Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Big Mac Sloppy Joes are the perfect marriage of two of my favorite foods! This quick and easy recipe is a fun twist on traditional classic Sloppy Joe and is always, always, always a hit with the whole family at dinnertime.

Why This Recipe Works

• If you love Big Macs, this fun twist on sloppy joes is a no brainer!
• So comforting and yummy (I could eat 5 of these in one sitting!).
• A delicious and fun treat for kids, and adults, at a party.
• Quick, easy recipe that’s done in under 30 minutes. Great for busy weeknights.

If you love Big Macs, then this fun twist on Sloppy Joes is a no-brainer. These Big Mac Sloppy Joes combine two of America’s favorite foods into one comforting sandwich that is so yummy, I could easily eat 5 in one sitting. If that number seems oddly specific, there’s no particular reason.

These Sloppy Macs are done in under 30 minutes and are always a hit as part of a family dinner or a big game day party. Speaking of parties, these scrumptious sandwiches make the perfect kids’ party food and there is never any leftovers. Even with a double batch!

Big Mac Sloppy Joe Ingredients

This big mac sloppy joes recipe uses fresh ingredients for the best flavor.

Ground beef – Use regular GB or lean ground beef. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner recipe.

Onion – White or yellow onion will work best.

Garlic – Fresh, minced.

Worcestershire sauce – A delicious ingredient that adds flavor depth, but can omit if desired or use an anchovy free version.

Mayonnaise – Replace with Greek yogurt for a slimmer version.

Sweet pickle relish – The magic ingredient.

Yellow mustard

Seasonings – Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Sesame seed buns – Because that’s how Mickey D does it!

Iceberg lettuce – Chopped or shredded.

American cheese – Or your fave melty variety.

Dill pickles – I prefer using pickle chips but you can chop spears.

How to Make Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes

This easy ground beef dinner recipe comes together so fast – under 30 minutes! See the full instructions at the bottom of the recipe for exact temps and times.

Step 1

Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until no longer pink. Drain excess grease if needed. 

Add onion and garlic and cook until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper to the cooked meat and stir to combine. 

Remove from heat.

Step 2

In a small bowl, combine the mayo, sweet relish, mustard, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder. 

Stir to combine.

Step 3

Spread a generous amount of the homemade Big Mac sauce on the insides of the bun (top and bottom). 

Add a small handful of chopped  or shredded iceberg lettuce on the bottom bun, followed by a slice of cheese, a few spoonfuls of the ground beef mixture, pickles and the top bun with sauce.

Repeat with remaining ingredients and serve immediately!

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Use an anchovy-free Worcester sauce if you are allergic or avoid fish.
• Add other traditional or nontraditional hamburger toppings, like diced tomatoes or sliced jalapenos, if you like.
• This recipe is great for more than just sandwiches. See some other serving options below.

How To Thicken Sloppy Joe Mixture

If you like your Sloppy Joe mixture on the thicker side you can do so by adding a cornstarch slurry a little at a time. Whisk 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. When the slurry is smooth, stir it into the meat mixture and heat for 5 minutes. Repeat if necessary.

What To Serve With Big Mac Sloppy Joes

These savory sandwiches go great with a wide variety of options. Here’s a few of my favorite sides to serve with them.

• Homemade Potato Chips 
• Air Fryer French Fries
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Classic Chopped Side Salad
• Fruit Salad 
• Potato Salad
• ACV Coleslaw

How To Eat Sloppy Joes Without Bread

There are plenty of ways to enjoy this recipe without serving it on a roll or bread. These are just a few awesome options!

• Lettuce wraps are a great lighter alternative to hamburger buns
• Cross McDonald’s and Chipotle and create a Big Mac salad “bowl” 
• Big mac fries or tater tots – so amazing!
• Pile spoonfuls over corn chips to create Big Mac Nachos
• Serve over a baked potato for a delicious and easy meal

Big Mac Sauce vs Thousand Island

While both are similar in flavor profile and share common ingredients, the biggest difference is that Thousand Island Dressing uses tomato paste or ketchup as a main ingredient whereas Big Mac sauce doesn’t – a common misconception about McDonald’s secret sauce. 

What To Do With Leftover Big Mac Sauce

Leftover burger sauce can be used as a dip for fries/chips/veggie sticks. Or use it as a creamy dressing for salads or wraps. It also makes a great dipping sauce for chicken nuggets or beef taquitos.

How to Store Leftovers

Allow sloppy joe mixture to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Store the ingredients like extra shredded lettuce separately from the leftover meat. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days

How to Reheat

Reheat sloppy joe mix in a microwave safe bowl for 2-3 minutes or until heated through.

You can also reheat on the stovetop over medium heat for about 7-10 minutes, stirring often, until heated through.

How To Freeze Sloppy Joe Meat

Place cooled mixture in a freezer safe bag and remove most of the air before sealing. Lay the bag flat on its side to conserve space during freezing. Use within 2-3 months and thaw completely in the fridge before reheating for best flavor.

More Easy Dinner Recipes

Herb Roasted Chicken with Vegetables
5 Ingredient Chili
Instant Pot Spaghetti
Slow Cooker Pesto Ranch Chicken

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