Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a tasty twist on the classic sloppy joe! They mix ground beef with delicious Big Mac flavors like cheese, pickles, and special sauce, all on a soft bun.
These messy, juicy sandwiches are perfect for a fun dinner with family or friends. I love making them on busy nights—the easy prep means more time for everyone to enjoy messy bites together!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I always use 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and juiciness. If you want a leaner option, turkey or chicken can work, though they might lead to a drier result, so consider adding some extra mayonnaise.
Onions: Finely chopped onions add great flavor. You can swap them for shallots for a milder taste, or omit them entirely if you’re not a fan.
Dill Pickles: These add that iconic tang. You can replace them with sweet pickles if you prefer a sweeter flavor, or use relish as an alternative.
Ketchup and Mustard: These are key for that classic Sloppy Joe taste. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, try substituting sugar-free ketchup and mustard to cut down on sugar.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives a nice melty texture. Feel free to use American cheese for a creamier feel, or even a pepper jack for some heat!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor Blends in Your Sloppy Joes?
The cooking process for the sloppy joe mixture is essential for flavor development. After browning the beef, adding the onions to it helps the onions soften and sweeten, giving the dish a rich base.
- Start with medium heat to cook the beef until browned; this helps develop nice flavors.
- Don’t rush the onions—let them cook until soft before adding the pickles and condiments.
- Mix everything well and let it simmer on low; this creates a delicious, cohesive flavor profile. Aim for 5-10 minutes.
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, diced
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably sesame seed)
- 4 slices of cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
Flavorful Additions:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 15 minutes for cooking, totaling around 25 minutes. It’s quick, easy, and full of juicy flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef:
Start by placing a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Sautéing the Onions:
Next, add the finely chopped onions to the skillet with the ground beef. Cook and sauté them for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and fragrant.
3. Mixing in the Sauces:
Now it’s time to add in the fun flavors! Stir in the diced pickles, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together well. Lower the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so all the delicious flavors can meld together.
4. Toasting the Buns:
While the mixture simmers, you can toast the hamburger buns if you’d like. Just place them on a separate pan or grill them for a few minutes until they’re lightly golden. This adds to the yummy texture!
5. Assembling the Sloppy Joes:
To put it all together, start with the bottom half of each toasted bun. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on each one. Then, spoon the beef mixture generously over the cheese, letting those tasty juices soak in a bit. Top it off with a handful of shredded lettuce.
6. Serving:
Finally, close each sandwich with the top half of the bun and serve immediately. Enjoy your Big Mac Sloppy Joes that are bursting with flavor and reminiscent of the classic burger—just in a fun, sloppy form!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef. Just be sure to cook it until fully browned and any moisture is evaporated to maintain the right texture. You may want to add a little extra seasoning to enhance the flavor, as turkey and chicken can be milder than beef.
What If I Don’t Have Apple Cider Vinegar?
No worries! You can use white vinegar or even lemon juice as a substitute for apple cider vinegar. These alternatives will provide a similar tanginess to the dish. Just start with a little less than the recipe calls for, taste, and adjust if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat alternatives, like lentils or chickpeas, for a hearty vegetarian version. Just sauté the veggies and mix them in with the sauces as instructed. Adding in some extra spices can elevate the flavor further!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave. You can assemble fresh sandwiches at that time by toasting new buns for the best taste!
