Get ready for a fun twist on a classic! These Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes pack all the flavors of a Big Mac into a messy, delicious sandwich that everyone will love.
With juicy ground beef, special sauce, and crisp lettuce, it’s like a fast-food treat right at home. Serve it with some fries and enjoy the smiles all around! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using 80/20 ground beef gives you juicy and flavorful sloppy joes. If you want a leaner option, you can use ground turkey or chicken. Just keep in mind that it might not be as juicy!
Onions: Diced onions add sweetness and depth. If you’re not a fan of onions, you could use onion powder instead, or omit them altogether for a milder taste.
Pickles: Dill pickles are classic, but if you’re looking for a little sweetness, sweet pickles work great too. Try chopped green olives for a different twist!
American Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully but feel free to use cheddar or pepper jack for a sharper flavor. Just make sure it melts nicely on the bun.
Special Sauce: Making your special sauce is fun! You can adjust the relish or mayo based on your taste. For a healthier version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
How Do You Get The Perfect Sloppy Joe Consistency?
The key to a perfect sloppy joe is making sure you cook the beef just right and combine your ingredients thoroughly. After browning the beef with onions, drain excess fat to keep the mixture from being too greasy.
- Always season well. Add salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
- Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to marry the flavors. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed!
Plus, when you add the pickles and special sauce, mix it gently so the textures stay colorful and fun. Enjoy this nostalgic meal with a modern twist!
Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/4 cup diced pickles (dill or sweet, per preference)
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Buns and Toppings:
- 4 sesame seed sandwich buns
- 4 slices processed American cheese
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
Big Mac-Style Special Sauce (if making your own):
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and about 15 minutes to cook, making the total time around 25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious Big Mac-inspired meal right in your own kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Special Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until mixed well. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the filling.
2. Cook the Beef and Onions:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onions. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Add the Flavorings:
Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together and let it cook for another 2 minutes to combine the flavors well.
4. Combine with Pickles:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Gently fold in the diced pickles and about half of the special sauce you prepared earlier. Mix until everything is evenly distributed.
5. Toast the Buns:
While the filling is resting, lightly toast the sesame buns in a toaster or on a skillet until golden brown. This adds a nice crunch!
6. Build the Sloppy Joes:
Place a slice of American cheese on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture on top of the cheese.
7. Add Toppings:
Top with a handful of shredded lettuce and drizzle some more of the special sauce over the top. It’s all about that extra flavor!
8. Serve It Up:
Cap off the sloppy joes with the top bun and serve immediately. Enjoy the gooey, delightful flavors of your homemade Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes!
Bon appétit! This recipe truly brings the excitement of fast food into a warm, hearty meal!
FAQ for Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef if you prefer a leaner option. Keep in mind that the flavor may be slightly different, so season generously!
How Can I Store Leftover Sloppy Joe Mixture?
Store the leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over medium heat until heated through.
Can I Make the Special Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the special sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This way, the flavors will have even more time to meld together!
What is the Best Way to Serve These Sloppy Joes?
These sloppy joes are best served hot on toasted sesame buns. You can also add extra toppings like sliced tomatoes or extra pickles for more flavor! Pair them with fries or a simple salad for a complete meal.
