Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Craving something that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and a bit indulgent? This Big Mac Sloppy Joe recipe has it all: the juicy beef, tangy pickles, crispy lettuce, melted cheese, and of course that addictive, creamy special sauce. It’s the ultimate mash-up that’ll bring nostalgia and excitement to your dinner table.

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Ingredients 🛒

Here’s what you’ll need to make these crave-worthy Big Mac Sloppy Joes:

For the Beef Mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef
  The heart of any sloppy joe! Use lean ground beef to keep things from getting too greasy, but if you prefer a bit more richness, an 80/20 blend works great too.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
  Adds a touch of sweetness and savory depth to the beef mixture. Dice it finely for a balanced flavor in each bite.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  Aromatic garlic enhances the flavor and adds an extra layer of deliciousness.
• 1/2 cup ketchup
  Gives the beef that sweet, tangy base, binding everything together in true sloppy joe fashion.
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  Mustard adds a little tang and zing, making the flavor profile similar to a Big Mac.
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  A hint of umami that makes the beef richer and more savory.
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  Balances the sweetness and adds that needed acidity, brightening the flavors.
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  Adds a touch of sweetness that pairs perfectly with the tang of the ketchup and vinegar.
• Salt and pepper to taste
  Season to bring out the best in every ingredient.

For the Special Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  The creamy base for that signature sauce.
• 2 tablespoons French dressing
  Adds sweetness, tang, and a beautiful color to the sauce.
• 4 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
  Gives the sauce its classic Big Mac taste, along with a touch of sweetness and crunch.
• 1 tablespoon finely minced white onion
  Adds a bit of sharpness, giving the sauce a balanced flavor profile.
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  For a bit of tang that brings everything together.
• 1 teaspoon sugar
  To slightly sweeten the sauce, rounding out its flavor.
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
  To enhance all the flavors in the sauce.

For Assembling the Sloppy Joes:

• 4 large hamburger buns
  Go for brioche buns for extra softness and sweetness, or sesame seed buns for a true Big Mac vibe.
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
  Adds a crispy, refreshing contrast to the rich beef mixture.
• 1/2 cup pickles, sliced
  Tangy, juicy pickles are a must! Dill pickles work best, but bread-and-butter pickles are a sweeter option if you prefer.
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  Melty, gooey cheese makes these sloppy joes even better!

Step-by-Step Instructions 🥄

Ready to get cooking? Here’s how to make your Big Mac Sloppy Joes from start to finish.

Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture 🥩

1. Sauté the Beef and Onion
   In a large skillet, add 1 pound of ground beef and 1 small onion (finely chopped). Cook over medium heat, breaking up the beef with a spoon as it browns. The onions should become soft and translucent, adding a mild sweetness to the beef.
2. Add the Garlic
   When the beef is almost cooked through, add 2 cloves of minced garlic. Stir and let it cook for about a minute, until fragrant.
3. Drain Excess Fat
   If your beef mixture is looking a bit greasy, drain any excess fat. This keeps the filling from getting too oily, ensuring each bite is flavorful and not overly heavy.
4. Add the Flavorings
   Now for the fun part! Stir in 1/2 cup ketchup, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar. Mix everything well, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Season with Salt and Pepper
   Taste the mixture and add salt and pepper as needed. Let it all simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly, coating the beef beautifully. This step creates a rich, flavorful base for the Sloppy Joes.

Step 2: Make the Special Sauce 😋

While the beef is simmering, it’s time to whip up the famous special sauce!

1. Mix Ingredients Together
   In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons French dressing, 4 teaspoons sweet pickle relish, 1 tablespoon minced onion, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. Stir until everything is well combined.
2. Adjust Seasoning if Needed
   Give it a taste—if you want it tangier, add a bit more vinegar. If you like it sweeter, sprinkle in a touch more sugar. This sauce is all about balancing the creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.

Step 3: Toast the Buns 🥖

1. Toast the Hamburger Buns
   Split the buns in half and toast them lightly on a skillet or in the oven. This step gives the buns a nice texture, helps prevent sogginess, and adds a bit of crunch.

Tip: Brush the buns lightly with butter before toasting for an extra layer of flavor!

Step 4: Assemble the Big Mac Sloppy Joes 🍔

Now it’s time to put it all together.

1. Spread Special Sauce on the Bottom Bun
   Start by spreading a generous layer of the special sauce on the bottom half of each bun. This not only adds flavor but also ensures every bite has that classic Big Mac taste.
2. Top with Beef Mixture
   Add a heaping spoonful of the beef mixture onto the sauced buns, spreading it evenly.
3. Add Lettuce, Pickles, and Cheese
   Sprinkle shredded lettuce over the beef, then layer with sliced pickles and a bit of shredded cheddar cheese. The lettuce adds crunch, the pickles bring tanginess, and the cheese adds that melty, gooey factor.
4. Cap with the Top Bun
   Place the top bun over everything, pressing down slightly to let all the flavors meld.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy! 🍽️

These Big Mac Sloppy Joes are best enjoyed warm, with the special sauce still creamy and the cheese melty. Serve with a side of fries, coleslaw, or even a simple side salad for balance. They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.

Tips and Variations

1. For a Spicier Kick
   Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture. This can give your sloppy joes a little heat that balances well with the sweetness.
2. Using Ground Turkey or Chicken
   For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Adjust seasoning as needed, as these meats have a milder flavor.
3. Make It Cheesy
   Melt an extra slice of cheese on top of each Sloppy Joe for a truly indulgent twist. American, Swiss, or even pepper jack cheese all work well.
4. Whole Grain Buns or Lettuce Wraps
   If you’re looking for a healthier option, try using whole-grain buns or even serving the beef mixture in lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
5. Customizing the Special Sauce
   Feel free to experiment with the special sauce! Adding a bit of sriracha or smoked paprika can change the flavor, giving it a unique twist.

Storage and Reheating 🍱

1. Storing Leftovers
   If you have leftovers, store the beef mixture and the special sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They should keep for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating
   When ready to enjoy, reheat the beef mixture in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Toast fresh buns, assemble, and add the special sauce as usual.

Pro Tip: The flavors often deepen and meld overnight, making leftovers even more delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️

These Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a fantastic spin on two comfort food classics, bringing together everything you love about a Big Mac and a sloppy joe. The juicy, saucy beef combined with crunchy lettuce, tangy pickles, and gooey cheese makes for an irresistible bite. The special sauce brings that nostalgic, signature Big Mac taste, while the toasted buns keep everything deliciously messy but still easy to handle. Enjoy every bite!