Big Mac Sloppy Joes bring the classic Big Mac flavor to a fun and messy meal. With ground beef, onions, pickles, and a special sauce, it’s tasty and easy to prepare!
I love serving these on soft buns with a side of fries. Just watch out—things might get a little saucy! 🌟 Everyone will be asking for seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef gives the best flavor for these Sloppy Joes. You can also try ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, use lentils or a meat substitute like black beans or a plant-based ground “meat”.
Onion: Diced onion adds great flavor and sweetness. If you don’t have yellow onions, white or red onions work too. You can even use shallots for a milder taste.
Dill Pickles: These provide crunch and tanginess. If you prefer, you can switch to sweet pickles or even relish for a slightly different flavor. You could also experiment with jalapeños if you like it spicy.
Cheddar Cheese: I recommend using sharp cheddar for a rich flavor, but feel free to swap in other cheeses like American cheese or pepper jack for added heat.
Buns: Sesame seed buns are perfect for this recipe. If you have dietary needs, consider using whole wheat, gluten-free, or lettuce wraps instead.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Without It Being Greasy?
Cooking ground beef can sometimes render a lot of grease, which you might not want. Here’s how to manage it:
- Use leaner ground beef, ideally 80/20 or 90/10 fat content.
- Cook it in a skillet over medium heat. As it cooks, break it into small pieces with a spoon.
- After it’s browned, carefully tilt the skillet to let the grease pool to one side, and use a spoon to scoop out the excess or pour it out.
By taking these steps, you’ll have a delicious base for your Sloppy Joes without the extra fat!
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, diced
- 1/3 cup ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Assembly:
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
- Leafy romaine or iceberg lettuce, shredded
- Optional: additional toppings (e.g., diced tomatoes, more pickles)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 5 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying meal ready in just 20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Onion:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and cook it until it becomes translucent, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This gives your dish a nice flavor base!
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Stir occasionally and cook until the meat is browned, which will take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, carefully drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce:
Now it’s time to add flavor! Stir in the diced pickles, ketchup, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, and a little salt and pepper. Mix everything well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together beautifully.
4. Toast the Buns:
While the mixture is simmering, you can toast the hamburger buns. Do this in a separate pan or under the broiler until they are golden brown. This step adds a nice crunch to your Sloppy Joes.
5. Assemble Your Sloppy Joes:
It’s time to put it all together! Place a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Then, scoop a generous amount of the meat mixture onto the cheese and top with some shredded lettuce. You can also add any additional toppings you like.
6. Finish and Serve:
Now, place the top half of the bun on each sandwich, and your Big Mac Sloppy Joes are ready! Serve them warm and enjoy a fun and tasty twist on a classic dish!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for ground beef and will still give you a delicious Sloppy Joe. Just be aware that turkey tends to be leaner, so you may want to add a little more olive oil or a splash of broth to keep the mixture moist and flavorful.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make these Sloppy Joes vegetarian, simply substitute the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a meat alternative like frozen veggie crumbles. Cook them in the same way as the beef, adjusting cooking time as necessary to ensure everything is heated through and flavorful.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover Big Mac Sloppy Joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Keep the buns separate until you’re ready to serve to maintain their freshness!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can! Prepare the sloppy joe filling a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove while you toast the buns. This makes for an easy, quick meal on busy days!
