Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Big Mac Sloppy Joes combine the classic flavors of McDonald’s iconic burger with the hearty, saucy goodness of a sloppy joe. This one-pan meal features seasoned ground beef mixed with a tangy secret sauce, topped with lettuce, cheese, and pickles, all nestled between sesame seed buns. It’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy a fast-food favorite at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
• One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup required.
• Family-Friendly: A hit with both kids and adults.
• Customizable: Easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Ground Beef Mixture:

• Ground beef (85/15)
• Yellow onion, finely chopped
• Hamburger pickles, chopped
• Kosher salt
• Coarse ground black pepper
• Worcestershire sauce

For the Secret Sauce:

• Mayonnaise
• French dressing
• Sweet relish
• Ketchup
• White vinegar
• Onion powder
• Salt

For Assembly:

• Sesame seed hamburger buns
• Shredded lettuce
• American cheese slices
• Additional hamburger pickles

Directions

1. Prepare the Secret Sauce:

   • In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet relish, ketchup, white vinegar, onion powder, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate until needed.

2. Cook the Ground Beef Mixture:

   • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef for about 3-4 minutes.
   • Add finely chopped onions, kosher salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and onions are translucent.
   • Stir in chopped pickles and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for an additional minute.
   • Mix in the prepared secret sauce, reserving some for assembly. Stir well to combine.

3. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:

   • Toast sesame seed buns if desired.
   • Spread a layer of secret sauce on the bottom bun.
   • Add shredded lettuce, a slice of American cheese, and a generous scoop of the beef mixture.
   • Top with additional pickles if desired, then place the top bun over the filling.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes: Incorporate cheddar cheese into the beef mixture for a cheesy twist.
• Bacon Addition: Mix in cooked, crumbled bacon for added flavor and texture.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for some heat.
• Turkey Option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lighter version.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Allow the beef mixture to cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat the mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to substitute American cheese with cheddar, Swiss, or your preferred cheese variety.

Is there a shortcut for the secret sauce?

Mixing mayonnaise and ketchup in equal parts can serve as a quick alternative to the secret sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the beef mixture and sauce in advance, then reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

What side dishes pair well with Big Mac Sloppy Joes?

Classic sides like French fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad complement this dish well.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free buns and ensure all condiments and ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables to the beef mixture?

Diced bell peppers or mushrooms can be added for extra flavor and nutrition.

What’s the best way to toast the buns?

Lightly butter the cut sides of the buns and toast them on a skillet or griddle until golden brown.

Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?

Yes, ground chicken is a suitable substitute for a leaner option.

How do I prevent the buns from becoming soggy?

Toasting the buns and adding a layer of lettuce between the bun and beef mixture can help prevent sogginess.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely, prepare the components ahead of time and assemble just before serving for a quick meal.

Big Mac Sloppy Joes

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner, Comfort Food
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

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Description

These Big Mac Sloppy Joes combine the iconic flavors of McDonald’s Big Mac with the hearty, saucy goodness of a sloppy joe. Featuring seasoned ground beef, tangy secret sauce, pickles, and American cheese, this one-pan meal is perfect for quick weeknight dinners and loved by the whole family!

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Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Mixture:

• 1 lb ground beef (85/15)
• ½ cup yellow onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup hamburger pickles, chopped
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

For the Secret Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons French dressing
• 1 tablespoon sweet relish
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For Assembly:

• 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 4 slices American cheese
• Additional hamburger pickles (optional)

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Instructions

• Prepare the Secret Sauce:

  • In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet relish, ketchup, vinegar, onion powder, and salt.
  • Refrigerate until ready to use.

• Cook the Ground Beef Mixture:

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add ground beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, breaking it apart.
  • Stir in onions, salt, and black pepper, then continue cooking until beef is browned.
  • Mix in chopped pickles and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  • Stir in half of the secret sauce, saving the rest for assembly.

• Assemble the Sloppy Joes:

  • Toast sesame seed buns on a skillet if desired.
  • Spread secret sauce on the bottom bun.
  • Add shredded lettuce, a slice of cheese, and a generous scoop of beef mixture.
  • Top with extra pickles, then cover with the top bun.

• Serve & Enjoy!

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Notes

• Cheeseburger Twist: Mix shredded cheddar or American cheese into the beef for an ultra-cheesy version.
• Add beef : Stir in crispy crumbled beef for extra crunch and smoky flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
• Healthier Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.