These Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic burger! Juicy ground beef is mixed with tangy sauce and served on soft buns, making them super tasty and messy in the best way.
Who doesn’t love a dish you can pile high with toppings? I love adding extra pickles and cheese—it’s like a burger party right on my plate! 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the dish. I like using lean ground beef to avoid excess grease. If you’re looking for alternatives, try ground turkey or even plant-based meat for a lighter option!
Shredded Lettuce: Adds a nice crunch. Iceberg or romaine works great. If you want to switch it up, spinach or arugula can offer a different taste and texture.
Diced Pickles: These add tanginess, reminiscent of a Big Mac. If you’re not a fan, sweet pickle relish or sliced cucumbers can serve as a good substitute, offering a different flavor profile.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: While cheddar gives a lovely richness, feel free to use American cheese for a creamier melt or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
Special Sauce: This sauce makes it flavorful! If you’re missing any ingredients, a simple mayo, ketchup, and mustard mix can work too. I often add a splash of hot sauce for a little kick.
How Do I Ensure My Beef is Perfectly Cooked and Flavored?
Cooking the ground beef well is essential! Start by heating your skillet to medium heat before adding the beef. This helps get a good sear, which locks in flavors. Break it up as it cooks, allowing for even browning.
- Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat. This keeps your sloppy joes from being greasy.
- Stir in onion powder, sugar, salt, and pepper after draining. The sugar balances the flavors and gives a nice hint of sweetness.
- Combine everything well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed.
Following these steps will help you achieve a tasty beef mixture that beautifully complements the toppings and sauce! Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup diced pickles
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Special Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon white vinegar
For the Assembly:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep and another 15 minutes for cooking, making a total of approximately 30 minutes. Quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet set over medium heat, add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned. Make sure to break the beef apart with a spoon while cooking. If there’s a lot of excess fat, drain it off to keep your dish nice and tasty.
2. Season the Beef:
Once the beef is cooked, sprinkle in the onion powder, sugar, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir to mix everything together so all that flavor gets into the beef.
3. Make the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, ketchup, and white vinegar. Stir until you have a smooth sauce that will bring that Big Mac flavor to your Sloppy Joes.
4. Mix in Cheese and Pickles:
Now, add the diced pickles and half of the shredded cheese to the skillet with the seasoned beef. Stir well until the cheese melts and everything is mixed nicely.
5. Toast the Buns:
Take your sesame seed burger buns and lightly toast them. You can use a griddle or place them in the oven for a few minutes until they’re just golden and warm.
6. Assemble Your Sloppy Joes:
Start with the bottom half of each toasted bun and spread on a generous amount of your special sauce. Then, spoon on the cheesy beef mixture, followed by a layer of shredded lettuce and the rest of the cheese.
7. Top and Serve:
Finish it off with the top half of the bun. Serve those delightful Sloppy Joes right away and enjoy every delicious bite of your Big Mac-inspired creation!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just be cautious not to overcook the turkey, as it can dry out more easily than beef. You might want to add a bit of extra seasoning to enhance the flavor!
What Can I Use Instead of Mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist! It will maintain the creaminess while adding a nutritious boost. You can also try using avocado for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop the mixture in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to warm evenly. You may want to toast fresh buns when you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers!
