These Big Mac Sloppy Joes bring all the flavors of your favorite burger in a messy, fun way! Ground beef, special sauce, and cheese come together on a soft bun—delicious and easy!
Who doesn’t love eating with their hands? They’re perfect for a casual dinner or game night. I like to serve mine with extra pickles on the side—talk about a tasty twist!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: I like using 80/20 ground beef for a good balance of flavor and moisture. If you’re looking for a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken works well, just be sure to keep an eye on moisture levels!
Onion: I use yellow onions for their sweetness, but white or red onions can also do the trick. You could even use shallots for a milder taste if that’s what you prefer.
Dill Pickles: Chopped dill pickles add that essential tang! If you don’t have dill pickles, try sweet pickles for a different twist or even relish as a quick substitute.
Thousand Island Dressing: This dressing gives a nice creaminess. If you’re out, a mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and a touch of vinegar can work just fine.
Burger Buns: Sesame seed buns are classic, but feel free to swap them for whole wheat or even lettuce wraps if you want a low-carb option!
How Can I Make Sure My Sloppy Joe Mixture Has Great Flavor?
Getting the flavor right in your Sloppy Joe mix is all about layering ingredients and cooking them properly. Start with browning the beef and onions well; this builds a solid base. Don’t rush this step!
- Cook the beef and onions on medium heat until both are nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any grease to keep the mixture from becoming too oily.
- Add in the pickles, dressing, mustard, ketchup, and seasonings. Stir well to combine and enhance the flavors.
- Let it simmer for a good 5 minutes to allow the ingredients to meld together and intensify the taste. Taste and adjust seasoning at this point!
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 5-7 minutes browning the beef and onions, and another 5 minutes simmering the sauce—plus time to toast the buns. Then, just assemble and serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat and Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook them together, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and the onions are soft and translucent, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Make sure to drain any excess grease from the pan to keep your Sloppy Joes from being too greasy.
2. Make the Sauce:
Now it’s time to flavor things up! Stir in the chopped dill pickles, Thousand Island dressing, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes so all the flavors can meld together and everything gets heated through.
3. Toast the Buns:
While the meat mixture is simmering, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and lay the sesame seed burger buns on it, cut side up. Toast them in the oven for about 5 minutes until they are just lightly crisp. This adds a nice texture for your Sloppy Joes.
4. Assemble Your Sloppy Joes:
Once your Sloppy Joe mixture is ready, it’s time to serve! Spoon a hearty portion of the beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted burger bun. Make sure it’s a generous amount to really capture the Big Mac flavor!
5. Add Toppings:
Top off each filled bun with a slice of cheddar cheese, allowing it to melt slightly over the warm meat. Then, pile on some shredded lettuce for a fresh crunch!
6. Final Assembly:
Place the top half of the bun over the loaded bottom half. And there you have it—big, delicious Big Mac Sloppy Joes! Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. Just be aware that turkey can be a bit drier, so you might want to add a splash of water or beef broth to keep the mixture moist during cooking.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, feel free to substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or use lentils. If using lentils, cook them beforehand so they’re tender by the time you add them to the sauce mixture.
What Can I Use in Place of Thousand Island Dressing?
If you don’t have Thousand Island dressing on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing together mayonnaise, ketchup, and a bit of relish. This combination will give you a similarly tangy and flavorful sauce!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. If the mixture seems dry, add a small splash of water to keep it moist while reheating.
