Name: Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish; 1 tablespoon minced onion; 2 teaspoons yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1 1/2 pound ground beef; 1/2 cup diced onion; 1 tablespoon yellow mustard; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 cup beef broth; 2 teaspoon cornstarch; Salt and pepper to taste; 6 hamburger buns; 6 slices American cheese; Shredded lettuce (optional); Sliced pickles (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 3 reviews

If you have a soft spot for classic diner flavors mixed with the messy goodness of sloppy Joes, then you are absolutely going to adore this Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe. Imagine all the iconic elements of a Big Mac—the tangy pickles, creamy sauce, savory beef, and melty cheese—all tucked into a cozy, hand-held sloppy Joe style sandwich. It’s a fun, family-friendly dish that brings together the best of both worlds with ease and flavor that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two slices of toasted bread placed open-faced on a white plate over a white marbled surface. The slice on the left has a square slice of light orange cheese on top, showing a smooth texture and clean edges. The slice on the right is spread evenly with a creamy, light beige mixture that appears to have small bits of herbs or vegetables mixed in, giving it a slightly chunky texture. There is a woman's hand that seems to be about to assemble the sandwich. The overall look is simple and neat, with soft lighting highlighting the textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each component, from the creamy sauce to the seasoned beef, plays an essential part in recreating that Big Mac magic in sloppy Joe form.

Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the special sauce giving it that rich, smooth texture.
Sweet pickle relish: Adds a pop of color and a hint of sweetness with a classic crunch.
Minced onion: For a subtle bite that enhances the sauce’s flavor.
Yellow mustard: Provides a gentle tang that balances the savory notes.
White vinegar: Brings a bright acidity to cut through the richness.
Sugar: Just enough to mellow the flavors in the sauce perfectly.
Paprika: Adds warmth and a touch of earthiness to the sauce.
Garlic powder & onion powder: Essential savory seasonings that deepen flavor without overpowering.
Ground beef: The hearty foundation of the sloppy Joe mixture, delivering that meaty satisfaction.
Diced onion: Softened within the beef for natural sweetness and texture.
Worcestershire sauce: Brings in a rich umami kick to the meat blend.
Beef broth: Helps create a luscious sauce to keep every bite juicy.
Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce perfectly so it clings to the beef.
Hamburger buns: Soft and sturdy enough to hold the delicious mess.
American cheese slices: Melts on top for that gooey, cheesy appeal.
Shredded lettuce and sliced pickles (optional): Adds freshness and crunch just like the original Big Mac.

How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Special Sauce

Begin by mixing mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, minced onion, yellow mustard, white vinegar, sugar, paprika, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl. This sauce is the heart of your Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe, and letting it chill in the fridge while you cook allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef with Onions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Break it up gently with a spatula as it browns. When it’s nearly cooked through, toss in the diced onion and cook until softened. This step builds the savory base that makes these Sloppy Joes irresistibly meaty and flavorful.

Step 3: Add Seasonings and Worcestershire Sauce

Sprinkle in yellow mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and cook for another minute to bloom those flavors, making your kitchen smell downright wonderful.

Step 4: Thicken the Mixture

Mix beef broth with cornstarch in a small bowl to dissolve the cornstarch, then pour it into the skillet. Keep stirring and cooking until the beef mixture thickens slightly into a saucy, rich consistency. Taste and add salt and pepper if needed to get the perfect balance.

Step 5: Toast the Buns and Assemble

Set your oven to broil and place the hamburger buns cut side up on a baking sheet. Toast them lightly for that perfect crispness. Spread your special sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Lay a slice of American cheese on the top half, then pop it back in the oven to melt slightly. Add pickles to the bottom bun, spoon on the beef mixture, and top with shredded lettuce if you like. Cap it with the cheesy top bun and get ready to dive in!

How to Serve Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe

A close-up view of a hamburger on a white plate placed on a white marbled cloth. The burger has four main layers: a glossy light brown top bun, a layer of melted creamy sauce dripping down, crumbled brown cooked beef with some texture, fresh shredded green lettuce below the beef, and a soft light brown bottom bun slightly squished from a bite taken out of it. In the blurred background, there are some yellow fries and light green lettuce on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh shredded lettuce and tangy pickle slices are traditional garnishes that brighten up the richness of the beef and sauce. You can also add a few extra pickle slices on the side for that authentic Big Mac crunch that we all love.

Side Dishes

Classic comfort bites like crispy French fries or crunchy pickle spears complement the Big Mac Sloppy Joes perfectly. For a lighter option, a simple coleslaw or side salad with a zesty vinaigrette adds freshness without stealing the show.

Creative Ways to Present

Feeling playful? Serve the Big Mac Sloppy Joes open-faced on toasted buns for a fun twist or stuff the beef mixture into small slider buns to make bite-sized party snacks. Another option is to pile the delicious mixture over crispy potato chips for an indulgent dip experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooked and cooled, store any leftover Big Mac Sloppy Joes mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep buns separate to avoid sogginess, and reheat only the beef mixture when ready to serve.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion the beef mixture into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it’s too thick. Warm the buns separately in the oven or toaster to keep them fresh and toasty before assembling your sandwich again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in this Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe?

Absolutely! While ground beef is traditional here, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly.

Is the special sauce in the recipe similar to Big Mac sauce?

Yes! The sauce combines classic Big Mac ingredients like mayo, relish, and spices to replicate that familiar tangy flavor we all crave, making this sloppy Joe version a winner.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, making the sauce a few hours or even a day ahead allows the flavors to blend even better, enhancing the overall taste of your Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe.

What’s the best way to keep the buns from getting soggy?

To avoid soggy buns, toast them under the broiler just before assembling and spread a layer of the special sauce on both sides to form a moisture barrier. Also, assemble the sandwiches just before serving.

Are there any vegetarian alternatives to this recipe?

Yes, you can use plant-based ground meat substitutes or lentils instead of beef for a vegetarian version. The sauce and toppings can remain the same to keep that Big Mac vibe intact.

Final Thoughts

Bringing together the nostalgic flavors of a Big Mac with the comfort of sloppy Joes, this Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe is an absolute crowd-pleaser you have to try. It’s a fun, saucy, cheesy, and deliciously satisfying meal that transforms dinnertime into a joy-filled event. So gather the ingredients, follow the simple steps, and treat yourself and your family to this unforgettable sandwich experience!