Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe with Special Sauce Recipe

ByLily Monroe
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Introduction

If you love the classic flavors of a Big Mac but want something quick and easy, these Big Mac Sloppy Joes are perfect. Packed with cheesy, savory beef and a tangy special sauce, they make a fun twist on a family favorite.

A close-up of a burger on a white plate set on a white marbled surface, showing three main layers: the top soft, golden-brown bun with a smooth texture; below it, a thick layer of moist, crumbled cooked ground meat mixed with melted yellow cheese, covered generously with creamy, slightly pink sauce with small spice flecks; and at the bottom, a slightly toasted soft white bun. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 hamburger buns, toasted
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tsp pickle relish
  • ½ tsp white vinegar
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder
  • Optional: sliced pickles
  • Optional: shredded lettuce

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Prepare the special sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Step 3: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to season the meat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Lower the heat to medium-low and sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef mixture. Stir until the cheese melts and is fully incorporated.
  5. Step 5: Lightly toast the hamburger buns on a baking sheet in a preheated oven or on a skillet until golden brown, if desired.
  6. Step 6: Spread a generous layer of the special sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture on top, then add sliced pickles and shredded lettuce if using. Place the top bun to finish.
  7. Step 7: Serve the sloppy joes warm with your favorite sides and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

  • For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
  • Try adding a dash of hot sauce to the special sauce for a spicy kick.
  • Swap cheddar for American cheese for a more classic Big Mac flavor.
  • Make it vegetarian by replacing meat with cooked lentils or plant-based crumbles.

Storage

Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. Keep buns separate to prevent sogginess and assemble just before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a thick, juicy burger on a white plate, sitting on a white marbled surface. The burger has five visible layers from bottom to top: a soft, light brown bun base; a creamy orange sauce spread on the bottom bun; a large, textured beef patty mixed with small bits of cheese melting on top; a smooth, bright orange layer of melted cheddar cheese that drapes over the beef; a thick layer of creamy beige sauce with small black specks and several sliced green pickles on top; and finally, a soft golden-brown top bun sprinkled with small green herb pieces. Some sauce has dripped onto the plate, adding to the juicy and rich look of the burger. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the special sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the special sauce can be made a day in advance and kept refrigerated in a sealed container. This helps the flavors meld together even more.

What sides go well with Big Mac Sloppy Joes?

Classic sides like French fries, coleslaw, or a simple green salad complement these sloppy joes nicely.

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Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe with Special Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 77 reviews

This Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes recipe brings the nostalgic flavors of the classic Big Mac into a fun and messy sandwich that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Ground beef cooked with diced onions and seasoned with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, is melted with cheddar cheese to create a rich, savory filling. The special sauce, combining mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, vinegar, and spices, adds the iconic tangy and creamy flavor reminiscent of the famous burger. Served on toasted hamburger buns and optionally topped with sliced pickles and shredded lettuce, these sloppy joes deliver a deliciously comforting meal with a twist.

  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sloppy Joes:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 6 hamburger buns, toasted

For the Special Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 2 tsp pickle relish
  • ½ tsp white vinegar
  • ¼ tsp paprika
  • ¼ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp onion powder

Optional Toppings:

  • Sliced pickles
  • Shredded lettuce

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Set this sauce aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the rest of the dish.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef along with the finely diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned thoroughly and the onions are tender. Then, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy sandwich. Season the cooked beef mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, mixing well to distribute the seasoning.
  3. Add Cheese: Lower the heat to medium-low and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the cooked beef and onions. Stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and integrated with the meat, creating a creamy, cheesy filling for the sandwiches.
  4. Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns to add texture and prevent sogginess. You can do this by placing them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven or toasting them in a hot skillet until they turn golden brown and slightly crisp.
  5. Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Take the bottom half of each toasted bun and spread a generous layer of the special sauce. Then, spoon a hearty portion of the cheesy beef mixture on top. Add sliced pickles and shredded lettuce if desired for added crunch and freshness. Finally, place the top half of the bun over the fillings to complete the sandwich.
  6. Serve: Serve the Big Mac Sloppy Joes warm alongside your favorite side dishes, such as fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad, for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • For extra authenticity, consider adding a slice of American cheese in addition to the cheddar cheese.
  • Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the special sauce to suit your taste preferences, adding more pickle relish or mustard if desired.
  • To make it a little healthier, use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken.
  • The buns can be toasted in a skillet with a little butter for extra flavor.
  • Leftover sloppy joe mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated before serving.

Keywords: Big Mac, Sloppy Joes, ground beef sandwich, special sauce, cheesy sloppy joes, easy dinner recipe

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