Nothing beats a fun, comforting twist on two all-time favorites like the Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe. This dish takes the familiar, saucy goodness of classic Sloppy Joes and amps it up with that iconic Big Mac flair—melty cheddar cheese, crisp lettuce, tangy pickles, and a creamy special sauce that sings with flavor. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like a little nostalgic party in every bite, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe comes together beautifully with simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each play a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From savory ground beef to the tangy special sauce, every component contributes to that unmistakable Big Mac Sloppy Joes magic.
- 1 lb ground beef: The hearty base that brings protein and richness to the dish.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth when cooked.
- 1/2 cup ketchup: Brings tangy sweetness and a saucy finish.
- 2 tbsp mustard: Adds a zesty kick that balances out the richness.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami with a subtle savory complexity.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Introduces a touch of molasses-like sweetness for balance.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all flavors together.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the special sauce that ties everything together.
- 2 tbsp French dressing: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet dimension to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish: Provides bursts of sweet and crunchy texture.
- 1 tbsp finely minced onion: Enhances the sauce with a mild onion flavor.
- 1 tsp white vinegar: Brings acidity that brightens the sauce.
- 1 tsp sugar: Balances the vinegar with sweetness in the special sauce.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Seasoning to perfect the sauce’s flavor.
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns: The soft, toasty vehicle holding all the goodness.
- 8 slices cheddar cheese: Melts perfectly over the meat for gooey indulgence.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Adds a crisp, fresh crunch.
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices: The classic tangy bite that’s essential to the Big Mac vibe.
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onions
Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add the ground beef and finely chopped onions. Cook them together, breaking up the meat, until the beef is browned and the onions turn tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. This foundation is where the savory base flavor begins, and draining excess fat ensures your Sloppy Joes stay rich but not greasy.
Step 2: Simmer the Sloppy Joe Sauce
Next, stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Lower the heat and let the mixture simmer for around 10 minutes. This slow melding deepens the flavors and thickens the sauce, creating that perfect juicy, tangy coating that clings to each bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Special Sauce
While the meat simmers, whisk together mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, minced onion, white vinegar, sugar, and salt in a small bowl. This creamy, tangy, slightly sweet special sauce is truly what sets this Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe apart — it’s a luscious, flavorful topper that brings all the elements together.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
Preheat your broiler and split the sesame seed buns. Place them cut side up on a baking sheet and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Toasting adds crunch and warmth, which pairs perfectly with the moist filling.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers
Lay a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Then, spoon a generous portion of the cooked Sloppy Joe mixture over the cheese and top it with another slice of cheddar. The cheese melts into the warm filling, creating layers of gooey goodness.
Step 6: Add the Fresh Toppings and Sauce
Top the second cheese layer with shredded lettuce and dill pickle slices, adding that signature crunch and tang. Drizzle the prepared special sauce all over the toppings to infuse every bite with the iconic Big Mac flavor you love.
Step 7: Finish and Press
Place the top bun over your stacked masterpiece and gently press down to hold everything together. This final step ensures each bite bursts with balanced flavors and textures.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Big Mac Sloppy Joes hot with extra special sauce on the side for dipping. This meal is irresistibly messy, satisfyingly saucy, and guaranteed to make everyone ask for seconds.
How to Serve Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle a little extra shredded lettuce on top for a fresh crunch or add a few more pickle slices to enhance that classic tang. A toothpick to secure the sandwich can be useful, especially if you’ve piled yours high.
Side Dishes
Big Mac Sloppy Joes pair wonderfully with crispy fries, coleslaw, or even a simple green salad to balance the rich flavors. Sweet potato fries or a tangy cucumber salad offer exciting flavor contrasts that keep the plate colorful and fresh.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or family? Try serving the mixture open-faced on toasted buns with a colorful sprinkle of extra lettuce and pickles on top. You could also serve it in small slider buns for a fun party appetizer or pile it on sturdy toasted bread for a hearty, rustic sandwich experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Big Mac Sloppy Joe meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days, making it easy to reheat for quick lunches or dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked Sloppy Joe mixture in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool the meat completely before freezing to preserve the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight if frozen, then warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally to maintain moisture and avoid drying out the sauce.
FAQs
What makes this different from a regular Sloppy Joe?
This Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe stands out because of the special sauce modeled after the iconic Big Mac dressing, the layered cheddar cheese slices, and the addition of fresh lettuce and pickles. It’s like your favorite burger meets Sloppy Joe in a delicious mashup.
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great leaner alternative. Just keep in mind that it has a milder flavor, so you might want to adjust the seasonings a bit to boost the taste.
Is the special sauce difficult to make?
Not at all! The special sauce comes together in just a few moments by mixing the simple ingredients. It’s creamy, tangy, and totally worth the extra step to elevate your Sloppy Joes.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can swap out the ground beef for plant-based meat substitutes or cooked lentils to keep that texture while making it vegetarian. The rest of the ingredients and the special sauce stay the same for full flavor.
How can I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toasting the buns well before assembling helps create a barrier to keep them from soaking up too much of the sauce. Also, serve immediately after assembling to enjoy the best texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a sandwich that delivers all the comforting flavors of a Big Mac and the saucy satisfaction of Sloppy Joes, you simply have to try the Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and fun to share with those you love. Once you take that first messy, flavorful bite, you’ll be hooked just like I am!
Print
Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Big Mac Sloppy Joes recipe combines the classic flavors of a Big Mac with the hearty comfort of Sloppy Joes. Featuring a savory ground beef mixture simmered with ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, pickles, and a special creamy sauce reminiscent of the iconic Big Mac dressing. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying sandwich that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
Beef 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
Special Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp French dressing
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp finely minced onion
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 tsp salt
Assembly
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
Instructions
- Cook the Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep the mixture from being greasy.
- Simmer the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop rich flavors.
- Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, minced onion, white vinegar, sugar, and salt until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Toast the Buns: Preheat your oven’s broiler. Split the sesame seed hamburger buns and arrange them cut side up on a baking sheet. Toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Place a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Spoon a generous amount of the hot Sloppy Joe mixture over the cheese, then top with another slice of cheddar cheese.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Layer shredded lettuce and dill pickle slices on top of the second cheese slice, then drizzle the prepared special sauce over the toppings for that classic Big Mac flavor.
- Complete the Sandwich: Place the top half of the bun over the stacked ingredients and gently press down to secure the sandwich.
- Serve: Serve your Big Mac Sloppy Joes immediately, with extra special sauce on the side if desired for dipping.
Notes
- Be sure to drain excess fat from the cooked beef to prevent a greasy sandwich.
- Watch the buns carefully under the broiler as they can toast quickly and burn.
- This recipe can be doubled easily to serve a larger crowd.
- Use sharp cheddar cheese for a bolder flavor that complements the sauce.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture if desired.
