Big Mac Sloppy Joes combine the best of both worlds with their juicy ground beef, special sauce, and cheesy goodness. They’re messy, fun, and oh-so-delicious!
Every bite feels like a fast-food treat made at home! Personally, I love serving them with crispy fries on the side. You’ll want to grab extra napkins—it’s a tasty adventure!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This recipe uses 1 lb of ground beef, which gives a nice meaty texture. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or try lentils for a vegetarian version.
Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and flavor. Yellow onions are perfect, but you can also use sweet onions or shallots if you prefer a milder taste.
Dill Pickles: Chopped dill pickles offer tanginess. If you don’t like them, you can substitute with sweet pickles or even relish for a different flavor profile.
Cheddar Cheese: I love using cheddar for its bold flavor. You can easily replace it with American cheese for extra meltiness or use a dairy-free cheese alternative for a vegan option.
Burger Buns: Sesame seed buns give that classic burger feel, but feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free buns if that suits your needs better.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Ground Beef for Sloppy Joes?
Cooking ground beef is a straightforward process, but there are a few tips to keep in mind for the best results. You’ll want to brown the beef evenly to get a nice flavor and texture.
- Start with medium heat and break up the meat with a wooden spatula as it cooks.
- Cook until the beef is fully browned and no pink remains. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Be sure to drain any excess grease. For leaner cuts, there might not be much drainage needed.
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/2 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 4 slices cheddar cheese
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- Shredded lettuce for topping
For the Sauce:
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. Once you’re done, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Meat and Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook everything together until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, make sure to drain any excess grease from the skillet to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
2. Make the Sloppy Joe Mix:
Next, stir in the chopped pickles, ketchup, yellow mustard, mayonnaise, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Mix everything well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.
3. Prepare the Cheese and Buns:
Once the mixture is ready, place a slice of cheddar cheese on top of the beef mixture in the skillet. Cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt, which should take about 2-3 minutes. While the cheese is melting, slice the sesame seed buns in half and toast them lightly if you’d like for extra crunchiness.
4. Assemble the Sloppy Joes:
Now it’s time to put everything together! Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Then, add a generous amount of shredded lettuce on top before covering it with the top half of the bun.
5. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Big Mac Sloppy Joes are ready to be served! Enjoy them immediately while they’re nice and warm. They make for a fun and tasty meal that’s sure to please everyone!
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great substitute that will still give you a tasty result. Just be aware that turkey can be a bit leaner, so you might want to add a touch more seasoning or moisture, such as an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of broth, to keep it flavorful.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
You can easily make this vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with a plant-based ground meat or using lentils as the base. Cooked lentils can be mixed in with the other ingredients just like ground beef, and it will still pack in plenty of flavor!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep your buns fresh, store them separately. To reheat, warm the beef mixture gently in the skillet and toast the buns in the oven or toaster for that extra crunch!
Can I Add Other Toppings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with additional toppings like sliced tomatoes, onions, or even a drizzle of barbecue sauce for extra sweetness. Get creative and make it your own!
