Big Mac Sloppy Joes

A deliciously messy mash-up of two comfort food classics, these Big Mac Sloppy Joes bring the beloved flavors of a Big Mac into a warm, toasty sandwich form. Loaded with seasoned ground beef, tangy sauce, melty cheese, pickles, and shredded lettuce, they’re perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual weekend meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a crowd-pleaser that hits all the right nostalgic notes—savory beef, creamy sauce, crisp toppings, and melted American cheese—all stacked between toasted hamburger buns. They’re fast to prepare, easy to customize, and bring a fast food favorite home without the drive-thru. Perfect for families, meal prepping, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish

• 1 tablespoon minced onion

• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon white vinegar

• 1 teaspoon sugar

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

For the Sloppy Joes:

• 1½ pounds ground beef

• ½ cup diced onion

• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• ½ cup beef broth

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch

• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembling:

• 6 hamburger buns

• 6 slices American cheese

• Shredded lettuce (optional)

• Sliced pickles (optional)

Directions

1. Make the Sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together all sauce ingredients until well combined. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the rest of the meal to let the flavors meld.

2. Cook the Beef
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up as it cooks. Once mostly browned, add diced onion and sauté until soft.

3. Season the Beef
   Stir in mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. Cook for 1 more minute to combine the flavors.

4. Thicken the Mixture
   In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch. Pour into the skillet and stir. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Toast the Buns
   Set your oven to broil. Arrange the buns cut-side-up on a baking sheet. Toast for 1–2 minutes until golden. You can butter them beforehand for extra flavor.

6. Melt the Cheese
   Add a slice of American cheese to the top half of each bun and return to the oven briefly—just until the cheese begins to melt.

7. Assemble the Sloppy Joes
   Spread a generous amount of Big Mac sauce on both the top and bottom buns. Layer the bottom with sliced pickles (if using), then scoop on the beef mixture. Add shredded lettuce on top (if desired), and finish with the cheesy top bun.

8. Serve
   Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your flavorful Big Mac-style Sloppy Joes!

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories per serving: ~530 kcal (estimated)

Variations

• Double-decker style: Use an extra slice of bun in the middle for a true “Big Mac” feel.

• Make it spicy: Add a splash of hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.

• Use ground turkey: Lighten it up by substituting ground turkey or chicken.

• Add onions raw: Add thinly sliced raw onions for a sharper crunch if you prefer.

• Ditch the bun: Serve the meat mixture over rice, baked potatoes, or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftover meat and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Reheat the meat mixture in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Toast fresh buns just before serving. Stir the sauce and reapply it fresh during assembly.

Freezing:
You can freeze the cooked meat mixture for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

FAQs

Can I make the Big Mac sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce actually gets better with time. You can make it up to 3 days in advance and keep it in the fridge.

What kind of buns should I use?

Standard hamburger buns work great, but brioche or sesame seed buns add extra flavor and texture.

Can I use pre-made Thousand Island dressing instead?

You can, but homemade Big Mac sauce gives the most authentic flavor and is easy to make.

How do I keep the sloppy joes from getting soggy?

Toast the buns and serve immediately after assembling to prevent sogginess.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! You can skip the pickles or chili flakes and adjust the sauce sweetness to suit younger palates.

Can I make this without cheese?

Yes, the cheese adds richness but can be omitted or replaced with a dairy-free alternative.

How spicy is the sauce?

It’s mild as written. You can add chili flakes or hot sauce to give it more heat.

Can I use shredded cheese instead of slices?

Yes, shredded cheddar or American cheese works fine—just melt it on the buns under the broiler.

Can I cook this in advance?

Yes, prepare the beef mixture ahead and refrigerate. Assemble and toast the buns fresh before serving.

Is this freezer-friendly?

The beef mixture freezes well, but the buns and toppings should be prepared fresh.

Conclusion

Big Mac Sloppy Joes are the perfect combination of fast food nostalgia and home-cooked comfort. With juicy, flavorful beef, creamy sauce, and all your favorite burger toppings on a toasted bun, this easy meal is guaranteed to satisfy. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or just craving something fun and filling, this recipe is sure to earn a permanent spot on your weeknight dinner rotation.

Print