Dinner

Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe with Special Sauce Recipe

ByVictor Layne December 29, 2025December 29, 2025

Introduction

This Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe brings the iconic flavors of a Big Mac into a fun, messy sandwich that’s perfect for any casual meal. With a savory beef base, melty cheddar, tangy pickles, and a special sauce that ties it all together, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make at home.

A close-up of a thick burger with a soft toasted bun top sprinkled with chopped green herbs, beneath which sits a layer of green pickle slices soaked in creamy light orange sauce with specks, followed by a bright melted yellow cheddar cheese slice and a chunky, juicy cooked ground beef patty that’s slightly crumbled and dark brown, resting on a bottom bun spread with a smooth thick orange sauce, all placed on a white plate against a white marbled background, some sauce dripping down the side and small green herb pieces scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
6 hamburger buns, toasted
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp yellow mustard
2 tsp pickle relish
½ tsp white vinegar
¼ tsp paprika
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
Sliced pickles (optional)
Shredded lettuce (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Set the special sauce aside.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to season the meat.
Step 4: Lower the heat to medium-low and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef. Stir until the cheese is melted and fully combined.
Step 5: Toast the hamburger buns lightly until golden brown, either in the oven or on a skillet.
Step 6: Spread a generous layer of special sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture on top and add sliced pickles and shredded lettuce if using, then cover with the top bun.
Step 7: Serve the sloppy joes warm with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

Make it healthier by swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Try American or Swiss cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor.
The special sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator to save time.

Storage

Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet before serving. The special sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the beef mixture for up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A close-up of a cheeseburger on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has a soft, light brown bun sprinkled with chopped green herbs on top. The first layer is an orange creamy sauce spread on the bottom bun, followed by a thick, crumbled, juicy ground beef patty mixed with melted bright yellow cheddar cheese. On top of the beef, there is a generous layer of a creamy, orange-colored sauce with black specks, dripping slightly on the sides, topped with several green pickle slices. The top bun rests slightly tilted over the fillings, with small bits of green herbs scattered around on the plate photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture?

Yes! Let the cooked beef mixture cool completely, then place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat when ready to serve.