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 delightful dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. You can enjoy this quick and delicious dinner in just 30 minutes — no drive-thru required. The combination of seasoned ground beef, a homemade copycat Big Mac sauce, melty American cheese, and shredded lettuce on sesame seed buns is sure to impress everyone at the table.

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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: Mix In Pickles
• Step 4: Prepare the Secret Sauce
• Step 5: Combine Sauce with Beef Mixture
• Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwiches
• How to Serve Big Mac Sloppy Joes
• With Extra Secret Sauce
• Crunchy Pickles
• Fresh Vegetables
• Fries or Tater Tots
• Onion Rings
• Simple Side Salad
• How to Perfect Big Mac Sloppy Joes
• Best Side Dishes for Big Mac Sloppy Joes
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Big Mac Sloppy Joes
• Reheating Big Mac Sloppy Joes
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What are Big Mac Sloppy Joes?
• Can I make Big Mac Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
• How do I customize Big Mac Sloppy Joes?
• What should I serve with Big Mac Sloppy Joes?
• Are there any vegetarian options for this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Kids love the familiar flavors, and it’s easy to customize for picky eaters.
• One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal with family or friends.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adapt the recipe with extra toppings or sides to suit your taste.
• Copycat Charm: Enjoy the taste of a classic Big Mac without leaving home!

Tools and Preparation

To make these Big Mac Sloppy Joes, you won’t need much equipment. Just gather a few essential tools to help you prepare this tasty meal.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Perfect for browning meat evenly and incorporating all ingredients without overcrowding.
• Medium bowl: Ideal for mixing the secret sauce ingredients quickly and efficiently.
• Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth consistency for the sauce without lumps.

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 brown.

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 another 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Mix In Pickles

Stir in the chopped pickles and cook for an additional minute to blend flavors.

Step 4: Prepare the Secret Sauce

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

Step 5: Combine Sauce with Beef Mixture

Add 1 cup of the secret sauce to your beef mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly. Reserve any remaining sauce for later assembly.

Step 6: Assemble Your Sandwiches

To assemble the double-decker sandwiches, layer as follows:
1. Bottom bun
2. Secret sauce
3. Shredded lettuce
4. American cheese slice
5. Beef mixture
6. Middle bun (the bottom of another bun)
7. Secret sauce
8. Shredded lettuce
9. Pickle chips
10. Beef mixture
11. Top bun

Serve immediately with any extra secret sauce on the side if desired!

How to Serve Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Serving Big Mac Sloppy Joes is all about enhancing the experience with complementary flavors and textures. These delightful sandwiches can be paired with various sides and toppings to satisfy everyone at the table.

With Extra Secret Sauce

• Serve with a small bowl of extra secret sauce on the side for dipping. This adds an extra kick of flavor to each bite!

Crunchy Pickles

• Add more pickle chips on top of your Sloppy Joes for that signature tangy crunch.

Fresh Vegetables

• Offer a side of carrot sticks, celery, or bell pepper strips. These provide a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Fries or Tater Tots

• Classic French fries or crispy tater tots pair perfectly with Big Mac Sloppy Joes, making it a fun meal for kids and adults alike.

Onion Rings

• Serve crispy onion rings on the side for a deliciously crunchy accompaniment that complements the sloppy joes well.

Simple Side Salad

• A light salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers offers a refreshing balance to the hearty sandwiches.

How to Perfect Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Creating perfect Big Mac Sloppy Joes requires attention to detail and a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions for a delicious meal every time.

• Use Quality Ground Beef: Choose 85/15 ground beef for optimal flavor and juiciness without excessive grease.
• Chop Ingredients Finely: Ensure onions and pickles are finely chopped for even distribution in each bite.
• Balance the Seasoning: Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences, but do not skip them as they enhance overall flavor.
• Toast the Buns: Lightly toast hamburger buns before assembling. This adds texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.
• Customize Your Sauce: Feel free to adjust the secret sauce ingredients based on your taste—add more relish for sweetness or more vinegar for tanginess.
• Serve Fresh: Enjoy your Big Mac Sloppy Joes immediately after assembly for the best flavor and texture.

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Best Side Dishes for Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Pairing side dishes with Big Mac Sloppy Joes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this delicious dish.

1. Crispy French Fries: A classic choice that everyone loves! Bake or fry until golden brown for that perfect crunch.
2. Onion Rings: Crispy and savory, these add a delightful crunch alongside your sandwiches.
3. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw provides a cool contrast to the warm sloppy joes. Make it fresh using cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: For a healthier twist, sweet potato fries offer sweetness and fiber while still being deliciously crispy.
5. Potato Salad: A creamy potato salad complements the flavors of sloppy joes while adding a filling element to your plate.
6. Veggie Chips: These are a crunchy alternative that can add color and variety to your meal while being lighter than traditional chips.
7. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate between bites of savory sloppy joes, making it an excellent choice for summer meals.
8. Baked Beans: The smoky sweetness of baked beans pairs wonderfully with beef dishes, adding depth and heartiness to your dinner spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Big Mac Sloppy Joes, it’s easy to overlook some key steps. Here are a few common mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Using the Wrong Beef: Choosing a lean cut of beef will result in a dry mixture. Use 85/15 ground beef for optimal flavor and juiciness.
• Skipping the Secret Sauce: The secret sauce is essential for that Big Mac taste. Don’t neglect it; prepare it fresh to enhance the dish’s overall flavor.
• Not Assembling Correctly: Layering is crucial for the right balance of flavors and textures. Follow the stacking order closely for the best experience.
• Overcooking the Meat: Cooking beef too long can lead to toughness. Aim for just enough time to brown without overdoing it.
• Ignoring Customizations: Sticking strictly to the recipe can be limiting. Feel free to add personal touches like tomatoes or grilled onions for a unique twist.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Time Frame: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Container: Use an airtight container to keep them fresh.

Freezing Big Mac Sloppy Joes

• Time Frame: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
• Container: Use freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible.

Reheating Big Mac Sloppy Joes

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat on a baking sheet covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover, and heat in short bursts (30 seconds) until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are Big Mac Sloppy Joes?

Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a delicious twist on traditional sloppy joes, featuring seasoned ground beef and a copycat Big Mac sauce.

Can I make Big Mac Sloppy Joes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the secret sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

How do I customize Big Mac Sloppy Joes?

Feel free to add ingredients like diced tomatoes, grilled onions, or even mustard for extra flavor.

What should I serve with Big Mac Sloppy Joes?

These sloppy joes pair well with fries, onion rings, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Are there any vegetarian options for this recipe?

You can substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version of Big Mac Sloppy Joes.

Final Thoughts

Big Mac Sloppy Joes combine all the iconic flavors of your favorite fast food into a quick and satisfying meal. Their versatility allows you to customize them with your favorite toppings or sides. Give this recipe a try — it’s sure to become a family favorite!