Big Mac Sloppy Joes bring all the flavors of your favorite burger into a fun and messy dish! With ground beef, cheese, pickles, and that special sauce, it’s a real winner.
These are perfect for gatherings because everyone loves a good Sloppy Joe! Plus, who doesn’t enjoy a burger that doesn’t mind if you get a little messy? I know I do! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I use lean ground beef to reduce grease. If you’re looking for a healthier option, lean ground turkey or chicken works well too. Plant-based ground meat can also be a great alternative.
Onion: Finely chopped yellow or white onions add sweetness and flavor. If you’re not an onion fan, try green onions for a milder taste or skip them altogether.
Dill Pickles: Dill pickles bring that zesty crunch. If you prefer a sweeter taste, you can substitute with bread and butter pickles. Chopped green olives can also give a nice twist.
Cheddar Cheese: I like using sharp cheddar for its bold flavor. If you want to switch it up, American cheese melts beautifully or pepper jack can add a nice kick.
Burger Buns: Sesame seed buns are classic, but feel free to use whole wheat or even gluten-free buns if you need. Just make sure they can hold the filling!
How Can I Make Sure My Beef Mixture is Flavorful?
The key to a flavorful Sloppy Joe is in the mixing and simmering of ingredients. Start by browning the ground beef well. This adds depth to the flavor. After that, sauté the onions until they’re soft and translucent—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Don’t rush this step!
- Once the onions are cooked, stir in the dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Let everything simmer together for at least 5 minutes. This is where the flavors meld beautifully—don’t skip this stage!
- Always taste before serving. A pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can make a big difference!
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Big Mac Special Sauce (for assembling)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Big Mac Sloppy Joes recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and 20 minutes cooking and assembling the dish. Quick and tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s browned, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Make sure to break it apart as it cooks. Once it’s nicely browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Sauté the Onion:
Now, add the finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté it together with the beef for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the onion softens and turns slightly translucent. Stir it occasionally to make sure everything cooks evenly.
3. Mix the Sauce and Seasoning:
Next, it’s time to flavor the meat! Stir in the chopped dill pickles, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes so the flavors can blend and the mixture is heated through.
4. Toast the Burger Buns:
While your beef mixture is simmering, you can toast the sesame seed burger buns. You can do this in a toaster or place them on a skillet over low heat, just until they’re golden brown. This adds a nice crunch!
5. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Time to put it all together! Take the bottom half of each toasted bun and place a slice of cheddar cheese on top. Then, add a generous scoop of the beef mixture right over the cheese. Don’t be shy—make it nice and hearty!
6. Add Toppings and Finish Up:
Top off your Sloppy Joes with a handful of shredded lettuce. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle some Big Mac Special Sauce on top before placing the top half of the bun over everything.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Big Mac Sloppy Joes are ready to be enjoyed! Serve them immediately with your favorite sides, like crispy fries or a fresh salad. Dig in and have fun eating this delicious twist on a classic!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute and will work well in this recipe. Just remember that it might have less fat than beef, so you may want to add a dash of olive oil to the skillet while browning it to keep things moist and flavorful.
What Can I Substitute for Dill Pickles?
If you don’t have dill pickles on hand, sweet pickles or relish can work as an alternative. If you prefer something less sweet, try using chopped green olives or just omit the pickles entirely and add a bit more Worcestershire sauce for flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Big Mac Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through. For best results, assemble fresh sandwiches just before serving to maintain the bun’s texture.
Can I Make These Sloppy Joes Spicier?
Definitely! For a kick of spice, you can add diced jalapeños to the meat mixture while it’s cooking, or stir in some hot sauce along with the ketchup and mustard. Adjust the amount to your heat preference!
