Big Mac Sloppy Joes bring the flavors of your favorite burger into a messy, delicious meal! Ground beef, tangy sauce, and pickles come together for a tasty treat.
Everyone loves a good sloppy joe, and these are like a warm hug on a bun! I love to serve them with crispy fries on the side—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef gives the best flavor. If you’re looking for less fat, try ground turkey or chicken. For a meatless version, use cooked lentils or a plant-based meat substitute like Beyond Meat.
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds sweetness to the dish. If you’re not a fan, shallots work well too, or skip it entirely and use onion powder instead.
Dill Pickle Relish: This ingredient brings tanginess. If you don’t have it, you can finely chop pickles and mix them with a bit of vinegar as a substitute. You can also try sweet pickle relish for a different taste!
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar melts beautifully. If you’re looking for a different twist, try pepper jack for some heat or American cheese for that classic burger feel.
Buns: Sesame seed buns are great for this recipe, but any sturdy burger bun will work. You could even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb version!
How Can I Get My Beef Mixture Just Right?
The juicy beef mixture is the heart of these Sloppy Joes and needs the right techniques. Here are some helpful steps:
- Cook the beef and onion over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink and the onions are soft. Don’t rush this step; it adds depth to the flavors.
- Drain excess fat for a healthier dish, but leave a little for moisture. This will keep your Sloppy Joes juicy without being greasy.
- Mix in the other ingredients and let it simmer. This melding of flavors is key, so give it at least 5 minutes for a satisfying taste.
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dill pickle relish
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 hamburger buns (sesame seed preferred)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- Optional: extra pickles and diced tomatoes for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 15 minutes of cooking time. In total, you’ll need around 25 minutes to prepare these delicious Big Mac Sloppy Joes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef and Onion:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with the finely chopped onion. Cook them together until the beef is nicely browned and the onion is soft and translucent. Make sure to break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks, so it crumbles nicely.
2. Mix in the Sauce Ingredients:
Once the beef is cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. Now it’s time to add the flavor! Stir in the dill pickle relish, mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a dash of salt and pepper. Give it a good mix and let it simmer for about 5 minutes to blend all those tasty flavors together.
3. Toast the Buns:
While the beef mixture is simmering, take some time to prepare the hamburger buns. Lightly toast them in a separate skillet or pop them in a toaster until they’re golden and crisp. This will help your sandwiches hold up better when you add the juicy filling!
4. Melt the Cheddar:
Once the beef mixture is hot and ready, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of each scoop of the meat mixture in the skillet. Allow the cheese to melt for about a minute. This cheesy goodness will add the final touch to your filling!
5. Assemble Your Sloppy Joes:
Now it’s time to build your Big Mac Sloppy Joes! Start with the bottom half of each toasted bun. Spoon a generous scoop of the cheesy beef mixture onto each one. Then, load on some shredded lettuce and any extra toppings like pickles or diced tomatoes if you like. Finish it off with the top half of the bun.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Big Mac Sloppy Joes warm and enjoy them with a side of fries or chips! These flavorful sandwiches are sure to be a hit with everyone!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef. Just keep in mind that it may be a little drier, so you might want to add a splash of broth or a bit more mayonnaise to keep the mix creamy.
How to Store Leftover Sloppy Joes?
Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture. Just be mindful of the seasoning, as some meat substitutes may need additional spices for a full flavor.
What Can I Serve With Big Mac Sloppy Joes?
These Sloppy Joes are perfect with fries or chips, but you could also serve them with a side salad for a lighter option. Sweet potato fries or coleslaw make great complementary sides as well!
