Big Mac Sloppy Joes are the ultimate mash-up of two classic favorites—juicy Sloppy Joes and the iconic Big Mac burger. I brown ground beef with onions and pickles, stir in a tangy, creamy “secret sauce,” and serve it all on sesame seed buns layered with shredded lettuce and melty American cheese. It’s bold, messy, and seriously delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it takes everything I crave about a Big Mac—savory beef, pickles, cheese, and that tangy sauce—and turns it into a comforting, one-pan dinner. It’s fast, satisfying, and hits all the nostalgic notes. Plus, it’s way easier than making homemade burgers and perfect for a weeknight meal or casual gathering.
ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- Ground beef
- Yellow onion, finely chopped
- Dill pickles, chopped
- Salt and pepper
For the Secret Sauce:
- Mayonnaise
- Yellow mustard
- Ketchup
- Sweet pickle relish
- Vinegar
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
For Assembling:
- Sesame seed hamburger buns
- Shredded lettuce
- American cheese slices
directions
- I brown the ground beef and chopped onions in a skillet over medium heat until the beef is cooked through. I drain the excess grease.
- I stir in the chopped pickles and season the mixture with salt and pepper.
- While the beef cooks, I whisk together the secret sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
- I pour most of the sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture, saving a bit for drizzling over the finished sandwiches.
- I reduce the heat and let the filling simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld together.
- I toast the sesame seed buns, then place a slice of American cheese on the bottom half of each.
- I spoon the hot beef mixture over the cheese, top with shredded lettuce, and drizzle on a little extra secret sauce before adding the top bun.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves about 6 and takes around 30 minutes from start to finish—making it a quick and flavorful dinner the whole table loves.
Variations
Sometimes I make it spicy by adding hot sauce or diced jalapeños to the beef. I’ve also used ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version. If I’m feeding a crowd, I turn the whole mix into sliders using dinner rolls. For a low-carb version, I serve the filling in lettuce wraps instead of buns.
storage/reheating
I store the meat mixture and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the beef in a skillet or microwave and assemble the sandwiches fresh. The sauce stays creamy and delicious, even after sitting.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I often prep the beef and sauce in advance. I just reheat and assemble when I’m ready to serve for the best texture and flavor.
What kind of pickles work best?
I use classic dill pickles for that true Big Mac taste. Sweet pickles will make it more tangy-sweet if that’s your preference.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes, cheddar or provolone work well too, but I stick with American cheese for the most authentic Big Mac flavor.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
I toast them lightly before assembling and place the cheese under the meat to act as a barrier.
Is the secret sauce the same as Big Mac sauce?
It’s a very close copycat version. It’s creamy, tangy, slightly sweet, and gives the Sloppy Joes that signature flavor.
Conclusion
Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a fun, flavorful twist on a fast food favorite that I can make right at home. It’s messy in the best way, packed with all the classic burger fixings, and guaranteed to satisfy those Big Mac cravings—no drive-thru required.
Print
Big Mac Sloppy Joes (with Secret Sauce!)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 sandwiches
- Category: Dinner, Sandwiches, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Secret Sauce are the ultimate comfort food mash-up—combining the savory goodness of classic Sloppy Joes with all the flavors of a Big Mac. Juicy ground beef is mixed with chopped pickles, onions, and a tangy, creamy secret sauce, then piled high on sesame seed buns with melty cheese and shredded lettuce. It's fast, fun, and seriously satisfying!
Ingredients
- For the Sloppy Joe Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- ½ yellow onion, finely chopped
- ⅓ cup dill pickles, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Secret Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp paprika
- For Assembling:
- 6 sesame seed hamburger buns
- 6 slices American cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and onions until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in chopped pickles and season with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together all secret sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Pour most of the sauce into the skillet with the beef, reserving some for drizzling. Simmer for 3–5 minutes.
- Lightly toast the buns. Place a slice of cheese on the bottom half of each.
- Spoon hot beef mixture over the cheese, then top with shredded lettuce and a drizzle of reserved sauce.
- Add the top bun and serve warm.
Notes
- Ground turkey or chicken works as a lighter alternative.
- For sliders, use mini buns or dinner rolls.
- Lettuce wraps are a great low-carb option.
- Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the beef for a spicy kick.
- Sauce can be made ahead and stored for up to 5 days in the fridge.
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