Epic Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe

The Perfect Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe for Fast Food Lovers

Crafting the ultimate big mac sloppy joes brings all the iconic fast-food flavors right into your kitchen.

Burger lovers will go crazy for this reimagined classic dish.

Creamy, tangy, and packed with familiar tastes, these sloppy joes capture everything people adore about the famous sandwich.

Layers of seasoned ground beef mingle with special sauce, creating a mouthwatering experience.

Melted cheese adds an irresistible touch to this crowd-pleasing meal.

Each bite promises a delicious twist on a beloved burger.

You cannot wait to dig into this seriously delectable dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What Makes Big Mac Sloppy Joes So Tasty

  • Craft a Crowd-Pleaser: Recreate the beloved Big Mac at home with simple ingredients and minimal cooking skills, perfect for satisfying burger cravings without a restaurant trip.
  • Speed Through Preparation: Quickly assemble this classic burger in under half an hour, making it an ideal solution for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous meal cravings.
  • Master Customizable Comfort: Easily adjust ingredients to suit personal tastes, swap out meats, or modify sauce intensity, creating a personalized version of the iconic burger that everyone will love.
  • Budget-Friendly Feast: Transform affordable ground beef and pantry staples into a restaurant-quality meal that feeds multiple people without breaking the bank, proving homemade can be both delicious and economical.

All You Need For Big Mac Sloppy Joes

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef, Ground Chuck: A rich, flavorful meat base that provides the hearty foundation of the burger.
For the Sauce:
  • Thousand Island Dressing: A creamy, tangy condiment that adds signature Big Mac flavor.
  • Ketchup: Provides a sweet and slightly acidic taste to the sauce.
  • Yellow Mustard: Brings a sharp, zesty kick to the sauce.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami flavor to the meat mixture.
For the Seasonings:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhance the overall savory profile of the meat.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and intensify the flavors.
For the Bun Components:
  • Hamburger Buns: The classic bread vehicle for the burger.
  • Sesame Seeds: Provide a traditional Big Mac topping with added texture.
For the Cheese and Toppings:
  • American Cheese: Offers a creamy, melty layer that complements the meat.
  • Shredded Lettuce, Diced Pickles, Diced White Onions: Fresh toppings that add crunch and traditional Big Mac garnish.

How To Put Together Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Toss ground beef and ground chuck into a large skillet. Break the meat into tiny crumbles while cooking over medium-high heat. Cook until the meat is completely browned with no pink showing, which takes about 8-10 minutes.

Step 2: Remove Excess Fat

Drain all the greasy liquid from the cooked meat. Return the skillet to the stovetop.

Step 3: Whip Up the Special Sauce

Grab a mixing bowl and combine these ingredients:
  • Thousand island dressing
  • Ketchup
  • Yellow mustard
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk everything together until well blended.

Step 4: Coat the Meat with Sauce

Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked meat. Stir continuously to ensure every piece gets evenly coated. Let the flavors mingle for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Toast the Buns

Crisp up the hamburger buns in a separate pan or under the broiler. Toast until they turn golden and have a satisfying crunch, which takes about 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Add Sesame Seed Crunch

Sprinkle sesame seeds over the toasted bun tops to create that classic burger texture.

Step 7: Melt the Cheese

Place a slice of american cheese on each bun. The warmth from the meat will help it slightly melt.

Step 8: Load Up the Meat

Spoon the saucy meat mixture generously over the melted cheese, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 9: Add Classic Toppings

Crown each sandwich with:
  • Shredded lettuce
  • Diced pickles
  • Diced white onions

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the burgers immediately while the meat is hot and the buns are crispy. Dive into this legendary burger experience!

Best Tips For Big Mac Sloppy Joes

  • Meat Mastery: Combine ground beef and chuck for richer flavor and optimal texture, ensuring no pink remains during browning.
  • Sauce Success: Whisk dressing, ketchup, mustard, and seasonings thoroughly to create a perfectly balanced signature sauce that coats the meat evenly.
  • Bun Brilliance: Lightly toast buns under the broiler or in a pan, sprinkling sesame seeds for an authentic Big Mac crunch and traditional look.
  • Cheese Charm: Layer american cheese directly on warm meat to create a slight melt, enhancing the sandwich's creamy texture.
  • Garnish Greatness: Add crisp shredded lettuce, tangy diced pickles, and sharp white onions for classic Big Mac-style freshness and crunch.

Fun Ideas For Big Mac Sloppy Joes

  • Lean Protein Swap: Replace ground beef and chuck with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, lower-fat version of the classic burger.
  • Vegetarian Big Mac: Substitute meat with plant-based crumbles, impossible burger patties, or grilled portobello mushrooms for a meat-free alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free hamburger buns or lettuce wraps instead of traditional sesame seed buns to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Low-Carb Option: Skip the bun entirely and serve the saucy meat mixture over a bed of fresh mixed greens or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly meal.

Sides That Pair With Big Mac Sloppy Joes

  • Crisp Sidekick Pairing: Perfectly golden, thin-cut french fries complement the burger's rich, tangy meat sauce with their salty crunch and classic fast-food vibe.
  • Refreshing Beverage Match: Ice-cold cola cuts through the burger's heavy flavor, its carbonation and sweetness balancing the savory meat and zesty sauce.
  • Tangy Coleslaw Companion: Fresh, creamy coleslaw with a hint of vinegar provides a cool, crunchy contrast to the warm, saucy burger, adding textural excitement.
  • Pickle Lover's Delight: Extra dill pickle spears on the side echo the burger's pickle garnish, intensifying the signature tangy flavor profile and offering additional crunch.

How To Store Big Mac Sloppy Joes The Right Way

  • Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, keeping sauce and meat together to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Transfer cooled meat mixture to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and store for up to 2-3 months without bun components.
  • Place meat mixture in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to prevent drying and ensure even warming.
  • Warm meat mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding small splash of water or extra sauce to restore moisture, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly and steaming.

Big Mac Sloppy Joes FAQ

  • What makes the sauce unique?

The signature sauce combines thousand island dressing, ketchup, yellow mustard, worcestershire sauce, and spices, creating a tangy and rich flavor that mimics the classic Big Mac sauce.

  • Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef and chuck with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, but the flavor profile will slightly change.

  • How do I prevent the meat from becoming dry?

Cook the meat over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles and draining excess fat to maintain moisture and prevent overcooking.

  • Are there any tips for achieving the best burger texture?

Use a mix of ground beef and chuck for better flavor, drain excess fat, and ensure the meat is thoroughly browned with no pink remaining for the best taste and texture.

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Epic Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe

Epic Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe


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4.9 from 20 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Classic Big Mac flavors melt into hearty Sloppy Joe sandwiches, creating an irresistible twist on two beloved American classics. Creamy special sauce, tangy pickles, and seasoned ground beef promise a mouthwatering experience that delivers comfort and nostalgia in every delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 lb ground chuck

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1/4 cup thousand island dressing
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp yellow mustard
  • 1 tsp worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Bun and Toppings:

  • 4 hamburger buns
  • 4 slices american cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/4 cup diced pickles
  • 1/4 cup diced white onions
  • 2 tbsp sesame seeds (for bun topping)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet, combine ground beef and ground chuck, breaking the meat into small crumbles over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
  2. Drain excess fat from the meat, then return the skillet to the stovetop.
  3. Whisk together thousand island dressing, ketchup, yellow mustard, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl to create the signature sauce.
  4. Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked meat, stirring continuously to ensure even coating and allowing the flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Lightly toast hamburger buns in a separate pan or under the broiler until golden and crisp, approximately 1-2 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle sesame seeds on the toasted bun tops for added texture and traditional Big Mac flavor.
  7. Layer each bun with a slice of american cheese, allowing it to slightly melt from the warm meat.
  8. Generously spoon the saucy meat mixture over the cheese, ensuring an even distribution.
  9. Top each sandwich with shredded lettuce, diced pickles, and diced white onions for classic Big Mac-style garnish.
  10. Serve immediately while the meat is warm and the buns are crisp, enjoying the iconic flavor profile of the beloved burger.

Notes

  • Customize meat blend by adjusting beef-to-chuck ratio for desired richness and texture.
  • Drain meat thoroughly to prevent soggy sandwich base and reduce excess grease.
  • Experiment with homemade thousand island dressing for enhanced flavor complexity.
  • Adjust sauce consistency by adding more ketchup or dressing to achieve desired moisture level.
  • Toast buns lightly to maintain structural integrity and prevent sogginess during serving.
  • Replace american cheese with cheddar or plant-based alternatives for dietary variations.
  • Use lettuce wraps instead of buns for low-carb or gluten-free options.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand for quick weeknight meal or game day gathering.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 525
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 950 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 43 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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