Dinner

Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe with Special Sauce Recipe

ByVictor Layne January 3, 2026January 3, 2026

Introduction

This Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes recipe perfectly captures the iconic flavors of a Big Mac in a hearty, cheesy sandwich. With a special sauce that mimics the classic, these sloppy joes are quick to make and great for family meals or game-day snacks.

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
Optional toppings: sliced pickles, shredded lettuce

Instructions

Step 1: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Set the special sauce aside.
Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, cooking 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 mixture.
Step 4: Reduce the heat to medium-low, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, and stir until the cheese melts and is fully incorporated.
Step 5: Toast the hamburger buns lightly on a baking sheet in a preheated oven or in a skillet until golden brown, if desired.
Step 6: Spread a generous layer of the special sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto each bun and top with sliced pickles. Add shredded lettuce if using, then cover with the top buns.
Step 7: Serve the sloppy joes warm with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, swap ground beef with 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 kept refrigerated.
Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds to the buns to enhance the Big Mac experience.

Storage

Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat. For longer storage, freeze the cooled mixture in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator 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. Allow the beef mixture to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet when ready to serve.

What if I don’t have pickle relish?

You can finely dice pickles or use a small splash of pickle juice as a substitute for pickle relish in the special sauce.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free hamburger buns and ensure your condiments are gluten-free to make a celiac-friendly version.

Victor Layne