These Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic burger! With seasoned ground beef, pickles, and a special sauce, they’re messy and oh-so-tasty—just like a Big Mac!
Who doesn’t love a good messy meal? I always keep extra napkins on hand! Serve these on a bun and maybe add some fries on the side for a perfect pairing.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: I use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and moisture. If you lean towards healthier options, ground turkey or chicken is a good substitute. Just remember, they can be drier, so keep an eye on cooking times.
Onions: Diced onions add a nice sweetness and depth. If you want something milder, try using green onions or skip them altogether. Shallots can also work, offering a gentler flavor.
Pickles/Relish: The crunch from pickles is essential! Choose dill pickles for tanginess. If you’re out, relish or even chopped olives can add a unique flavor twist.
Ketchup & mustard: These two bring the classic sloppy joe taste. You can use sugar-free ketchup for a lighter option, and if you’re out of yellow mustard, Dijon works well and adds a nice kick!
Cheddar cheese: I love the flavor of sharp cheddar. If you prefer something milder, try American cheese; it melts wonderfully. Vegan cheese can be a good choice for dairy-free diets.
Buns: Sesame seed buns are perfect for this recipe, but you can use any hamburger buns. For a lighter bread, try lettuce wraps or even whole-grain buns for added nutrition.
How Do I Make the Beef Mixture Extra Delicious?
Browning ground beef and getting the mix just right is key to this recipe. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet over medium heat. This helps the beef cook evenly.
- Add the diced onions to the skillet right away; they’ll caramelize with the beef, adding sweetness.
- Stir frequently to break up the beef, and cook until it’s no longer pink, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Mix in all the other ingredients thoroughly. The vinegar and Worcestershire sauce add a tasty punch!
- Simmer on low for 5-10 minutes so flavors meld and the sauce thickens a bit. Be patient; this step is worth it!
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onions
- 1/2 cup diced pickles (or relish)
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
For Serving:
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- Optional: additional pickles for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping and cooking the beef mixture, plus a little time to toast the buns. It’s a quick and satisfying meal ready for the whole family to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with the diced onions. Cook them together until the beef is browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to drain any excess fat so your Sloppy Joes are nice and lean.
2. Mixing in the Flavors:
Once the beef is cooked, it’s time to add in the good stuff! Add the diced pickles (or relish), ketchup, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well mixed and deliciously coated!
3. Simmering to Thicken:
Lower the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 5-10 minutes. This will help everything thicken up nicely and blend the flavors together beautifully.
4. Toasting the Buns:
While your Sloppy Joe filling simmers, you can toast the sesame seed hamburger buns. You can either use a separate pan or place them under a broiler until they turn golden and crisp. This extra step makes your sandwiches even more delicious!
5. Assembling the Sloppy Joes:
Now it’s time to put it all together! Place the bottom half of each bun on a plate. Add a slice of cheddar cheese on top, then a generous scoop of the sloppy joe mixture followed by a handful of shredded lettuce. Finally, cap it off with the top bun.
6. Serving and Enjoying:
Your Big Mac Sloppy Joes are ready to be served! If you like, you can garnish with additional pickles on the side. Dig in and enjoy this fun twist on a classic meal!
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to beef. Just be mindful that they may cook a bit faster, so keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking. You can follow the same instructions, just ensure the meat is fully cooked before adding the other ingredients.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or use cooked lentils or mushrooms for added texture. You’ll follow the same steps but be sure to adjust seasoning to enhance the flavors of the plant-based ingredients.
Can I Prepare the Sloppy Joe Filling in Advance?
Yes, you can! Cook the beef mixture up to 2 days ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat it on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it seems too thick.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Sloppy Joes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the sloppy joe filling for up to 3 months. Just defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating on the stove or microwave!
