4 Big Mac Sloppy Joes : Ultimate Fast Food Dinner

There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about a Big Mac—and when you combine that iconic flavor with the cozy comfort of a Sloppy Joe, magic happens. Introducing Big Mac Sloppy Joes, your new favorite weeknight dinner that brings all the flavor of your favorite burger without the drive-thru.

This fun and satisfying recipe is a hit with both kids and adults. It captures everything you love about a Big Mac—seasoned beef, pickles, melty cheese, lettuce, and that legendary sauce—stuffed into a sloppy sandwich that’s easy to make and impossible to resist.

Growing up, we reserved Big Macs for special occasions. But now, this version lets me recreate those flavors at home with a comfort food twist. And the best part? You can whip it up in under 30 minutes.

Save

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines two comfort food favorites in one bite
• Made with simple ingredients
• Ready in just 30 minutes
• Crowd-pleasing for both kids and adults
• Easy to double for parties or game nights

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• ½ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Big Mac Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
• 1 teaspoon white vinegar
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Pinch of paprika

For Assembling:

• 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• ½ cup chopped dill pickles
• 4 slices American cheese
• Optional: extra sauce for spreading

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes

1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Taste and adjust seasoning. Refrigerate while you cook the beef to let the flavors meld.

2. Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef and chopped onions until the beef is browned and onions are soft—about 6–8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in yellow mustard, salt, and pepper.

3. Add the Sauce:
Stir half of the Big Mac sauce into the cooked beef mixture. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes to combine and slightly thicken.

4. Toast the Buns (Optional):
For extra flavor and structure, toast your sesame seed buns lightly in a skillet or toaster oven.

5. Assemble the Sandwiches:
Place a slice of American cheese on the bottom bun. Add a generous scoop of the beef mixture, a layer of shredded lettuce, a sprinkle of chopped pickles, and a spoonful of remaining sauce. Top with the other bun.

6. Serve Hot:
Serve with fries, onion rings, or a crisp pickle spear.

Save

Flavor & Texture Profile

Big Mac Sloppy Joes are the perfect blend of savory, tangy, and creamy. The beef is juicy and flavorful, with the homemade sauce delivering that signature Big Mac zip. The cool crunch of lettuce and pickles adds balance to the richness of the meat and cheese. It’s sloppy in the best way—saucy, cheesy, and packed with punchy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with crispy oven fries or sweet potato wedges
• Serve with coleslaw or a crunchy pickle salad
• Add to a game-day spread with sliders and chips
• Wrap leftovers in lettuce for a low-carb lunch
• Serve in slider buns for party-friendly bites

Variations to Try

Double-Decker Style – Use an extra bun in the middle and stack the layers just like the original Big Mac.
Cheeseburger Mac Style – Mix cooked macaroni into the beef for a cheesy Big Mac pasta hybrid.
Spicy Kick – Add hot sauce or chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
Low Carb Version – Serve in lettuce wraps or over a salad for a keto-friendly twist.
Grilled Cheese Sloppy Joes – Stuff the filling between two grilled cheese sandwiches for the ultimate indulgence.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

To Store:
Keep leftover beef mixture and sauce in separate containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:
Warm the beef in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Toast buns fresh for each serving.

To Freeze:
Freeze the beef mixture for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 550
Fat: 32g
Carbs: 32g
Protein: 35g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 980mg

Nutrition will vary depending on bun type and cheese used.

Cultural Inspiration

Big Mac Sloppy Joes are the ultimate mash-up of two American icons: the fast-food Big Mac and the cafeteria-favorite Sloppy Joe. This fusion reflects the creativity of American home cooking—taking familiar ingredients and reinventing them in fun, delicious ways. It’s a tribute to nostalgia, flavor, and convenience all in one sandwich.

Save

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook the beef and sauce up to two days ahead and reheat just before serving.

Can I use ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely. Just add a bit more seasoning or Worcestershire to boost flavor.

What if I don’t have relish?
Chop up some sweet pickles as a substitute. It adds the same tang and crunch.

Can I serve this to kids?
Yes! Kids love the familiar flavors and fun format. You can even serve it in mini buns.

What’s the best cheese to use?
Classic American cheese melts beautifully and has that signature Big Mac flavor. You can also try cheddar or provolone.

External Links

Big Mac Sauce Recipe Breakdown – Serious Eats
How to Toast Hamburger Buns – The Kitchn
Sloppy Joe Origins & History – Smithsonian Magazine
Perfect Burger Toppings – Bon Appétit

Final Thoughts

Big Mac Sloppy Joes are more than just a mash-up—they’re a revelation. Easy to make, endlessly satisfying, and packed with iconic flavor, this recipe takes everything you love about your favorite burger and delivers it in a hearty, homemade sandwich.

Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself to a nostalgic bite, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Print