Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic burger! They mix ground beef with tasty Big Mac flavors like pickles, special sauce, and cheese, all served on soft buns.
These messy sandwiches are sure to make everyone smile at the dinner table. I love to add extra pickles because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t like a bit of crunch? 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star ingredient. You can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based options like lentils or beyond meat if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Sloppy Joe Seasoning: A store-bought packet is convenient, but you can make your own with ingredients like chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, brown sugar, and a touch of mustard for flavor. It’s a fun way to customize the taste!
Mayonnaise & Ketchup: If you’re looking to cut calories, try Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise. For ketchup, organic or sugar-free varieties work well without sacrificing taste.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar gives that classic flavor, but feel free to swap in American cheese for that authentic fast-food taste. Vegan cheese is also a great option if you’re avoiding dairy.
Hamburger Buns: Sesame seed buns are traditional, but any soft burger bun will do. Whole wheat or gluten-free buns are excellent alternatives that cater to different diets.
How Do You Make Sure Your Sloppy Joes Are Packed with Flavor?
Building flavor in your Big Mac Sloppy Joes starts with browning the ground beef well. This step not only cooks the meat but enhances the overall taste. Follow these tips:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the beef. This helps to create a nice sear.
- Don’t rush—let it brown nicely, stirring occasionally for even cooking.
- When adding the seasoning mix and water, make sure to scrape the bottom of the skillet to lift any browned bits, adding extra flavor to your sauce.
Also, remember to taste and adjust salt and pepper at the end to suit your preference. Every little touch counts!
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 packet of Sloppy Joe seasoning mix (or homemade blend)
- 1 cup water
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Big Mac Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
For Assembly:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes preparing the ingredients and cooking the beef mixture, with another 15 minutes for assembly and toasting the buns. Perfect for a cozy dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring occasionally, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any extra fat from the skillet to keep things neat and tasty.
2. Adding Flavors:
Now, sprinkle the Sloppy Joe seasoning mix over the cooked beef. Pour in 1 cup of water and stir everything together until well mixed. Let this simmer for about 5 minutes on low heat, allowing the flavors to meld and the mixture to thicken slightly.
3. Making the Sauce:
While the beef is simmering, it’s time to whip up the Big Mac sauce! In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish. Stir these ingredients together until smooth and well combined, then set aside for later.
4. Toasting the Buns:
Next, toast the sesame seed hamburger buns. You can do this in a toaster or on a skillet until they are golden brown. This step adds a nice crunch to your sandwiches!
5. Assembling Your Sandwiched Delight:
To put your Big Mac Sloppy Joes together, take the bottom half of each toasted bun and spread a generous amount of the Big Mac sauce over it. Place a slice of cheddar cheese on top, then layer on a hearty scoop of the beef mixture, and finish with shredded lettuce for crunch.
6. Serving Up:
Cap it off with the top half of the bun, and there you have it—your very own Big Mac Sloppy Joes! Serve them hot and enjoy your delicious meal with family or friends. Yum!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly until it’s no longer pink, as turkey may take a little longer to cook than beef. You might want to add a bit more seasoning, as ground turkey is milder in flavor.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To turn these Big Mac Sloppy Joes into a vegetarian dish, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or lentils. If using lentils, cook them until soft before mixing in the seasoning. You might need to adjust the water amount according to the texture of the meat substitute you choose.
Can I Prepare the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! The mayonnaise mixture can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before using to re-blend the ingredients and enhance the flavors.
How Do I Store Leftover Sloppy Joes?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm the beef mixture on the stove until heated through, or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. It’s best to keep the buns separate until you’re ready to enjoy them again to maintain their texture.
