If you’re a fan of both Big Macs and Sloppy Joes, then this recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food. Big Mac Sloppy Joes combine the savory, juicy goodness of a classic Sloppy Joe with the signature flavors of the iconic Big Mac burger. Imagine a hearty, tangy, and slightly sweet beef mixture piled high on a soft bun, topped with shredded lettuce, pickles, onions, and a creamy sauce—everything you love about the Big Mac, but in Sloppy Joe form. It’s an irresistible fusion that will make you want to dig in and never look back.
This recipe brings together the best of two worlds, combining the bold, rich flavors of the Big Mac’s special sauce with the classic Sloppy Joe base. The result is a messy, mouthwatering dish that’s full of texture, flavor, and the perfect amount of indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a fun weeknight dinner or hosting a gathering, these Big Mac Sloppy Joes are sure to impress. Get ready to enjoy a twist on your favorite fast food classic with a homemade touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Fun and Creative Twist
This recipe takes the beloved Big Mac and turns it into a new, fun version—Sloppy Joe style. It’s the perfect way to enjoy two classic dishes in one.
2. Quick and Easy
With just a few ingredients and simple steps, this recipe comes together in no time, making it ideal for a busy weeknight or casual meal.
3. Loaded with Flavor
From the tangy special sauce to the juicy beef, each bite is packed with flavor and a little bit of nostalgia.
4. Customizable
Add your favorite toppings or adjust the seasoning to make it your own. You can even go bun-less if you prefer a low-carb option.
5. Kid-Friendly
Kids will love this mashup! It’s a fun, tasty meal that they can enjoy with their hands, making it great for family dinners.
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joes:
- Ground beef
- Onion (diced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Ketchup
- Yellow mustard
- Worcestershire sauce
- Brown sugar
- Salt and pepper
For the Big Mac Toppings:
- Shredded lettuce
- Dill pickles (sliced)
- Shredded cheddar cheese or American cheese (optional)
- Sesame seed buns (or any preferred bun)
- Big Mac sauce (recipe below)
For the Big Mac Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet pickle relish
- Yellow mustard
- White vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
Variations
- Add Cheese: For an extra cheesy version, add a slice of melted American cheese or cheddar on top of the sloppy joe mixture.
- Spicy Version: Spice things up by adding a bit of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the Big Mac sauce or the sloppy joe mixture.
- Lettuce Swap: If you’re not a fan of shredded lettuce, you can substitute with shredded cabbage for a slightly different crunch.
- Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a leaner version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Make the Big Mac Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and all ingredients are fully incorporated. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sloppy Joe Mixture
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Add the Sauce Ingredients
To the cooked beef, add ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar. Stir to combine and let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Toast the sesame seed buns lightly, if desired. Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of the bun, then top with a generous amount of shredded lettuce, sliced pickles, and a drizzle of the Big Mac sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Place the top half of the bun on top, and your Big Mac Sloppy Joe is ready to serve! Enjoy with your favorite side, such as fries, chips, or a simple salad.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Avoid Overcooking the Beef: Be sure not to overcook the beef while it simmers with the sauce. The beef should stay juicy and tender.
- Customize the Sauce: You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the Big Mac sauce by adding more relish or mustard, depending on your taste preferences.
- Buns: For a softer, pillowy texture, opt for freshly baked sesame seed buns or lightly toasted sandwich buns.
- Serve Immediately: Sloppy Joes are best enjoyed fresh while the beef is hot and the sauce is creamy, so try to serve them as soon as possible.
How to Serve
Serve Big Mac Sloppy Joes with crispy French fries, potato chips, or even a side of coleslaw for a fun, casual meal. For a lighter side, try pairing it with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. You can also pair these Sloppy Joes with a cold soda, iced tea, or a chilled beer to complete the experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Big Mac sauce can also be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Freezing
The sloppy joe mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stovetop.
Reheating
Reheat the sloppy joe mixture in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You may need to add a small splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
2. Can I make the Big Mac sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Big Mac sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
3. Can I make this recipe without the special sauce?
Yes, though the Big Mac sauce is what gives this recipe its signature flavor. If you’d prefer not to make it, you can substitute with a store-bought Thousand Island dressing or skip the sauce entirely.
4. Can I use different buns?
Of course! While sesame seed buns are traditional, you can use any type of bun that you prefer, such as brioche, whole wheat, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.
5. How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, add some chopped jalapeños to the sloppy joe mixture or stir in some hot sauce or chili flakes to the Big Mac sauce.
6. How do I keep the Sloppy Joes from getting soggy?
Toast the buns lightly to create a barrier, and avoid overloading the bun with sauce. Serve the sloppy joe mixture immediately after cooking for the best texture.
7. Can I add cheese to this recipe?
Absolutely! Adding a slice of cheese to the sloppy joe mixture during the final few minutes of cooking is a great idea. American cheese or cheddar work well.
8. What sides pair well with Big Mac Sloppy Joes?
French fries, chips, coleslaw, or a green salad make perfect sides for Big Mac Sloppy Joes.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled if you’re feeding a larger group. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.
10. Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, just reheat and assemble with fresh toppings.
Conclusion
Big Mac Sloppy Joes are the ultimate comfort food mashup, combining the flavors of a classic Big Mac with the messy, delicious goodness of a Sloppy Joe. With their hearty beef mixture, creamy Big Mac sauce, and fresh toppings, these sandwiches are sure to satisfy cravings for something flavorful and fun. Easy to make, customizable, and perfect for a casual meal or get-together, these Big Mac Sloppy Joes are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
PrintBig Mac Sloppy Joes: A Delicious Mashup of Two Favorites
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Big Mac Sloppy Joes combine all the delicious, iconic flavors of a Big Mac burger in a hearty, saucy, and comforting sloppy joe form. With seasoned ground beef, tangy pickles, and a special sauce, these sloppy joes are a perfect, easy weeknight dinner that satisfies your craving for a classic fast-food favorite!
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/2 cup pickle relish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably toasted)
For the Special Sauce (Big Mac Sauce):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons French dressing
- 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional toppings:
- Shredded iceberg lettuce
- Sliced pickles
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the special sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, French dressing, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve.
- Cook the sloppy joe filling:
- In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess grease if necessary.
- Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, sugar, and pickle relish. Simmer the mixture for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the beef.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- Assemble the Big Mac Sloppy Joes:
- Lightly toast the hamburger buns under a broiler or in a toaster for extra texture.
- Spoon the sloppy joe mixture generously onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Drizzle the special sauce on top of the beef mixture.
- Add optional toppings like shredded lettuce, pickles, and shredded cheese, if desired.
- Top with the other half of the bun.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Serve the Big Mac Sloppy Joes with your favorite side dish, such as fries or a simple salad. Enjoy the messy, flavorful goodness!
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier version, add a few dashes of hot sauce or some finely chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.
- You can make the special sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Try using ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of these sloppy joes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food