Big Mac Sloppy Joes

If you’re a fan of the Big Mac but want to switch things up a bit, I have the perfect recipe for you: Big Mac Sloppy Joes! These juicy, messy, and utterly delicious sandwiches combine everything you love about the classic Big Mac—tender beef, creamy sauce, fresh lettuce, and a bit of tangy pickles—all in a warm, toasty bun. Trust me, once you take a bite, you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of this combo sooner.

These sloppy joes are everything you want in a comfort food: flavorful, hearty, and guaranteed to satisfy that craving for a Big Mac, but in a whole new way. You’re going to love the way the flavors come together in this easy-to-make dish. Ready to make your taste buds sing? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Familiar Flavors, New Twist

This recipe brings the taste of a Big Mac into a sloppy joe form, so you get all the deliciousness of the famous burger but with the fun, messy vibe of a sloppy joe. It’s familiar, but exciting!

Quick and Easy

This is a super simple weeknight meal that you can whip up in less than 30 minutes. No complicated steps, just delicious, satisfying food.

Kid-Friendly

If you have picky eaters in the house, this one’s a winner. The flavors are comforting and familiar, plus you can adjust the toppings to make it just right for the whole family.

Perfect for Meal Prep

Make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for leftovers throughout the week. These sloppy joes are just as tasty the next day!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these Big Mac-inspired sloppy joes:

For the Sloppy Joe Filling:

• Ground Beef: This is the star of the show. Lean ground beef creates a juicy, hearty base for the sloppy joe filling.
• Onion: Chopped onion adds a savory flavor and a bit of sweetness.
• Ketchup: Sweet and tangy ketchup is a key ingredient that gives these sloppy joes their classic base flavor.
• Mustard: A little tangy mustard balances out the richness of the beef.
• Pickles: Sliced pickles add that signature Big Mac crunch and tang.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a savory, aromatic note.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This rich, savory sauce deepens the flavor of the beef and gives it an extra umami kick.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds a creamy, melty layer of cheese to the sloppy joe filling.

For the Big Mac Sauce:

• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the Big Mac sauce.
• Ketchup: A little extra ketchup for that tangy sweetness.
• Mustard: A dash of mustard for a nice tang.
• Garlic Powder: A pinch to round out the flavor.
• Onion Powder: Adds a little extra savory depth.
• Sweet Pickle Relish: Sweet relish adds a slightly tangy, sweet flavor to the sauce.
• White Vinegar: A splash to balance everything out.

For Serving:

• Buns: Soft hamburger buns to hold all that delicious filling. You can use sesame seed buns for that classic Big Mac feel.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make these Big Mac Sloppy Joes in just a few simple steps:

Make the Big Mac Sauce:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, sweet pickle relish, and white vinegar.
2. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. If you want more tang, add a little extra vinegar or relish. Set aside.

Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and cooked through.
2. Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onions and cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and garlic powder. Let it simmer for a few minutes until everything is combined and the sauce has thickened a bit.
4. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and incorporated into the filling.
5. Add the chopped pickles and mix them into the filling. Let everything simmer for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld together.

Assemble the Sloppy Joes:

1. Toast the buns lightly if you like a little extra crunch.
2. Spoon the Big Mac-inspired sloppy joe filling onto the bottom half of each bun.
3. Top with a generous drizzle of the Big Mac sauce.
4. Close the sandwiches with the top bun and get ready to dive in!

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve your Big Mac Sloppy Joes with your favorite sides—crispy fries, a simple salad, or even some coleslaw for a perfect meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400-450 calories (depending on portion size and toppings)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 25-30 minutes

How to Serve Big Mac Sloppy Joes

These Big Mac Sloppy Joes are perfect on their own, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate the experience:

• Crispy Fries: Serve alongside crispy, golden fries—because what’s a burger-inspired meal without fries?
• Coleslaw: A tangy, crunchy slaw pairs perfectly with the rich and savory sloppy joe filling.
• Pickles: Serve extra pickle slices on the side to bring out the pickle flavor in the sandwich.

Additional Tips

• Add Extra Cheese: If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add more shredded cheddar to the top of the sloppy joe filling before you close up the buns for an extra cheesy bite.
• Spicy Kick: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the sloppy joe filling if you like things spicy.
• Make It Your Own: If you’re not a fan of pickles, you can omit them or swap in other toppings like shredded lettuce or tomato to add freshness.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken will work, though it may result in a slightly lighter flavor. You may want to add extra seasonings to make up for the leaner meat.

Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A2: Yes! You can make the sloppy joe filling ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat it and assemble the sandwiches.

Q3: Can I freeze the sloppy joe filling?

A3: Yes! You can freeze the filling for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.

Q4: Can I add other toppings to the sloppy joes?

A4: Absolutely! You can add shredded lettuce, tomato slices, or even some crispy bacon to make your Big Mac Sloppy Joes even more indulgent.

Q5: Can I make the Big Mac sauce in advance?

A5: Yes, you can make the Big Mac sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld even more after sitting for a bit!

Q6: What kind of buns should I use?

A6: Soft hamburger buns work great, but you can also use sesame seed buns to mimic the Big Mac’s iconic look. Brioche buns also add a buttery richness to the sandwich.

Q7: Can I make these sloppy joes without cheese?

A7: Yes! You can leave out the cheese if you prefer, though it does add a nice creamy texture that complements the rest of the filling.

Q8: How do I know when my sloppy joe filling is done?

A8: The sloppy joe filling is done when the meat is browned, the sauce has thickened to your liking, and the flavors have melded together. The cheese should be fully melted and incorporated.

Q9: Can I make this recipe spicier?

A9: Yes! Add some chopped jalapeños, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to spice things up.

Q10: Can I use homemade sloppy joe sauce?

A10: Yes! If you prefer homemade, you can swap the ketchup and mustard for your own version of sloppy joe sauce, adjusting the flavors to your taste.

Conclusion

These Big Mac Sloppy Joes take the flavors of the classic Big Mac and turn them into an irresistible, easy-to-make sloppy joe. Whether you’re serving them for dinner tonight or preparing them for a crowd, these sandwiches are sure to become a family favorite. Messy, flavorful, and totally satisfying, this is one recipe you’ll want to make over and over again. Enjoy every bite!

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