are a must for that authentic Big Mac feel.
Pro Tips for the Best Big Mac Sloppy Joes
- Toast Your Buns: Lightly toast the buns before assembling to add extra texture and prevent sogginess.
- Make Ahead: The beef mixture can be prepared in advance and reheated for an even quicker meal.
- Customize: Add diced tomatoes, extra cheese, or a drizzle of ketchup for a personal twist.
The Ultimate Mashup
Big Mac Sloppy Joes are more than a recipe—they’re a playful way to bring the flavors of your favorite burger to life in a fresh, creative format. Juicy, tangy, cheesy, and downright delicious, these sandwiches are bound to become a regular in your meal rotation.
What’s your favorite fast-food-inspired recipe? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to tag me on social media when you share your Big Mac Sloppy Joe creations. I can’t wait to see your spins on this fun dish!
Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Copycat Big Mac Sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 4 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 4 tbsp grated sweet onion with juices
- 4 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp white sugar
For the Sandwich
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
Instructions
Make Your Special Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, paprika, sweet pickle relish, grated onion, white vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
Sloppy Joe Mixture
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 5-7 minutes.
- Drain any excess fat.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and become flavorful.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes
- Preheat your oven to broil. Split the sesame seed hamburger buns and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up. Toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Take your bottom bun and add some Big Mac sauce, lettuce, pickles and cheese.
- Spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe mixture over the cheese.
- Top with more sauce and the top bun.
- Serve with your favorite side.
- Enjoy.
