If you’re craving that nostalgic, savory sandwich with a fun twist, the Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish takes the classic sloppy joe to a whole new level by blending the comforting, saucy beef you love with the iconic Big Mac flavors, including a creamy special sauce, crisp lettuce, and tangy pickles, all layered between perfectly toasted sesame seed buns. It’s a deliciously messy, unbelievably satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or simply treating yourself to something fantastic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating that outrageously good flavor and texture combination. From the rich ground beef to the tangy special sauce components, each one adds a colorful or flavorful element that will make your Big Mac Sloppy Joes sing.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides the hearty, meaty base that’s juicy and satisfying.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and a tender crunch once cooked.
- 1/2 cup ketchup: Brings tomato richness and a hint of sweetness.
- 2 tbsp mustard: Lends a tangy bite that balances the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce: Infuses a deep, savory umami boost.
- 1 tbsp brown sugar: Provides a subtle caramel sweetness to round everything out.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all other tastes.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the special sauce.
- 2 tbsp French dressing: Adds a zesty, slightly sweet flavor to the sauce.
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish: Gives bursts of sweet and tangy crunch in every bite.
- 1 tbsp finely minced onion: Enhances the sauce with extra onion goodness.
- 1 tsp white vinegar: Brightens and balances the special sauce perfectly.
- 1 tsp sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the sauce for harmony.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Rounds out the sauce’s seasoning.
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns: Toasted golden for that irresistible crunch and nutty flavor.
- 8 slices cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully over the meat, adding richness and color.
- 1 cup shredded lettuce: Provides a fresh, crisp texture to lighten the sandwich.
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices: Adds tangy crunch and the classic Big Mac pickle flavor.
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion, cooking until the beef is nicely browned and the onion turns tender, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess fat to keep your sloppy joe mixture from being too greasy. This step forms the hearty foundation of your sandwich, where those browned bits provide fantastic flavor.
Step 2: Create the Flavorful Sauce for the Beef
Once your beef and onions are ready, stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Let everything simmer for about 10 minutes on low heat, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld beautifully. This mixture is your saucy, beefy superstar with that perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory notes that make sloppy joes so irresistible.
Step 3: Whisk Up the Iconic Special Sauce
While the beef simmers, prepare the special sauce that will elevate your Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe to legendary status. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, minced onion, white vinegar, sugar, and salt. Whisk these ingredients until the sauce turns smooth and creamy. This sauce captures the signature Big Mac flavor and adds a luscious finishing touch.
Step 4: Toast the Buns to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven’s broiler. Split your sesame seed buns and place them cut side up on a baking sheet. Toast them under the broiler for just 1 to 2 minutes until they are perfectly golden brown. This adds a beautiful crisp texture and a toasty nutty flavor that holds up wonderfully against the saucy filling.
Step 5: Assemble the Layers of Deliciousness
Start by placing a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each toasted bun, letting it gently melt on the warm bread. Next, spoon a generous portion of the Sloppy Joe beef mixture over the cheese. Add the second slice of cheddar cheese atop the beef for an extra gooey layer. This multi-layered approach takes your sandwich to the next level of cheesy goodness.
Step 6: Top With Fresh and Pickled Crunch
Now add a heap of shredded lettuce over the second slice of cheddar, followed by crisp dill pickle slices. These fresh and tangy ingredients add that classic Big Mac texture and flavor contrast, balancing the richness of the meat and cheese. Finally, drizzle the prepared special sauce over the top for that unmistakable finishing flourish.
Step 7: Close and Press Gently
Place the top half of the sesame seed bun over your loaded creation and press down gently to meld all the marvelous layers together. This step helps everything stay intact for a joyful, messy bite without falling apart.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Your Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe is ready to be devoured immediately. Serve it with extra special sauce on the side for dipping if you like. This meal is best enjoyed fresh, with every bite bursting with flavor and texture. Get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh, colorful garnishes like extra shredded lettuce or thinly sliced onions can enhance the crunch and freshness. A sprinkle of sesame seeds or a dash of paprika on top of the special sauce makes the presentation pop. These little details make every bite more exciting and visually appealing.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like crispy French fries or salty potato chips are perfect companions for your Big Mac Sloppy Joes. For a healthier option, try a side of coleslaw or a fresh garden salad to bring a refreshing contrast to the rich, saucy sandwich. Pickled vegetables also pair wonderfully, providing that tangy note that complements the sandwich’s flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Big Mac Sloppy Joes open-faced on a sturdy plate for a casual, fun family-style meal. You can also offer mini sliders by using smaller buns for parties or game day treats. Wrapping the sandwich in parchment paper makes it easy to hold and adds a rustic charm. No matter how you present it, this recipe is sure to steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Big Mac Sloppy Joes mixture to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep the buns separate to prevent sogginess, and assemble fresh when ready to serve again.
Freezing
If you’d like to keep this delicious meal longer, you can freeze the sloppy joe mixture before adding cheese and buns. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container, removing as much air as possible. It will keep well for up to 3 months. When you want to enjoy it, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheating
Reheat the thawed or refrigerated sloppy joe mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Toast fresh buns separately and add cheese at the end, letting it melt slightly before assembling. This will preserve the flavor and texture best.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be a lighter alternative and will work well with the bold flavors in this Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time since poultry cooks faster than beef.
Is the special sauce similar to the original Big Mac sauce?
Yes, the special sauce here is inspired by the classic Big Mac sauce with mayonnaise, French dressing, and pickle relish. It adds that unmistakable tangy creaminess that ties the sandwich together.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The special sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated. The flavors will even develop more, making it tastier when you use it the next day.
What’s the best way to keep the buns from getting soggy?
To avoid soggy buns, toast them well and assemble the sandwich just before serving. Also, keeping extra sauce and sloppiness separate until you’re ready to eat helps keep everything crisp.
Are there vegetarian options for this recipe?
You can swap the ground beef for plant-based ground meat alternatives or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version. The sauce and toppings remain the same, keeping the iconic Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe flavors intact.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe a try soon because it’s a delicious way to bring together the best of two classic sandwiches into one unforgettable meal. Whether for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy. So grab those ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy every mouthwatering bite!
Print
Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Big Mac Sloppy Joes combine the juicy, savory flavors of classic sloppy joes with the iconic taste of a Big Mac. Featuring ground beef simmered in a tangy sauce, layered with cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, dill pickles, and a creamy special sauce, all served on toasted sesame seed buns. Perfect for a comforting and crowd-pleasing meal.
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
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
Assembling the Sandwich
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 8 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup dill pickle slices
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Onions: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and finely chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions are tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Prepare the Sloppy Joe Sauce: Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and develop flavor.
- Make the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, finely minced onion, white vinegar, sugar, and salt until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
- Toast the Buns: Preheat your oven to broil. Split the sesame seed buns and place them cut side up on a baking sheet. Broil for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Assemble the Sandwiches: On the bottom half of each toasted bun, place a slice of cheddar cheese. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture over the cheese, then top with another slice of cheddar cheese.
- Add Fresh Toppings: Layer shredded lettuce and dill pickle slices over the second slice of cheese. Drizzle each sandwich with the prepared special sauce.
- Finish the Sandwich: Place the top halves of the buns over the loaded bottoms and press down gently to hold everything together.
- Serve: Serve the Big Mac Sloppy Joes immediately, with extra special sauce on the side for dipping if desired.
Notes
- Make sure to drain excess fat from the cooked beef for a less greasy sandwich.
- You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by varying the amounts of brown sugar and mustard to your taste.
- Broiling the buns quickly adds a nice crunch and prevents sogginess from the sloppy joe filling.
- Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.
- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture.
