This Big Mac Style Sloppy Joe is a fun twist on a classic! It’s all about ground beef mixed with special sauce, melted cheese, and crunchy pickles, all served on a bun.
You get the delicious flavors of a Big Mac without the fuss! Who doesn’t love messy hands and tasty bites? I can never stop at just one! 🍔
Making these is super easy—just cook the beef, mix in the sauce, and pile everything on a bun. It’s perfect for a laid-back dinner or game night!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: A classic choice, but you can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat if you’re looking for something lighter or vegetarian.
American Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully, but feel free to use cheddar, provolone, or your favorite cheese. Just make sure it melts well for that gooey goodness!
Pickles: Dill pickles give that tangy crunch. If you’re not a fan, try sweet pickles or omit them altogether and add some sliced jalapeños for a kick!
Sesame Seed Buns: Any hamburger bun works fine. If you’re watching your carbs, you could use lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
How Do I Make the Special Sauce Just Right?
The special sauce makes these sloppy joes feel like a Big Mac! Here’s how to get it perfect:
- Mix mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, and white vinegar for the base.
- Add garlic powder and onion powder for flavor; adjust to taste.
- For an extra zing, consider a pinch of paprika or even a splash of hot sauce.
This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. It’s great on burgers, sandwiches, and even as a dip!
Easy Big Mac Style Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup pickles, chopped
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish! You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the beef and mixing the special sauce, and then it’s just about assembling your delicious sandwiches. Perfect for a quick and hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef along with the diced onions. Cook until the beef is fully browned and cooked through, using a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess grease from the skillet.
2. Make the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This will be your Big Mac style special sauce, combining sweet, tangy, and creamy flavors.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the chopped pickles to the cooked beef mixture and stir everything together, so all those flavors meld beautifully. This creates the filling that packs in all the taste!
4. Toast the Buns:
Lightly toast the sesame seed buns until they’re golden brown. This gives your sloppy joes a nice crunch and keeps the buns from getting soggy.
5. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Spread a generous layer of the special sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Then, place a slice of American cheese on top of the sauce. Spoon the beef and pickle mixture on the cheese—this will melt the cheese slightly, adding to the deliciousness.
6. Add Shredded Lettuce:
Finish off each sandwich with a handful of shredded iceberg lettuce for that satisfying crunch. This not only adds freshness but also balances the richness of the beef and cheese.
7. Top and Serve:
Finally, place the top half of the bun over the lettuce, and voilà ! You’ve got yourself an Easy Big Mac Style Sloppy Joe. Serve immediately while everything is warm and melty. Enjoy your creation with a side of fries or chips!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. Just be mindful that it cooks slightly faster, so keep an eye on it while it’s browning to avoid overcooking.
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise in the Special Sauce?
If you’re looking for a healthier option or want to avoid mayonnaise, you can use Greek yogurt or a dairy-free mayonnaise to achieve a similar creaminess and tanginess!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture and special sauce in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat the beef mixture on the stovetop before serving!
How Should I Store Leftover Sloppy Joes?
Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a skillet or microwave before serving on fresh buns.
