Big Mac Sloppy Joes take the fun of a classic Big Mac and mix it with the messy joy of sloppy joes! Ground beef, tangy sauce, and pickles come together to make a tasty meal.
These sandwiches are perfect for a chill night in or for feeding a crowd. I love piling mine high with extra toppings, because who doesn’t love a little extra cheesy goodness? 🍔
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Use 80/20 lean to fat ratio for juicy Sloppy Joes. If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can work well, though they won’t have quite the same rich flavor. I prefer sticking with beef for that classic taste!
Onion: A small onion is perfect here, but if you’re sensitive to strong flavors, try green onions instead for a milder taste. They add a fresh kick without overwhelming the dish.
Dill Pickles: These add a tangy crunch. If you’re not a fan, sweet pickles or even chopped bell peppers can be great substitutes. I find that the pickles give a nice balance to the sweetness of the ketchup.
American Cheese: Classic choice, but feel free to use cheddar for a sharper flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, look for nut-based cheese alternatives that melt well!
Special Sauce: This mixture of mayo, ketchup, and pickle juice is key for that Big Mac flavor. You can spice it up with a bit of sriracha or add garlic powder for extra zing.
How Do I Get the Perfect Cheese Melt on My Sloppy Joes?
Melted cheese elevates this dish, and the technique is simple! After mixing in the other ingredients, add the cheese on top of the meat mixture. It’s important to cover the skillet for about a minute. This traps the heat, helping the cheese melt evenly.
- Keep the heat on low to prevent burning.
- Use a spatula to press the cheese gently into the mixture for better coverage.
- Check if it’s melted after a minute; if not, cover again for a bit longer.
This method ensures a gooey, delicious bite every time!
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices American cheese
For Assembly:
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- Lettuce, shredded (for topping)
- Special sauce (mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a splash of pickle juice)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll be spending time browning the meat, mixing in all the ingredients, and assembling the sandwiches. In total, it’s a quick and tasty meal that you can whip up in half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef along with the chopped onion. Use a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks. Keep stirring until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Once it’s cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Adding Flavors:
Now, it’s time to make the mixture delicious! Stir in the chopped pickles, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help all the flavors blend together nicely.
3. Melting the Cheese:
Once your mixture is ready, place a slice of American cheese on top of it. Cover the skillet with a lid for about a minute. The steam will help melt the cheese perfectly over the meat mixture.
4. Toasting the Buns:
If you like your buns a little crispy, now is a great time to toast them! You can do this in a toaster or on a skillet until they’re lightly golden.
5. Assembling the Sloppy Joes:
It’s time to put it all together! Spoon a generous amount of the beef and melted cheese mixture onto the bottom half of each sesame seed bun. Top with shredded lettuce, and drizzle your special sauce over it.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finish by placing the top half of the bun over the filling. Your Big Mac Sloppy Joes are now ready to serve! Enjoy this tasty twist on a classic that will surely please everyone at the table.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean substitute for ground beef, though it might result in a slightly milder flavor. You may want to add additional seasoning or spices to enhance the taste, as turkey tends to be less rich. Just ensure it’s cooked thoroughly, about the same time as ground beef.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Worcestershire Sauce?
No problem! You can substitute Worcestershire sauce with soy sauce, or mix a little soy sauce with vinegar for a similar tangy flavor. Another option is to combine balsamic vinegar and a bit of sugar to mimic its sweetness. Use the same amount as called for in the recipe!
How Can I Store Leftover Sloppy Joes?
Store leftover Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just pop it in the microwave for a quick meal or warm it on the stovetop. If you have leftover buns, keep them in a separate container to avoid sogginess!
Can I Make the Filling Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the Sloppy Joe filling in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave before serving.
