Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe

Big Mac Sloppy Joes are the perfect weeknight ground beef dinner recipe for at-home chefs looking for lots of flavor with little fuss. Loaded with onions, cheddar cheese, pickles, and a copycat Big Mac sauce that cannot be beaten, this heart dinner takes less than 30 minutes to make and is even quicker to eat.

We’ve all ordered a Big Mac while sitting in a drive-thru, but how many of you have made a sloppy joe version at home? This updated variation is so much fun and has all the flavors you’re looking for in a one-pot recipe that I’m sure you will turn to time and time again.

Copycat Secret Sauce Ingredients: 

• 1 cup real mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup french dressing
• 2 tablespoons sweet relish
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

Beef Patty Ingredients: 

• 1lb ground beef
• 1/2 cup chopped white onion
• 1/4 cup diced hamburger dill pickles
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

Additional Ingredients

• 1 package of sesame hamburger buns
• shredded lettuce
• 4 slices American cheese
• hamburger pickle chips

How To Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Mix together mayonnaise, french dressing, relish, ketchup, vinegar, onion powder, and salt in a small bowl. Stir well to combine. Set aside. 

Add beef and onions to a skillet and heat over medium heat – until onions are translucent and beef is browned. Drain grease. Stir in chopped pickles and 1 cup of sauce. Reserve remaining sauce. Heat for 1 minute and stir well to combine. Remove from heat. 

To assemble sloppy joes, begin with the bottom bun covered with the sauce. Top with lettuce, 1 slice American cheese, sloppy joe beef, bun bottom topped with sauce, lettuce, pickles, sloppy joe meat, and the top bun. Serve immediately.

What to serve with Big Mac Sloppy Joes

• Baked Beans
• Tater Tots
• French Fries
• Tossed Salad
• Side of Veggies – asparagus, string beans, corn
• Cole Slaw
• Potato Salad
• Potato chips

FAQs

The Big Mac Sloppy Joes recipe is a creative take on the classic sloppy joe, inspired by the flavors of the famous McDonald’s Big Mac sandwich. Here are some common questions that people might have about this recipe:

1. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
   • Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef if you prefer a leaner option. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor.
2. Is Thousand Island dressing necessary, or can I use another sauce?
   • The Thousand Island dressing is a key component of the Big Mac flavor, but you can experiment with other similar sauces if you have dietary restrictions or preferences.
3. Can I make the recipe ahead of time?
   • Yes, you can prepare the sloppy joe mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it. Reheat it on the stove or in the microwave when you’re ready to serve. However, it’s recommended to add the lettuce and cheese just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
4. How do I store leftovers?
   • Store any leftover Big Mac Sloppy Joes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.
5. What can I serve with Big Mac Sloppy Joes?
   • Common sides include french fries, coleslaw, potato salad, or a simple green salad.
6. Can I make the recipe without pickles?
   • While pickles contribute to the Big Mac flavor, you can omit them if you’re not a fan or if you have dietary restrictions.
7. Can I use a different type of bun?
   • Yes, you can use a different type of bun based on your preference. Brioche or sesame seed buns work well.
8. How do I adjust the recipe for a larger crowd?
   • Simply scale up the ingredients accordingly to serve a larger group. Make sure to adjust the seasonings to taste.
9. Can I freeze Big Mac Sloppy Joes?
   • It’s recommended to freeze the sloppy joe mixture without the lettuce and cheese. Thaw and reheat it when you’re ready to serve, then add the fresh toppings before serving.

Remember, these are general guidelines, and you can always tailor the recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Where To Serve

The Big Mac Sloppy Joes recipe, a delightful fusion of the classic sloppy joe with the McDonald’s Big Mac’s iconic flavors, is a crowd-pleaser perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner, a sports-watching gathering, or a weekend barbecue, these savory and tangy sloppy joes are sure to be a hit.

The familiar taste of the Big Mac, transformed into a messy and satisfying sandwich, adds a playful twist to the traditional sloppy joe experience. The versatility of this recipe allows you to serve it in a range of settings, from family dinners to casual parties, where the blend of familiar flavors is sure to bring smiles to the faces of those enjoying this nostalgic yet innovative dish.

Tips and Variations

• This recipe serves 4, but if you don’t opt for double deckers, you could probably make 6-8 servings! It’s all about how much you load up each bun. 
• Everyone has their own pickle preference and it definitely matters which one you choose. Really think about if your kids would prefer the bread and butter pickles, dill pickle slices, or sour pickle slices.  
• Make sure you drain the excess oil while cooking. Removing the excess liquid will make a huge difference at the end. 
• This dish is perfect for nights when everyone is craving takeout, but here’s a secret! Sometimes I like to actually run out and get french fries from Mcdonald’s or Burger King to serve as my side. The kids really do get a kick out of that when I do. A quick ride through the drive-thru right before I’m ready to serve and everyone is jumping for joy. 
• For a boost of flavor be sure to butter your buns and toast them ahead of time. YUM! 
• If you want to step up the dish, swap out the sesame bun for something much fancier – like a brioche.
• If you end up having some Big Mac Sloppy leftovers, don’t worry. They will be great the next day. Just make sure you store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Looking to freeze them for a longer hold? Opt for a freezer-safe container instead. 
• Don’t want to make it a double decker sandwich?  If you really don’t want to get crazy, you can always make it a regular cheeseburger, or a single-decker.
• Substitution ideas for the meat – You can use ground chuck, ground sirloin, ground turkey, or ground chicken for this recipe. You can even consider making a plant-based burger. 

 This dish will become a family favorite for sure! It is a classic sandwich that can be served year-round. For a fun twist, serve with a side of dill pickle chips, and don’t tell the kids! Be sure to place extra dipping sauce on the table because my family always needs additional sauce when this hits the menu. 

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Common Cooking Issues

While making Big Mac Sloppy Joes is a relatively straightforward process, a few common issues may arise. Being aware of these potential pitfalls can help you troubleshoot and ensure a successful outcome:

1. Sloppiness Overload:
   • One challenge is achieving the right consistency. If the sloppy joe mixture is too runny, it can make the bun soggy. To prevent this, drain excess liquid from the cooked meat and adjust the sauce-to-meat ratio accordingly.
2. Bland Flavor:
   • The Big Mac Sloppy Joes should be packed with the distinctive flavors of the classic burger. If the taste seems bland, check the seasoning levels and consider adding more salt, pepper, mustard, or Thousand Island dressing to enhance the overall flavor profile.
3. Overcooking the Meat:
   • Be cautious not to overcook the ground beef, as it can result in a dry and tough texture. Cook the meat just until it’s browned and cooked through, and avoid excessive stirring to maintain the juiciness.
4. Sauce Separation:
   • If the sauce appears separated or oily, it might be due to a high-fat content in the ground beef. Choose a leaner ground beef or drain excess fat after cooking. Alternatively, mix the sauce thoroughly to emulsify the ingredients.
5. Bun Saturation:
   • The bun can quickly become soggy if it absorbs too much liquid from the sloppy joe mixture. To prevent this, lightly toast the buns before serving. You can also consider serving the mixture on a sturdier bun or bread.
6. Lack of Freshness:
   • If you’re preparing the dish ahead of time, adding the lettuce and cheese just before serving helps maintain their freshness and prevents them from wilting or becoming too soft.
7. Vegetable Texture:
   • Be mindful of their texture if you’ve added more vegetables to the mixture. Overcooking vegetables can result in a mushy consistency. Add them towards the end of the cooking process to retain some crunch.
8. Inconsistent Pickle Distribution:
   • Ensure the pickle relish is evenly distributed throughout the mixture to guarantee a balanced flavor in every bite. Stir well to incorporate the relish with the other ingredients.
9. Unbalanced Flavors:
   • Achieving the perfect balance of flavors is crucial. Taste the mixture as you go and adjust the ingredients accordingly. Some may prefer a more robust mustard or Thousand Island dressing flavor, so feel free to customize to your liking.
10. Failure to Customize:
    • One of the strengths of this recipe is its adaptability. If you don’t personalize it to your taste preferences, you might miss the opportunity to make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with extra spices, different cheeses, or alternative toppings.

By addressing these common issues, you can overcome potential challenges and ensure that your Big Mac Sloppy Joes turn out delicious and satisfying. Adjustments can be made based on individual preferences, making it a versatile dish for everyone.

Variations

The Big Mac Sloppy Joes recipe offers a fantastic base for experimentation, allowing you to put your own spin on this inventive dish. Here are some creative variations to consider:

1. Vegetarian Version:
   • Substitute the ground beef with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or meatless ground beef. Adjust seasonings to enhance the vegetarian profile while maintaining the signature Big Mac flavor.
2. Spicy Kick:
   • Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture for a spicy twist. Spice lovers can customize the heat level to their liking, bringing an extra layer of excitement to the dish.
3. Cheese Lover’s Delight:
   • Experiment with different types of cheese to elevate the cheesy goodness. Consider using American cheese slices, Swiss, or even a gooey cheddar. Melt the cheese onto the sloppy joe mixture or use it as a topping just before serving.
4. Bacon Bliss:
   • Introduce the savory flavor of bacon by adding crispy bacon bits to the sloppy joe mixture. This variation adds a smoky undertone that complements the other flavors beautifully.
5. Caramelized Onion Elegance:
   • Enhance the sweetness and depth of flavor by caramelizing the onions before adding them to the sloppy joe mix. This step adds a touch of sophistication to the dish.
6. Pickle Perfection:
   • Experiment with different types of pickles or pickle relishes to discover unique flavor profiles. Try dill pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, or spicy pickles for a personalized touch.
7. Extra Veggie Boost:
   • Amp up the vegetable content by adding finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even grated carrots to the sloppy joe mixture. This not only adds nutritional value but also contributes to a heartier texture.
8. Avocado Creaminess:
   • Top your Big Mac Sloppy Joes with slices of ripe avocado or a dollop of guacamole for a creamy and indulgent twist. The coolness of the avocado balances the bold flavors of the sloppy joe.
9. Open-Faced Presentation:
   • Serve the sloppy joe mixture over toasted bread or a single slice of bun, creating an open-faced sandwich. This presentation allows the flavors to shine, and it’s perfect for those who prefer a lighter option.
10. Elevated Bun Choices:
    • Swap the traditional hamburger bun for a pretzel bun, ciabatta, or a brioche bun to add a touch of gourmet flair. The choice of bun can significantly impact the overall texture and taste of the dish.

Feel free to mix and match these variations to create your own unique spin on the Big Mac Sloppy Joes, tailoring it to your taste preferences and culinary creativity.