These Big Mac Sloppy Joes combine two favorites into one tasty meal! With juicy beef, special sauce, pickles, and cheese, they’re a simple way to bring burger flavors to your table.
They’re perfect for a family dinner or game night! I love serving them on soft buns, and let’s be honest, I often sneak an extra scoop of that yummy sauce on top. 🍔😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef for a good balance of flavor and health. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can try ground turkey or chicken, though it might change the flavor a bit.
Onion: Yellow onions are great for this recipe, but if you prefer a milder flavor, you can substitute with green onions or shallots.
Sweet Pickle Relish: This brings a tangy sweetness. If you don’t have it on hand, you can finely chop some dill pickles mixed with a bit of sugar to achieve a similar flavor.
American Cheese: While I find American cheese melts perfectly, you could swap in cheddar for a sharper taste or even a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
Buns: Sesame seed buns are classic, but any hearty hamburger bun will work. For a low-carb option, try lettuce wraps or cloud bread.
How Do I Perfectly Brown Ground Beef Without a Mess?
Getting that nice brown color while keeping it a bit contained can be tricky! Here’s how you can achieve it:
- Heat the skillet on medium-high before adding the ground beef. This helps sear it quickly.
- Break the beef into smaller pieces right away with a spatula. This helps it brown evenly.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If you have too much beef, cook it in batches to let it brown rather than steam.
- Drain excess fat after browning to keep your sloppy joes from being greasy.
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoons mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
For The Special Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon mustard (for the sauce)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time. You’ll spend some time sautéing the onions and beef, simmering the sauce, and then assembling your delicious Big Mac Sloppy Joes. In just 30 minutes, you’ll be ready to dig in!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Onions and Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes soft and translucent, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook it until it’s browned, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Make the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
Now, stir in the sweet pickle relish, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef and onions. Let this mixture simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes so all the flavors can blend together nicely.
3. Prepare the Special Sauce:
While the beef mixture is simmering, let’s whip up the special sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, white vinegar, sugar, and 1 tablespoon of mustard. Mix everything together until it’s smooth. This will give your Sloppy Joes that signature Big Mac flavor!
4. Melt the Cheese:
Once your meat mixture is ready, place a slice of American cheese right on top of it in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it sit for about 1-2 minutes or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
5. Toast the Buns and Assemble:
If you like, you can lightly toast your sesame seed hamburger buns. Then, it’s time to put your Big Mac Sloppy Joes together. Start by spreading some of the special sauce on the bottom half of the bun. Next, add a generous scoop of the sloppy joe mixture, followed by some shredded lettuce. Finally, place the top bun on and gently press down.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Big Mac Sloppy Joes are now ready to be served! Enjoy this delicious twist on a classic—the perfect blend of flavors is sure to delight. Dig in and savor every bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative. Just keep in mind that these meats tend to be leaner, so you might want to add a teaspoon of olive oil while cooking to keep the mix moist.
What Can I Substitute for Sweet Pickle Relish?
If you don’t have sweet pickle relish on hand, you can use finely chopped dill pickles combined with a bit of sugar to mimic the sweetness. Alternatively, some finely chopped green apple will give you a similar sweet crunch!
How Can I Store Leftover Sloppy Joes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the mixture in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until hot. You can also freeze the filling in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a delicious vegetarian version. Follow the same cooking instructions, and you’ll still have that delightful Big Mac flavor without the meat.
