Big Mac Sloppy Joes bring the classic taste of a Big Mac into a fun, messy meal! Ground beef, zesty sauce, cheese, and pickles come together in soft buns, making it a hit for everyone.
These are like your favorite burger but in a sloppy, easy-to-eat version. I love serving them with crispy fries—perfect for a cozy night in or a casual get-together with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish, providing a hearty base. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well, though the flavor will be milder.
Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and depth. You can replace it with shallots or green onions for a different flavor. For a milder taste, use spring onions.
Dill Pickles: These bring that tangy crunch. If you don’t have dill pickles, sweet pickles or relish can be used. I personally love the zing of dill pickles in this dish!
Special Sauce: The mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, and vinegar really defines the flavor. If you want to lighten it up, try Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, or use a store-bought Thousand Island dressing.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Perfectly?
Cooking ground beef is pretty straightforward, but doing it right sets the foundation for your dish. Start with a large skillet and preheat it over medium heat. Here are some steps to remember:
- Break the beef into smaller pieces as it cooks. This ensures even browning.
- Cook until it’s fully browned with no pink remaining, about 7-10 minutes.
- Don’t forget to drain excess fat afterward! This helps keep your sloppy joes from being greasy.
Don’t rush this step; flavorful beef makes all the difference!
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
For the Sandwich Assembly:
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup special sauce (mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp ketchup, 1 tbsp relish, and a splash of vinegar)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and cooking the ingredients, and then around 10 minutes assembling and toasting the buns. It’s a quick and tasty meal that’s ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Meat:
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat. Stir occasionally until it is fully browned, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep it lean and flavorful.
2. Sautéing the Onions:
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté the onion for about 3-4 minutes or until it becomes translucent and soft. This will add a great flavor to your sloppy joes!
3. Mixing in the Sauces:
Now, stir in the chopped pickles, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together really well. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes on low heat until everything is heated through and combined. It’s starting to smell great!
4. Melting the Cheese:
Once your meat mixture is ready, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of it in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for about 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey. Yum!
5. Toasting the Buns:
While the cheese is melting, take your sesame seed burger buns and toast them lightly in a toaster or on a skillet. This will give them a nice crunch that pairs perfectly with the sloppy joes.
6. Assembling the Sandwich:
On the bottom half of each toasted bun, spread about a tablespoon of the special sauce you prepared (just mix the mayo, ketchup, relish, and vinegar together beforehand). Layer some shredded lettuce on top of the sauce to add a crisp texture.
7. Bringing It All Together:
Spoon a generous amount of the cheesy meat mixture onto the lettuce on each bun. Finally, place the top half of the bun on each sandwich to complete your creation!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Big Mac Sloppy Joes immediately while they’re warm and cheesy. Enjoy this delicious twist on a classic!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as it may take a bit longer to brown and cook through. You might also want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to keep it from drying out.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground beef with a meat alternative like lentils, black beans, or a plant-based ground meat substitute. Just cook the alternatives according to package instructions, then follow the rest of the recipe as usual. It’ll be just as delicious!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm on the stove over low heat until heated through. If the mixture seems dry, you can add a little ketchup or broth to revive it.
Can I Add More Toppings to My Sloppy Joes?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with toppings like sliced tomatoes, jalapeños, or extra pickles for extra flavor. Just keep in mind that too many toppings might make the sandwich harder to handle, so balance is key!
