Description

This Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe brilliantly recreates the iconic Big Mac flavor in a hearty, cheesy sloppy joe sandwich. Featuring ground beef cooked with onions and seasoned with garlic powder, topped with melted cheddar cheese, and served on toasted buns with a special sauce mimicking the Big Mac’s famous sauce, this recipe offers a delicious, quick meal perfect for weeknights or game days. Optional toppings like sliced pickles and shredded lettuce add freshness and crunch, completing this comforting and indulgent sandwich experience.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sloppy Joes:

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

For the Special Sauce:

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

Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and finely diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onion is tender. Drain excess grease to keep the dish from becoming greasy. Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, stirring well to combine.
Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the cooked beef mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and incorporates evenly throughout the meat mixture.
Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns either on a baking sheet in a preheated oven or on a skillet until they are golden brown, adding a slight crunch for structure and texture in each bite.
Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spread a generous amount of the prepared special sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture evenly on top. Add sliced pickles for that classic tangy crunch and, if desired, shredded lettuce for freshness. Complete the sandwich with the top bun.
Serve: Serve the sandwiches warm, paired with your favorite side dishes such as French fries, onion rings, or a salad. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Make it Healthier: Substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef to reduce fat content.
Cheese Variations: Try American or Swiss cheese for a different flavor profile.
Prep Ahead: The special sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated.
Freezing: The beef mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months in an airtight container; thaw and reheat in a skillet before serving.
Pickle Relish Substitute: Use finely diced pickles or a splash of pickle juice if relish is unavailable.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free buns and condiments suitable for celiac diets.
Serving Suggestions: Add sesame seeds to the buns for an authentic Big Mac appearance.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Big Mac, Sloppy Joes, Special Sauce, Ground Beef Sandwich, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Cheeseburger Style, Family Meal, Game Day Food