If you’re a fan of Big Macs, then these Big Mac Sloppy Joes will be your new favorite comfort food. Combining the classic flavors of the Big Mac, this dish takes the iconic fast food sandwich and transforms it into a sloppy joe. It’s packed with juicy ground beef, tangy pickles, creamy mayo, and all the right seasonings to make this dish irresistible. Served on soft hamburger buns, topped with shredded lettuce and melty American cheese, Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a fun and delicious way to enjoy the classic Big Mac taste at home, with a twist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Quick and Easy
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal choice when you want something tasty and quick.
2. Big Mac Flavor
If you love the flavor of a Big Mac, this recipe delivers all the same ingredients—pickles, ketchup, mustard, and mayo—in a savory, messy form that is guaranteed to satisfy.
3. Family-Friendly
Kids and adults alike will love this twist on the classic Big Mac, making it a great choice for family dinners or casual gatherings.
4. Customizable
You can tweak the flavors to suit your preferences, whether you like it spicier, milder, or with extra pickles. It’s easy to adjust to everyone’s tastes.
5. Comforting and Hearty
This hearty dish is comforting and filling, perfect for when you need a satisfying meal that hits all the right notes.
Ingredients
- Ground beef
- Diced onion
- Diced pickles
- Ketchup
- Yellow mustard
- Mayonnaise
- Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper
- Hamburger buns
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced American cheese
Variations
- Spicy Big Mac Sloppy Joes: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give this recipe an extra kick.
- Cheese Options: While American cheese is classic, feel free to substitute with cheddar, Swiss, or even pepper jack for a twist on flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based ground meat or lentils as a substitute for the beef to create a vegetarian-friendly sloppy joe.
- Big Mac Sauce: For a more authentic Big Mac flavor, use a homemade Big Mac sauce (mix mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, and relish) instead of just mayo and ketchup.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add the Onion
Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the onion becomes translucent and soft.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Stir in the diced pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Let the mixture simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 4: Toast the Buns
While the beef mixture is simmering, toast the hamburger buns in the oven or on a skillet until golden brown.
Step 5: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Spoon the Big Mac sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with shredded lettuce and a slice of American cheese. Place the top bun on and serve immediately.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Be careful not to overcook the beef, as it can become dry. Cook just until browned and juicy.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lettuce and high-quality pickles can make a big difference in flavor. Use crispy, crunchy lettuce for the best texture.
- Make it Saucy: If you prefer a juicier sloppy joe, add extra ketchup and mayonnaise to the mixture.
How to Serve
These Big Mac Sloppy Joes are best served hot, piled high on toasted hamburger buns. Pair them with crispy fries, a side salad, or even a crunchy coleslaw for the perfect meal. They’re also great with a side of pickles for an added tangy crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Big Mac Sloppy Joes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the mixture in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Freezing
You can freeze the sloppy joe mixture for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a skillet.
Reheating
To reheat, simply heat the leftover sloppy joe mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef in this recipe for a leaner option.
2. Can I make the sauce spicier?
Absolutely! You can add hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños to make the sauce spicier.
3. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to use cheddar, Swiss, or any cheese of your choice.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the beef mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Just reheat and assemble when ready.
5. How do I make it vegetarian?
Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or lentils for a vegetarian option.
6. How long does this dish last in the fridge?
It will last for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.
7. Can I use a different type of bun?
Of course! You can use any type of bun, such as brioche, whole wheat, or gluten-free buns, depending on your preference.
8. What can I serve with this recipe?
These sloppy joes go great with fries, a side salad, or even a hearty soup.
9. Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture?
Yes, the sloppy joe mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.
10. Can I use a store-bought sauce for this recipe?
You can use store-bought Big Mac sauce or Thousand Island dressing for convenience.
Conclusion
Big Mac Sloppy Joes are the perfect combination of comfort and flavor. With their savory beef, creamy sauce, and tangy pickles, they bring the iconic Big Mac flavors into a new form that’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner or a casual gathering, these sloppy joes will surely be a hit.
PrintBig Mac Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
These Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a fun and tasty twist on the classic Big Mac! Ground beef, tangy sauce, pickles, and all the delicious Big Mac flavors come together in a messy, delicious sandwich.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/4 cup diced pickles
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Hamburger buns
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced American cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in the diced pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the mixture is heated through and thickened.
- While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, toast the hamburger buns in a separate skillet or oven until golden brown.
- To assemble, spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Top with shredded lettuce and a slice of American cheese.
- Place the top bun on the sandwich and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra Big Mac flavor, add a little bit of shredded cheddar cheese along with the American cheese.
- You can use any type of pickles for this recipe, but dill pickles give the most classic Big Mac taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes