These Big Mac Sloppy Joes bring all the flavors of a Big Mac right to your plate! Ground beef, special sauce, cheese, and pickles come together in a messy yet delicious way.
You can serve them on soft buns, and the best part? You get that classic taste without the drive-thru line! I love making these for a fun dinner night—it’s basically a burger hug on a bun! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a juicy and flavorful result. If you want to lower the fat content, lean ground turkey or chicken can be a great alternative.
Onion: Finely chopped yellow onion adds sweetness. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use green onions or shallots instead.
Dill Pickles: These pickles give the recipe its distinct tang. If you’re not a fan, you might try sweet pickles or even pickled jalapeños for a spicy kick!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using cheddar for its melty texture. Provolone or pepper jack cheese can be good substitutes if you want something different.
Sesame Seed Burger Buns: The sesame flavor is classic here. Whole wheat or gluten-free buns also work well. You can even use lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor in Your Sloppy Joes?
Building flavor is key in this recipe! First, browning the ground beef is crucial; it creates a nice base. Make sure to drain excess fat to avoid greasy sloppy joes.
- Cook the ground beef on medium heat until browned. Stir occasionally to break it up.
- After adding the onions, sauté them just until soft; this adds flavor without overpowering the dish.
- When mixing in the sauces and seasonings, feel free to adjust amounts to suit your taste!
- Simmering for 5 minutes helps the flavors blend nicely. Don’t rush; it’s worth it!
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- Optional: additional pickles for topping
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, giving you a total of about 25 minutes. In no time, you’ll have delicious sloppy joes inspired by the classic Big Mac!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it’s browned, making sure to break it up into small pieces as it cooks. When it’s nicely browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Sauté the Onions:
Next, toss the finely chopped onion into the skillet. Sauté the onions for about 3-4 minutes until they become soft and translucent. This will add a lovely flavor to your sloppy joe mixture!
3. Mix in the Flavorful Ingredients:
Now, stir in the chopped dill pickles, ketchup, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything well until combined—this is where the magic happens!
4. Let It Simmer:
Reduce the heat and allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes. This simmering time helps all the flavors blend together beautifully. You’ll smell the deliciousness filling your kitchen!
5. Toast the Buns:
While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, you can toast the sesame seed burger buns if you like them warm and crispy. Just pop them in a toaster or on a skillet until they’re golden brown.
6. Assemble Your Sloppy Joes:
To put it all together, place a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each burger bun. Then, add a generous scoop of your sloppy joe mixture right on top of the cheese. Get ready for some cheesy goodness!
7. Add Toppings:
Now it’s time to top them off with some shredded lettuce. If you’re a pickle lover, feel free to add extra pickles on top for that classic Big Mac flair!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, place the top half of the bun on each sandwich. Serve your Big Mac Sloppy Joes warm and enjoy every bite! Perfect for a quick meal or a fun twist on a classic favorite.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef! Just be aware that turkey can be drier, so you might want to add a splash more mayonnaise or an extra tablespoon of ketchup to keep the mixture moist while cooking.
How to Store Leftover Sloppy Joe Mixture?
Store the leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. You can also add a splash of water or ketchup if it seems too thick during reheating.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat alternative. Just ensure to adjust the seasoning to your taste, especially salt and spices, as plant-based options can have different flavor profiles.
What Can I Serve Instead of Burger Buns?
If you’re looking for a low-carb option or just want something different, consider serving the sloppy joe mixture over lettuce wraps or in a hollowed-out bell pepper. You could also use whole-grain or gluten-free buns to suit dietary preferences!
