Big Mac Sloppy Joes bring the flavors of your favorite fast-food burger right to your kitchen! With juicy ground beef, special sauce, and pickles, these are messy and delicious.
You might want to keep some napkins handy, though! I love piling these on a soft bun for a quick dinner that feels like a treat. Perfect for casual nights when you want something fun and tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I usually go for lean ground beef (like 80/20) for less grease. If you prefer a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works great too! Just keep in mind the flavor might change a bit.
Onion: Finely chopped yellow onion adds sweetness. If you’re sensitive to onion, try using green onions or leaving them out altogether. Shallots can also add a mild, sweet taste in their place.
Dill Pickles: These give a nice crunch and tang. If dill pickles aren’t your thing, sweet pickles or relish can be a good alternative, or even chopped green olives for a twist!
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend sharp cheddar for a strong flavor, but feel free to use American or even a spicy pepper jack if you want a kick!
Thousand Island Dressing: While optional, it adds a special touch. You can substitute it with ranch dressing or simply enjoy the sloppy joes without it.
How Do I Make the Perfect Sloppy Joe Mixture?
The key to a delicious Sloppy Joe is balancing the flavors and achieving the right consistency. You want it saucy but not too runny. Here’s how to get it right:
- Cook the ground beef thoroughly and drain the excess fat to avoid greasiness. This helps the flavors meld better.
- After adding onions, sauté until they become soft; this enhances the flavor without bitterness.
- Mix everything well and let it simmer! This allows each ingredient to blend and create that iconic sloppy joe taste. Keep an eye on the liquid—if it seems too soupy, let it cook a little longer.
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup Thousand Island dressing (optional, for extra flavor)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, totaling around 20 minutes to make these delicious Big Mac Sloppy Joes. Quick, tasty, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once it’s fully cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Sautéing the Onion:
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté everything together for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion turns translucent and fragrant.
3. Mixing in the Sauce:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the chopped dill pickles, ketchup, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and heat through.
4. Toasting the Buns:
While the sloppy joe mixture is simmering, toast the sesame seed hamburger buns. You can do this in a toaster or on a skillet until they are lightly golden and crispy.
5. Assembling the Sloppy Joes:
Start by placing a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Then, spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture over the cheese on each bun.
6. Adding the Finishing Touches:
Top each sloppy joe with shredded lettuce and drizzle some Thousand Island dressing on top if you want an extra burst of flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, place the top half of the bun over the filling. Your Big Mac Sloppy Joes are ready to enjoy warm! Serve them up with your favorite sides and dig in.
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great substitutes for ground beef. Just be aware that the flavor and texture will be slightly different. Cook the turkey or chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and ensure to season well since they are milder in flavor compared to beef.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make vegetarian Big Mac Sloppy Joes, use a plant-based ground meat substitute or chopped mushrooms and lentils for texture. Just sauté them the same way you would the beef and follow the rest of the recipe as is. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavors without the meat!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through. If you want to freeze the sloppy joe mixture, it can last up to 3 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Can I Prep This in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture ahead of time! Cook and assemble it in advance, then store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just toast your buns and heat up the meat mixture before serving. This is a great time-saver for busy weeknights!
