Things are getting sloppy with these Big Mac Sloppy Joes! You get all of the flavors of a Big Mac, but in a family friendly, easy to make sloppy Joe. This is a dinner the whole family will love!
Love Big Mac inspired recipes? You’ll also love these Burger Bowls!
I believe that 98% of the time, things just taste better when you make them at home. And even though this isn’t a traditional Big Mac, the flavors are all there, and I definitely enjoy these way more than hitting the drive thru!
Plus the fact that they are done in 30 minutes is another bonus. And that might even be generous – I’m sure most people can have them on the table even faster than that! You can’t even door dash that quickly.
This is a dinner that we can all get behind!
Ingredients
For the Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: I usually use regular mayonnaise, but low fat can be used.
- Relish: I like to use sweet pickle relish to add a little extra sweetness.
- Onion: You want the onion to be finely chopped. You could also grate the onion.
- Mustard: Just regular yellow mustard works the best.
- Vinegar: I always just use white vinegar.
- Sugar: You can leave this out, if desired, especially if you are using sweet pickle relish. But I think it tastes spot on when adding some sugar.
- Spices: For the spices in the sauce, you’ll need paprika, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder.
For the Sloppy Joes:
- Ground Beef: I like to use a leaner ground beef so that I don’t have to drain the fat. If you do use a fattier ground beef, you’ll want to make sure and drain the fat before adding the rest of the ingredients.
- Onion: This just adds flavor. Make sure and add it in before the beef is fully cooked to give it time to cook and soften up.
- Mustard: Again, we are using regular yellow mustard.
- Spices: For the beef, you’ll need garlic powder and onion powder. You’ll also season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Worcestershire Sauce: This just adds some depth to the meat.
- Beef Broth: I like to use a low sodium beef broth.
- Cornstarch: The cornstarch just helps the sauce to thicken up a bit. It’s not super saucy, and the cornstarch keeps it from just being really wet.
- Buns: You can use your favorite buns here.
- Cheese: For the traditional choice, use American cheese. But if you are not a fan, you can always use sliced cheddar.
- Lettuce and Pickles: These are optional, but I think they really bring out those Big Mac flavors!
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
STEP 1: I like to make the sauce first so that it can go in the refrigerator to set up before you need it.
STEP 2: In a large skillet, I like to use cast iron, start browning your ground beef. When it’s almost cooked through, add the onion and keep cooking until the onion is soft.
STEP 3: Add the mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce. The whisk together the beef broth and cornstarch, and stir this into the beef mixture.
STEP 4: Continue to cook a minute or two, until it has all thickened up slightly.
STEP 5: To assemble, turn on your broiler. Place the buns under the broiler, cut side up, to toast. Remove and add some of the sauce to each side of the bun. Add a slice of cheese to the top and return that side of the bun to the broil and broil just until it starts to get soft and melty.
STEP 6: Place the bottom half on a plate. Add pickles, if using, then some of the ground beef mixture. Top with lettuce, then the top bun with the cheese. Enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
I sometimes like to make the sauce in advance and let it refrigerate until dinner. It just gives it time to set up a bit more and for the flavors to meld together.
I know a traditional Big Mac has three pieces of bread, but I find that these are messy enough without that extra center piece. So we keep it pretty simple!
You don’t have to toast the buns, but I highly recommend it. I also like to add some butter before toasting, but again – totally optional!
If you have leftovers, store each component separately. Assembled Big Mac Sloppy Joes will get too soggy.
More Sloppy Joe Recipes
Smoky Tex-Mex Sloppy Joes
Enchilada Sloppy Joes
Turkey Sloppy Joes
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Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon minced onion
- 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
Sloppy Joes:
- 1 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns
- 6 slices American cheese
- Shredded lettuce optional
- Sliced pickles optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together all of the sauce ingredients. Refrigerate until needed.1/2 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, 1 tablespoon minced onion, 2 teaspoons yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it cooks. When it is almost browned through, add the onion and continue to cook until the onion is soft.1 1/2 pound ground beef, 1/2 cup diced onion
- Add the mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and Worcestershire sauce to the skillet and cook for a minute.1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Whisk together the beef broth and the cornstarch. Add it to the skillet and continue to cook until the meat is slightly thickened. Taste and season with salt and pepper, if needed.1/2 cup beef broth, 2 teaspoon cornstarch, Salt and pepper
- To assemble, heat the oven to broil. Place the buns on a baking sheet, cut sides up. Cook under the broiler until toasted. (You can butter the buns, if desired, but it is not required.)6 hamburger buns
- Once browned, spread some of the sauce on both sides of the bun. Add the cheese to the top half, and return it to the oven, just until the cheese starts to melt.6 slices American cheese
- Add pickles, if using, to the bottom half of the bun, then scoop on some of the ground beef mixture. Top with lettuce (if using) and then the top half of the bun with the cheese.Sliced pickles, Shredded lettuce
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