Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Big Mac Sloppy Joes bring all the iconic flavors of a McDonald’s Big Mac into a fun, family-friendly, one-pan meal! This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, combining seasoned ground beef, a homemade copycat Big Mac sauce, melty American cheese, and shredded lettuce on sesame seed buns. It’s quick and delicious, ready in just 30 minutes — no drive-thru required!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Ground Beef Mixture
• For the McDonald’s Secret Sauce Copycat
• To Assemble (Double Decker Style)
• How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
• Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
• Step 2: Add Onions and Seasonings
• Step 3: Incorporate Pickles
• Step 4: Prepare the Secret Sauce
• Step 5: Combine Sauce with Beef Mixture
• Step 6: Assemble Your Sloppy Joes
• How to Serve Big Mac Sloppy Joes
• Classic Fries
• Onion Rings
• Coleslaw
• Pickle Chips
• Potato Salad
• Simple Side Salad
• How to Perfect Big Mac Sloppy Joes
• Best Side Dishes for Big Mac Sloppy Joes
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Big Mac Sloppy Joes
• Reheating Big Mac Sloppy Joes
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Big Mac Sloppy Joes?
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
• What can I serve with Big Mac Sloppy Joes?
• How do I customize my Big Mac Sloppy Joes?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love these Sloppy Joes, making it a hit at any dinner table.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of savory beef and tangy secret sauce captures the essence of a Big Mac in every bite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Pair these Sloppy Joes with fries, onion rings, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.
• Easy Cleanup: Made in one pan, this recipe minimizes dishes and makes cleanup a breeze.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Big Mac Sloppy Joes efficiently, it’s essential to have the right tools on hand.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Spatula
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Ideal for browning the beef and cooking everything evenly in one pan.
• Medium bowl: Perfect for mixing the secret sauce quickly without any mess.
• Whisk: Ensures your sauce ingredients blend smoothly together for maximum flavor.

Ingredients

For the Ground Beef Mixture

• 1 ½ pounds ground beef (85/15)
• ½ yellow onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup hamburger pickles, chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon coarse ground pepper
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

For the McDonald’s Secret Sauce Copycat

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup French dressing
• 2 tablespoons sweet relish
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

To Assemble (Double Decker Style)

• 8 hamburger buns (with sesame seeds)
• 2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded
• 12 hamburger pickle chips
• 4 slices American cheese
• Additional secret sauce (optional)

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How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for about 3-4 minutes until it starts to cook through.

Step 2: Add Onions and Seasonings

Add the chopped onions, kosher salt, coarse ground pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned, about 3-4 more minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Pickles

Stir in the chopped pickles into the beef mixture and cook for an additional minute to combine flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the Secret Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together all secret sauce ingredients until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine Sauce with Beef Mixture

Add 1 cup of the secret sauce to the beef mixture and stir everything well to coat. Reserve any remaining sauce for assembling sandwiches.

Step 6: Assemble Your Sloppy Joes

To assemble your double-decker sandwiches:
1. Start with the bottom bun.
2. Spread some secret sauce on top.
3. Add shredded lettuce.
4. Place a slice of American cheese.
5. Spoon on some of the beef mixture.
6. Take another bun (the middle bun) and place it on top.
7. Repeat with secret sauce, lettuce, pickle chips, and another layer of beef mixture.
8. Finish with the top bun.

Serve immediately with extra secret sauce on the side if desired for added flavor!

How to Serve Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Big Mac Sloppy Joes are not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving options. You can elevate your meal with a variety of sides and garnishes that complement the rich flavors of the dish.

Classic Fries

• Crispy French fries are a timeless choice that pairs perfectly with the savory flavors of Big Mac Sloppy Joes. Consider adding some seasoning for an extra kick.

Onion Rings

• Crunchy onion rings add a delightful texture contrast. They can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.

Coleslaw

• A refreshing coleslaw can balance the richness of the Sloppy Joes. The cool, creamy dressing provides an excellent contrast.

Pickle Chips

• Additional pickle chips on the side enhance the pickle flavor in the sandwiches. They add a nice crunch and tanginess.

Potato Salad

• Creamy potato salad is another great option. It’s filling and complements the hearty nature of the Sloppy Joes.

Simple Side Salad

• A light side salad with your favorite greens offers a fresh element to balance out the meal. Toss it with a light vinaigrette for added flavor.

How to Perfect Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Perfecting your Big Mac Sloppy Joes involves a few simple tricks that can elevate this dish to new heights.

• Choose quality beef: Using lean ground beef ensures a flavorful but not greasy mixture. Aim for 85/15 ground beef for best results.
• Make your sauce ahead: Prepare the secret sauce in advance to allow flavors to meld together. This step enhances its taste significantly.
• Don’t skip the toppings: Fresh toppings like shredded lettuce and pickles provide crunch and freshness, making each bite more enjoyable.
• Toast your buns: Lightly toasting sesame seed buns helps them hold up against the filling without becoming soggy.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika to give your beef mixture an extra layer of flavor.
• Serve immediately: For the best experience, serve these sandwiches right after assembling them while everything is warm and fresh.

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Best Side Dishes for Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Pairing side dishes with your Big Mac Sloppy Joes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some tasty options that will complement this meal beautifully.

1. Sweet Potato Fries: These offer a sweet contrast to the savory Sloppy Joes and are easy to bake or fry at home.
2. Macaroni Salad: Creamy and satisfying, macaroni salad is a classic side that adds comfort and flavor diversity.
3. Baked Beans: The sweetness of baked beans pairs well with the bold flavors of the Big Mac Sloppy Joes, creating a hearty meal.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is a fresh side that adds sweetness and crunch, making it a perfect addition.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Filled with rice and meat, stuffed peppers make for a colorful and nutritious side dish that complements any sandwich.
6. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is always a hit! It’s perfect for scooping up any leftover sauce from your plate.
7. Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges are another crispy option that goes well with sloppy joes, providing extra crunch.
8. Zucchini Fries: Baked or air-fried zucchini fries offer a healthier alternative while still delivering that satisfying crunch you crave.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your Big Mac Sloppy Joes even better. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Using the wrong meat: Ground beef should be 85/15 for the best flavor and texture. Leaner beef can dry out, while fattier cuts may be too greasy.
• Overcooking the beef: Cooking the beef too long can make it tough. Aim for a nice brown color without overdoing it—about 6-8 minutes total should suffice.
• Skipping the sauce: The secret sauce is key to replicating that Big Mac flavor. Don’t skip it; mix it well and add enough to coat your beef mixture.
• Choosing the wrong buns: Sesame seed buns give an authentic taste reminiscent of a Big Mac. Other types may not deliver the same experience.
• Neglecting toppings: Fresh toppings like lettuce and pickles enhance texture and flavor. Don’t forget to layer them generously!
• Not letting it rest: Allowing the assembled sandwiches to sit for a minute before serving helps meld the flavors together.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep the secret sauce separate if possible to maintain freshness.

Freezing Big Mac Sloppy Joes

• Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for easy identification later.

Reheating Big Mac Sloppy Joes

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Big Mac Sloppy Joes?

Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic sloppy joe, featuring seasoned ground beef and a homemade version of McDonald’s iconic Big Mac sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the secret sauce up to three days in advance and store it in your refrigerator.

What can I serve with Big Mac Sloppy Joes?

These sandwiches pair well with fries, onion rings, or a fresh side salad for a complete meal.

How do I customize my Big Mac Sloppy Joes?

Feel free to add diced tomatoes, grilled onions, or even mustard for an extra zing!

Final Thoughts

Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a delightful blend of flavors that bring comfort food into your kitchen. This recipe is not only quick but also versatile—perfect for customizing based on your preferences. Give it a try and enjoy this delicious twist on a fast-food favorite!

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