Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a delightful twist on the classic American favorite that combines all the flavors of a Big Mac with the messy, hearty goodness of Sloppy Joes. Picture this: the savory aroma of seasoned ground beef mingling with tangy pickles, creamy special sauce, and melted cheese wafting through your kitchen. It’s a mouthwatering experience that promises to make your taste buds dance.

Now, I have to confess, the first time I made these Big Mac Sloppy Joes was during a particularly chaotic family gathering where expectations ran high and appetites were even higher. As I stirred the bubbling pot of deliciousness, I could feel my culinary reputation on the line. Spoiler alert: they were a hit! The combination of iconic flavors and comfort food magic is just what you need for game night, casual family dinners, or any occasion that calls for good food and laughter.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These Big Mac Sloppy Joes are incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights
- The explosion of flavors will have everyone asking for seconds
- Their vibrant colors make them visually appealing and fun to serve at any gathering
- Plus, they are versatile enough to customize with your favorite toppings or sides
The first time I served these Big Mac Sloppy Joes, my kids declared me “the best chef ever,” which is basically chef royalty in our household.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef for a less greasy result while still being juicy.
Sweet Onion: A finely chopped sweet onion adds sweetness and depth to the flavor profile.
Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic provides an aromatic punch to elevate your Sloppy Joes.
Ketchup: Use your favorite brand; it’s the base for that classic Sloppy Joe sauce.
Yellow Mustard: A splash adds tanginess that perfectly balances the sweetness of ketchup.
Pickles: Finely diced pickles bring a zesty crunch that mimics the Big Mac flavor.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar melts beautifully over the top, adding creaminess.
Buns: Choose soft burger buns to soak up all that delicious sauce without falling apart.
For the Special Sauce:
Mayonnaise: The creamy base that makes everything come together beautifully.
Ketchup (again): Yes, you’ll need more for that authentic Big Mac flavor!
Dill Pickle Relish: Adds sweetness and tanginess—a must-have in any special sauce!
White Vinegar: Just a dash adds brightness to your special sauce mix.
Paprika: A sprinkle gives it a subtle kick and lovely color.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of oil and toss in finely chopped sweet onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions turn translucent and release their sweet aroma.
Brown the Beef: Increase the heat slightly, then add ground beef into the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary; we want flavor but not grease!
Add Saucy Goodness: Stir in ketchup, yellow mustard, diced pickles, salt, and pepper until well combined. Let it simmer over low heat for about 5 minutes so those flavors meld together beautifully.
Create Your Special Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle relish, white vinegar, and paprika until smooth. Taste it – you might want to eat it straight from the bowl!
Melt Cheese & Assemble: Spoon generous portions of the beef mixture onto toasted buns. Top each with shredded cheddar cheese and place under a broiler for just one minute until melted—watch closely so it doesn’t burn!
Now you’re ready to dive into these delightful Big Mac Sloppy Joes! Serve them hot with your favorite fries or chips on the side.
Enjoy every cheesy bite as you relish this comforting homage to two classic favorites!
You Must Know
- Big Mac Sloppy Joes combine all the flavors of a classic Big Mac in a fun, messy way
- This recipe is perfect for family dinners or game nights, and it’s easy to customize based on your taste preferences
- The aroma will have everyone rushing to the table!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the ground beef until it’s nicely caramelized, then add diced onions and pickles for flavor. Simultaneously, prepare the sauce to maximize efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ground beef for turkey or even lentils for a vegetarian option. Experiment with different cheeses or toppings to personalize each serving!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through; add a splash of water if it seems dry.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve optimal flavor, let the meat brown without stirring too much; this deepens its taste
- Also, don’t skip the pickles; they add that essential tang
- Lastly, serve on toasted buns for a delightful crunch!
Cooking these Big Mac Sloppy Joes always reminds me of my college days when friends would gather for movie marathons. The laughter and mess made it unforgettable!
FAQ
Can I make Big Mac Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the filling a day before and store it in the fridge.
What toppings work well with Big Mac Sloppy Joes?
Try adding shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, or extra cheese as tasty toppings.
How do I make this recipe vegetarian?
Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat for a delicious vegetarian version.
Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a delicious fusion of two beloved classics, combining the savory flavors of a Big Mac with the hearty charm of Sloppy Joes. This recipe features seasoned ground beef cooked in a rich sauce, topped with creamy cheese and zesty pickles, all served on soft buns. Perfect for family dinners or game nights, these Sloppy Joes are sure to be a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing/Broiling
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium sweet onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 soft burger buns
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp dill pickle relish
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil and sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent.
- Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, diced pickles, salt, and pepper; simmer for 5 minutes.
- For the special sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, vinegar, and paprika in a bowl.
- Spoon beef mixture onto toasted buns, top with cheese, and broil for one minute until melted.
- Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich (200g)
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Substitute ground beef with turkey or lentils for a vegetarian option. Customize toppings with shredded lettuce or sliced tomatoes. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days.







