Are you ready for a new twist on a classic? Big Mac Sloppy Joes combine the irresistible, messy joy of sloppy joes with the bold, mouthwatering flavors of a Big Mac! Imagine all the savory goodness of a Big Mac, served up as a juicy, sloppy joe on a toasted bun—this is the comfort food mashup you’ve been waiting for! It’s got everything you love: seasoned beef, creamy special sauce, and a melty cheese that brings it all together. So get ready to dig in, because these Big Mac Sloppy Joes are sure to become a favorite!
Why You’ll Love Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Here’s why these Big Mac Sloppy Joes are going to blow your mind:
- Classic Comfort with a Twist: If you love sloppy joes and Big Macs, this is the perfect combo. It’s like a fast-food meal you can enjoy at home, with all the flavors you crave in one dish.
- Quick and Easy: These come together fast, which makes them perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal without a lot of prep. Who doesn’t love an easy, delicious dinner?
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these sloppy joes! The flavors are familiar and comforting, and the gooey cheese and sauce are always a hit.
- Customizable: Want to add more veggies? Go ahead! You can sneak in some diced onions or lettuce for a bit of crunch. Make it your own!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: These Big Mac Sloppy Joes are great for leftovers. You can make a batch, store it in the fridge, and reheat it for a quick meal later in the week.

Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need for Big Mac Sloppy Joes:
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- Ground Beef: The base of the dish! Lean ground beef works best, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken if you prefer.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives this dish its aromatic richness.
- Ketchup: The key ingredient to get that tangy, slightly sweet flavor we all love in sloppy joes.
- Mustard: Adds a bit of sharpness to balance the sweetness of the ketchup.
- Worcestershire Sauce: For a savory kick that takes the flavor up a notch.
- Pickles: Diced pickles give a nice tangy crunch, just like the ones in a Big Mac.
- Cheese: Melted American cheese takes this dish to the next level and adds that signature cheesy goodness.
- Big Mac Sauce (or Special Sauce): The real star! Make your own, or use a store-bought version to give it that iconic Big Mac taste.
For Assembling the Sloppy Joes:
- Buns: Toasted hamburger buns or sesame seed buns work perfectly for these sloppy joes. They’ll soak up all the delicious sauce without falling apart.
- Lettuce: Shredded lettuce adds crunch and freshness, just like the Big Mac.
- Cheese Slices: If you want an extra cheesy bite, feel free to add another slice of cheese on top before serving.
(Note: Measurements for the ingredients are provided in the recipe card above.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into making these Big Mac Sloppy Joes!
Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Use a wooden spoon to break it up into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Add the Veggies:
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef, and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the onions are softened and fragrant.
Make the Sauce:
Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and diced pickles. Let the mixture simmer for 5-10 minutes, until it thickens and all the flavors meld together. If you like it saucy, you can add a bit more ketchup or Worcestershire sauce to adjust the consistency.
Stir in the Special Sauce:
Once the beef mixture is done simmering, stir in the Big Mac sauce (or your own special sauce). Mix well, and cook for another 2-3 minutes. This is where all the Big Mac magic happens!
Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Toast the buns lightly in the oven or on a skillet. Once the buns are golden brown, spoon the Big Mac sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with shredded lettuce and a slice of melted cheese. Place the top bun on, and your Big Mac Sloppy Joes are ready!
Serve & Enjoy:
Serve immediately while the sloppy joes are warm. Grab some napkins—you’re going to need them!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 (depending on portion size and specific ingredients used)
(Note: Nutritional content can vary based on the brands of ingredients used and portion sizes.)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
How to Serve Big Mac Sloppy Joes
These Big Mac Sloppy Joes are delicious on their own, but here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:
- With a Side of Fries: A classic! Serve your sloppy joes with crispy fries or potato wedges for a comforting, fast-food-style meal at home.
- Pickles on the Side: If you love pickles, serve some extra on the side for that tangy crunch.
- Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw pairs perfectly with the savory sloppy joes and adds a fresh, crunchy element to the meal.
- Salads: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the sloppy joes.
- Onion Rings: For an extra indulgent touch, serve your Big Mac Sloppy Joes with crispy onion rings.
Additional Tips
- Make It Spicy: If you like heat, add some jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sloppy joe mixture. It’ll give it a nice spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping the ground beef for plant-based ground meat or lentils for a similar texture.
- Use Leftovers: The Big Mac sloppy joe mixture can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well, so you can make a big batch and save some for later!
- Double the Recipe: If you’re feeding a crowd or want to have leftovers, simply double the ingredients. You’ll have enough to satisfy everyone!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based alternative would work just as well. You can adjust the seasonings as needed for the different meats.
Q2: How can I make the special sauce at home?
A2: You can easily make a simple Big Mac-style sauce with mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, and a bit of vinegar. Just mix it all together to taste!
Q3: Can I make these Big Mac Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can cook the filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and assemble on the toasted buns.
Q4: How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
A4: Toasting the buns helps prevent them from becoming soggy. You can also use a sturdy, thicker bun to hold up better to the filling.
Q5: Can I add more veggies to the sloppy joe mix?
A5: Absolutely! You can add diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or even spinach to the beef mixture for extra flavor and texture.
Q6: Can I make these in advance and freeze them?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the Big Mac sloppy joe filling for up to 3 months. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve and toast fresh buns.
Q7: How spicy are these sloppy joes?
A7: The original recipe isn’t spicy, but if you want some heat, feel free to add chili flakes, jalapeños, or hot sauce to the mix.
Q8: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A8: Yes! Just use gluten-free buns and ensure your special sauce is gluten-free (or make your own). The filling itself is naturally gluten-free.
Q9: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A9: Yes, you can prepare the special sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It’ll make assembling your sloppy joes even easier.
Q10: Can I use shredded cheese instead of slices?
A10: Absolutely! Shredded cheese will melt just as well as slices. Feel free to use whatever cheese you prefer.
Conclusion
Big Mac Sloppy Joes are the ultimate fusion of comfort food and fast food favorites. With their savory beef filling, creamy special sauce, and melty cheese, these messy, delicious sandwiches are sure to be a hit at your dinner table. They’re quick, easy, and packed with flavor, making them perfect for weeknights, parties, or any time you’re craving a fun, indulgent meal. Grab your buns, and get ready to enjoy a Big Mac-inspired meal like never before!
PrintBig Mac Sloppy Joes
A fun twist on the classic Sloppy Joe, inspired by the Big Mac! These sloppy joes feature a savory beef mixture, melted cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, dill pickle slices, and a tangy special sauce all piled high on toasted sesame buns. Perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 15g
- Cook Time: 20g
- Total Time: 35g
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Special Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp French dressing
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp finely minced onion
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
For the Sandwich:
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 8 slices of cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup dill pickle slices
Instructions
-
Prepare the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes flavorful.
-
Make the Special Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, minced onion, white vinegar, sugar, and salt. Mix until smooth and set aside.
-
Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
- Preheat your oven to broil. Split the hamburger buns and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up. Toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until golden brown.
- Place a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Spoon a generous amount of the Sloppy Joe mixture over the cheese.
- Add another slice of cheddar cheese on top of the Sloppy Joe mixture.
- Top with shredded lettuce and dill pickle slices.
- Drizzle with the special sauce.
- Place the top half of the bun on top.
-
Serve:
- Serve your Big Mac Sloppy Joes with extra special sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For an extra crispy bun, you can butter the inside of the buns before broiling them.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of special sauce to suit your taste.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground beef if you prefer a leaner option.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 60mg