Craving the iconic flavors of a Big Mac but want something easier and cozier? Big Mac Sloppy Joes are your answer! This recipe combines the signature sauce, pickles, beef, and melty cheese of a Big Mac with the comforting messiness of a sloppy joe—perfect for weeknights, game days, or a fun family dinner.
💡 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Mac Flavor at Home: Classic taste without the drive-thru.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes or less.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults love the nostalgic, cheesy mess.
- Customizable: Add toppings or swap proteins to suit your style.
🛒 Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup dill pickles, finely chopped (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup shredded lettuce (for topping)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
For the Big Mac Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
👩🍳 How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Step 1: Make the Big Mac Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, relish, mustard, vinegar, and all seasonings.
Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
Drain excess grease.
Add chopped onion and garlic. Cook 2–3 minutes until soft.
Stir in half of the Big Mac sauce and chopped pickles. Heat through.
Step 3: Assemble Your Sloppy Joes
Lightly toast the buns for texture.
Spoon beef mixture onto each bottom bun.
Drizzle with remaining Big Mac sauce.
Top with lettuce, extra pickles, and cheddar cheese.
Add the top bun and serve immediately.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Serve with oven fries, tater tots, or potato wedges.
- Pair with coleslaw, macaroni salad, or a pickle spear.
- Make it a fun dinner night with milkshakes or root beer floats.
- Turn into sliders for party trays or game day snacks.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store the cooked filling in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled filling for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.
- Reheat: Warm on the stovetop or microwave until hot. Stir occasionally for even heating.
🍔 Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Whisk
- Knife and cutting board
- Toaster or oven for buns
Ingredients
- 🔸 For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup dill pickles finely chopped (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup shredded lettuce for topping
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese optional
- 4 hamburger buns toasted
- 🔸 For the Big Mac Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the Big Mac Sauce
- In a bowl, mix mayo, relish, mustard, vinegar, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
- Step 2: Cook the Sloppy Joe Filling
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up. Drain excess grease.
- Add onion and garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes until soft.
- Stir in half of the prepared sauce and chopped pickles. Cook for another 2–3 minutes.
- Step 3: Assemble Your Sloppy Joes
- Toast hamburger buns lightly.
- Spoon beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun.
- Drizzle with remaining Big Mac sauce.
- Top with shredded lettuce, extra pickles, and cheddar cheese if using.
- Add the top bun and serve hot!
Notes
🔍 Nutrition (Per Sandwich – Approximate)
- Calories: ~530
- Protein: ~27g
- Carbs: ~35g
- Fat: ~32g
- Sodium: ~780mg
- Sugar: ~6g
🔍 Nutrition (Per Sandwich – Approximate)
- Calories: ~530
- Protein: ~27g
- Carbs: ~35g
- Fat: ~32g
- Sodium: ~780mg
- Sugar: ~6g
🔥 Pro Tips
- Use Lean Beef: 85/15 or 90/10 ground beef keeps it flavorful but not greasy.
- Sauce it Right: Save half the sauce for topping — it makes a big difference.
- Toast Buns Last: Do it right before serving for the best texture.
- Make it a Bar: Let guests build their own with all the toppings for fun!
🔄 Variations & Add-Ons
- Double It Up: Layer extra meat and cheese for a stacked sandwich.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve on lettuce wraps or low-carb buns.
- Sloppy Mac Bowls: Skip the bun and spoon the meat mixture over shredded lettuce or fries.
- Pickle Lovers: Add pickle chips or a splash of pickle juice to the sauce for extra tang.
- Bacon Boost: Crumble crispy bacon on top for a smoky twist.
❓ FAQs
Can I prep the filling ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat and assemble when ready to eat.
What’s the best way to toast buns?
Use a dry skillet, toaster oven, or broiler for 1–2 minutes until golden.
Can I use store-bought special sauce?
Sure! But homemade tastes more authentic and customizable.
Are these freezer-friendly?
The filling freezes well—just thaw and reheat before serving.
✅ Final Thoughts
Big Mac Sloppy Joes bring fast food flavor and homemade comfort together in a messy, cheesy bite. Whether for dinner or a party platter, this recipe delivers big taste with minimal effort. Serve with fries or coleslaw and enjoy a fun twist on two classic favorites! 🍔🔥
