Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Get ready to meet your new weeknight favorite: Big Mac Sloppy Joes! This recipe gives you all the irresistible, saucy flavors of a drive-thru icon—stacked high with juicy beef, crunchy lettuce, melted cheese, and, of course, that epic secret sauce that starts with 1 cup mayonnaise. Easy, nostalgic, and loaded with crave-worthy toppings, it’s pure comfort food that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These everyday ingredients come together to make a Big Mac Sloppy Joe that honestly tastes shockingly close to the real thing. Don’t skip or swap—the magic is in how each piece brings a crucial hit of flavor, texture, or that signature color on your plate. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

• Ground Beef (1 1/2 pounds, 85/15): The heart of your Sloppy Joe! Stick to 85/15 for a juicy mix without too much excess fat.
• Yellow Onion (1/2, finely chopped): Sweet, aromatic, and the secret to that classic diner flavor when cooked with beef.
• Hamburger Pickles (1/4 cup, chopped): Chopped pickles give every bite a satisfying tang, just like the original burger.
• Kosher Salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the meaty, savory notes in your filling.
• Coarse Ground Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A simple pop of heat that cuts through the richness.
• Worcestershire Sauce (2 teaspoons): Deep, umami-packed undertones just like your favorite burger joint.
• ▢1 cup mayonnaise: The not-so-secret star—the base for your decadently creamy, almost-too-addictive sauce.
• French Dressing (1/4 cup): Adds that signature pinkish color and a touch of sweetness.
• Sweet Relish (2 tablespoons): Brings a sweet-tangy crunch to every bite of sauce.
• Ketchup (1 tablespoon): Just the right amount for added sweetness and color in your special sauce.
• White Vinegar (1 teaspoon): For essential zip and a little brightness.
• Onion Powder (1/4 teaspoon): Deepens the nostalgic, fast-food flavor of your sauce.
• Salt (1/8 teaspoon): Tiny but mighty—don’t skip it for perfect seasoning.
• Hamburger Buns (8, with seeds): Brioche or classic seeded—either way, they hold everything together with a soft, pillowy bite.
• Iceberg Lettuce (2 cups, shredded): Cool, crisp freshness that balances out all the rich flavors.
• Hamburger Pickle Chips (12): Perfectly sliced for the finishing tangy crunch.
• American Cheese (4 slices): Melty and unmistakable—nothing else does the job quite the same.
• Additional sauce (optional): Because more secret sauce never hurt anybody!

How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by setting a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Let it cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to brown nicely but is still a bit pink in spots. The goal is to give your beef some flavorful caramelized edges before you add the aromatics.

Step 2: Add Onions, Seasoning, and Worcestershire

Sprinkle in your finely chopped onion, kosher salt, coarse ground pepper, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together and continue to cook for another 3–4 minutes. The onions should get soft and fragrant, mingling that classic Sloppy Joe aroma with the beef.

Step 3: Stir in the Chopped Pickles

Toss in the chopped hamburger pickles. This isn’t just for tradition—the pickles bring an essential hit of acidity that cuts through all the meaty richness. Mix thoroughly and let them warm through for a minute or so.

Step 4: Mix Up the Secret Sauce (with 1 cup mayonnaise!)

In a medium bowl, combine ▢1 cup mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet relish, ketchup, white vinegar, onion powder, and just a pinch of salt. Stir until everything is smooth and creamy—this sauce is where the Big Mac magic really happens, and ▢1 cup mayonnaise is what makes it so unbelievably luscious!

Step 5: Add Sauce to Beef

Pour 1 cup of your freshly whisked secret sauce into the skillet, reserving the rest for serving. Mix well so every bit of beef gets coated, then let it cook for just one minute—this helps the sauce thicken and soak right into the meat. You’ll end up with glossy, ultra-savory filling, ready to pile onto those buns.

Step 6: Assemble the Double-Decker Sloppy Joes

Grab your seeded hamburger buns. For that true Big Mac stacking style, place a bottom bun layer, add a scoop of hot beef mixture, top with shredded lettuce, pickle chips, a slice of American cheese, a second bottom bun (or use the top bun inverted for the middle), another beef scoop, more lettuce and pickles, and a generous drizzle of the rest of your secret sauce. Crown with the top bun and get ready for an epic bite!

How to Serve Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Garnishes

Big Mac Sloppy Joes are pure nostalgia, but a few simple touches take them to the next level. Top each Joe with extra shredded lettuce, even more chopped pickles, and a final spoonful of that addictive secret sauce made with ▢1 cup mayonnaise—it’s the finishing flourish that makes them unforgettable! Feel free to sprinkle on some sesame seeds if your buns lack them for a picture-perfect classic look.

Side Dishes

Sloppy Joes call out for something golden and crispy—think classic fries or tater tots. Creamy coleslaw, oven-baked potato wedges, or a crunchy pickle spear all make great companions too. For a lighter touch, a bright cucumber salad or some raw veggie sticks with extra ▢1 cup mayonnaise-based dip will keep things fresh and fun.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress at your next game day or family get-together, spoon the warm beef mixture into toasted slider buns for crowd-pleasing mini Big Macs. Or try serving the filling and sauce over crispy oven fries for a Big Mac Sloppy Joe poutine experience! However you serve it, don’t forget a bowl of extra ▢1 cup mayonnaise sauce on the side—it’ll disappear fast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The great part about Big Mac Sloppy Joes is that the mixture tastes even better the next day! Store cooled beef-and-sauce filling separately from the buns and toppings in an airtight container for up to 3 days. For the extra secret sauce, keep it in a small covered jar—it’ll stay creamy in the fridge, thanks to that sturdy ▢1 cup mayonnaise base.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze the cooked beef mixture! Spoon it into a freezer-safe bag, squeeze out any air, and tuck it away for up to 2 months. The secret sauce (with its ▢1 cup mayonnaise) isn’t ideal for freezing as it may separate, but you can whip up a fresh batch in just a minute when you reheat the meat.

Reheating

To warm up, simply reheat the beef and sauce gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until piping hot. If the mixture looks a bit thick, add a splash of water. Assemble fresh on new buns (and with a new swoosh of ▢1 cup mayonnaise sauce) for maximum flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well, creating a slightly lighter version that still soaks up all the flavor from the secret sauce. Adjust your seasonings and don’t skimp on the ▢1 cup mayonnaise in the sauce for that signature creamy bite.

Is it worth using 1 cup mayonnaise over light or plant-based mayo?

For the richest, most authentic flavor, classic mayo is your best bet. Light or vegan mayo can work in a pinch, keeping the sauce creamy but just a touch less decadent. Just be sure whatever you use, you’re sticking to the full ▢1 cup mayonnaise measurement for proper balance.

What’s the best way to keep the buns from getting soggy?

For the perfect bite, lightly toast your hamburger buns before you stack them! It creates a barrier against moisture and helps support all that saucy, delicious filling. Spoon a little extra secret sauce (with ▢1 cup mayonnaise) on the top bun just before serving for the best of both worlds.

Can I make the secret sauce with 1 cup mayonnaise ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, letting the sauce rest in the fridge overnight lets the flavors meld and intensify. Mix the sauce up to two days in advance and store in a tightly sealed jar.

How do I make Big Mac Sloppy Joes for a crowd?

Simply double or even triple each ingredient (especially your ▢1 cup mayonnaise sauce) and keep the beef mixture warm in a slow cooker or on low heat, ready for guests to assemble. Set out all the toppings and buns for a DIY Sloppy Joe bar—fun, customizable, and perfect for parties!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been craving the classic flavors of a Big Mac but want something hearty, homey, and a little bit messy, you’ll fall hard for these Big Mac Sloppy Joes. The secret sauce—thanks to ▢1 cup mayonnaise—truly makes this meal pop. Give it a try, make it your own, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite!

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