These Big Mac Sloppy Joes turn your favorite burger into a fun, messy meal! With flavorful ground beef, tangy ketchup, and all the fixings, they’re sure to hit the spot.
I love piling these on soft buns and adding extra pickles. You know you want to messily enjoy one too! 😄 It’s a quick dinner that really satisfies cravings.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is the classic choice for a hearty flavor. You can use turkey or chicken if you want a lighter option, or even plant-based ground meat if you’re looking for a vegetarian dish.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for a nice kick, but feel free to try pepper jack for some heat or American cheese for that classic meltiness.
Sesame Seed Burger Buns: These provide that authentic burger experience. You could swap them for whole grain buns for a healthier twist, or even lettuce wraps if you’re keeping it low-carb!
Yellow Mustard: While yellow mustard is traditional, you can switch it out for Dijon mustard to add a bit more flavor or omit it altogether if you prefer a mild taste.
How Do I Make the Perfect Sloppy Joe Filling?
The filling is key to a great sloppy joe! Start by cooking the ground beef and onions over medium heat, ensuring that they brown nicely before draining any excess fat. This step enhances the flavor.
- Once drained, lower the heat and add in ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together, letting it simmer for about 3-5 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, giving you that signature sloppy joe taste.
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Meat Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling:
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/4 cup diced pickles (for topping)
- Optional: additional condiments (ketchup, mustard)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15 minutes to cook. Altogether, you’ll need roughly 25 minutes to have these tasty Big Mac Sloppy Joes ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Beef Mixture:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook everything together, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Once done, drain any excess grease from the pan, so it doesn’t make the mixture too oily.
2. Mixing the Sauce:
Add the ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, Worcestershire sauce, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir everything together well. Keep stirring and cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes until the mixture is hot and combined perfectly.
3. Toasting the Buns:
While your sloppy joe mixture simmers, get the burger buns ready. Lightly toast them in another pan or on a grill until they are warm and just a bit crispy. This will add a nice texture to your sandwiches.
4. Assembling the Sloppy Joes:
Now it’s time to build your sloppy joes! Start by placing a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each toasted bun. This will melt slightly and create a delicious base for your toppings. Then, spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture over the cheese on each bun, making sure to cover it well.
5. Adding the Toppings:
Top your juicy beef with a handful of shredded lettuce and a sprinkle of diced pickles. These fresh toppings add crunch and flavor that balance the richness of the beef mixture beautifully.
6. Finishing Touches:
Lastly, place the top half of the buns on each sandwich. Your Big Mac Sloppy Joes are now ready to enjoy! Serve them immediately with your favorite fries or crunchy chips on the side. Bon appétit!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute for beef if you’re looking for a leaner option. Just be mindful that turkey can dry out more easily, so consider adding a bit more mayo or mustard to keep the mixture moist and flavorful while cooking.
How Can I Store Leftover Sloppy Joe Filling?
You can store any leftover sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. You can always freshen it up with a splash of ketchup or mustard if needed!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily turn these sloppy joes into a vegetarian dish by substituting the ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a plant-based meat alternative. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the ingredients you choose for the best texture and flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Serve These Sloppy Joes?
These Big Mac Sloppy Joes are delicious served with fries or chips, but you can also complement them with a side of coleslaw or a fresh salad for some added crunch and freshness. Enjoy your meal!
