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Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe with Special Sauce Recipe

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.

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