Big Mac Sloppy Joes combine two iconic comfort foods into one unforgettable meal. Imagine all the classic, messy goodness of a Sloppy Joe, layered with the familiar tang of a Big Mac—special sauce, pickles, and melty cheese included. It’s simple, fast, and guaranteed to win over kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting a game night, or just craving something nostalgic and satisfying, these saucy sandwiches deliver every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Two Classics in One
This recipe takes everything you love about Sloppy Joes—savory, saucy beef—and fuses it with Big Mac-style toppings and that creamy, signature sauce.
Easy to Make
No fancy techniques or equipment. Just a skillet, a few pantry staples, and a few minutes of prep.
Customizable
Spice it up, make it vegetarian, or pile on your favorite toppings—the base is flexible enough to adapt to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing
Perfect for potlucks, backyard parties, or family dinners, these sandwiches never fail to draw compliments.
Kid-Friendly
Picky eaters love the cheesy, mildly sweet flavors and soft buns.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Serves 6–8
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey/chicken as a leaner option)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Special Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 6–8 hamburger buns, lightly toasted
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Dill pickle slices, for topping
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart using a wooden spoon. Cook until it browns and is no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it.
Add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes, until the onion becomes soft and fragrant.
Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Pour this sauce into the skillet with the beef mixture. Stir well to combine. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and the flavors come together.
Make the Special Sauce
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, pickle relish, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside. This sauce is what gives it the classic Big Mac flavor.
Assemble the Sandwiches
Toast the buns for a minute or two until golden and crisp—it helps them hold up against the saucy filling.
Scoop a generous helping of the Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom bun. Sprinkle with shredded cheddar while the beef is still warm so it melts slightly.
Drizzle a spoonful of special sauce over the top. Add a few dill pickle slices, then top with the other half of the bun.
Serve
Serve hot with your favorite side—think crispy fries, kettle chips, or even a simple side salad.
Why This Recipe Works
Special Sauce Magic
That creamy, tangy Big Mac-style sauce elevates the entire dish and brings it all together.
Sloppy Joe Base
The saucy beef is sweet, savory, and full of flavor, with just the right amount of richness.
Cheesy Goodness
Melted cheddar adds extra indulgence and a gooey texture that complements the meat beautifully.
Pickles for Crunch
They add zing and crunch, balancing out the richness of the beef and sauce.
Variations to Try
Spice It Up
Like it hot? Add diced jalapeños, a pinch of cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
Gluten-Free
Use gluten-free hamburger buns or serve the meat mixture on lettuce leaves for a low-carb version.
Veggie-Friendly
Replace the meat with plant-based ground beef or seasoned lentils for a vegetarian spin.
Double Cheese
Top with a slice of American cheese and shredded cheddar for that double-cheese magic.
Tips for Success
- Toast the Buns: A light toast keeps them from getting soggy and adds texture.
- Don’t Skip the Sauce: The special sauce is the defining feature—don’t leave it out!
- Make Ahead: The beef mixture and sauce can both be made a day ahead. Just reheat and assemble when ready.
- Portion Control: Use slider buns for mini sandwiches at parties or potlucks.
- Storage: Leftover meat and sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Combo: Serve with a side of fries, coleslaw, or onion rings.
- Brunch Staple: Pair with crispy hash browns and fresh fruit for a unique brunch.
- Party Platter: Serve with slider buns as mini sandwiches for a fun finger-food spread.
- Elevated Touch: Garnish with microgreens or chives for a fancier finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken works just as well and creates a lighter version of this dish.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can substitute it with soy sauce and a pinch of brown sugar for a similar flavor profile.
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! You can make both the beef mixture and the special sauce a day ahead. Just store them separately and assemble when you’re ready to serve.
What kind of pickles should I use?
Dill pickles are the best option for that classic tangy crunch, but bread-and-butter pickles work if you prefer a sweeter bite.
Can I freeze the meat mixture?
Yes, the beef mixture freezes well. Let it cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before assembling.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?
Toasting the buns and using a slotted spoon to scoop the beef mixture helps reduce moisture and keeps the bread from becoming soggy.
Final Thoughts
Big Mac Sloppy Joes are more than just a mashup—they’re a total flavor bomb. With their bold, tangy sauce, cheesy layers, and juicy, savory filling, they’re comfort food at its best. And the best part? They’re easy to make, endlessly customizable, and practically guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Whether you’re whipping them up for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next party, these sandwiches hit the spot every time.
Now it’s your turn—what’s your go-to twist on the classic Sloppy Joe? Have you ever recreated fast food favorites at home? Let’s hear your ideas!