Hey y'all! Get ready for a mouthwatering twist on an American classic—Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Burger Flavor. This recipe is the perfect mashup of your favorite fast-food burger and the cozy, saucy goodness of a sloppy joe. It's quick enough for weeknights, crowd-pleasing for parties, and loaded with all those crave-worthy flavors you love. Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Burger Flavor Recipe
- All the iconic Big Mac flavors in a hearty, satisfying sandwich.
- Quick and easy—on the table in under 30 minutes!
- Perfect for feeding a hungry family or game-day crowd.
- Customizable with your favorite burger toppings.
- Kid-friendly and a guaranteed hit with adults, too.
Ingredients for Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Burger Flavor
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- ¼ cup dill pickles, finely chopped
- ½ cup Big Mac-style sauce (see note for homemade recipe)
- ¼ cup ketchup
- 2 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably with sesame seeds)
- 4 slices American cheese
- Lettuce, shredded, for topping
- Diced tomatoes, for topping (optional)
Directions: How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Burger Flavor
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion, breaking up the meat with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Add the Burger Flavor
Stir in the chopped pickles, Big Mac-style sauce, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is saucy and fragrant.
Step 3: Assemble the Sloppy Joes
Preheat the broiler. Open the hamburger buns and lay them on a baking sheet, cut side up. Place a slice of American cheese on the bottom half of each bun. Broil for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and the buns are lightly toasted.
Step 4: Build Your Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Burger Flavor
Spoon generous helpings of the beef mixture onto each cheesy bun. Top with shredded lettuce (and diced tomatoes if using). Place the top bun on and serve immediately!
Notes for the Best Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Burger Flavor
- For homemade Big Mac sauce, combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Check out this easy Big Mac sauce recipe for exact ratios.
- For even richer burger flavor, add a dash more Worcestershire sauce or a splash of burger seasoning (like this homemade burger seasoning).
- For extra crunch, top your sloppy joes with crispy fried onions or extra pickles.

Variations on Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Burger Flavor
- Turkey Big Mac Sloppy Joes: Swap the beef for lean ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Cheeseburger Sloppy Joes: Use cheddar or pepper jack instead of American cheese for a different cheesy kick.
- Low-Carb Version: Serve the meat mixture over lettuce cups instead of buns.
Required Equipment for Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Burger Flavor
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Baking sheet
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Storage Instructions for Leftover Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Buns are best toasted fresh; if storing assembled sandwiches, wrap individually and refrigerate, but consume within 24 hours to avoid sogginess.
Pairings & Serving Recommendations for Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Burger Flavor
- Serve with crispy oven fries or sweet potato fries for the ultimate diner experience.
- Pair with classic coleslaw or a tangy pickle salad.
- Enjoy with a cold soda, milkshake, or your favorite beer.
Pro Tips for the Best Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Burger Flavor
- For extra-juicy sloppy joes, avoid overcooking the beef; stop once it's browned and crumbly.
- Toast buns just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy—this really makes a difference! Check out these bun toasting tips.
- Double the sauce for extra messy, finger-licking sandwiches.
FAQ: Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Burger Flavor
- Can I make Big Mac Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
- Yes! Prepare the beef mixture up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. Reheat and assemble when ready to eat.
- What’s the best ground beef to use?
- Use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for flavorful, juicy results without too much grease.
- Can I freeze Big Mac Sloppy Joe meat?
- Absolutely! Cool the meat mixture, portion it into freezer bags, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup dill pickles, chopped
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ⅓ cup Thousand Island dressing
- 2 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Shredded lettuce, for serving
Instructions
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1In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is soft, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
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2Stir in the ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Thousand Island dressing. Mix well to combine and simmer for 3-4 minutes.
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3Add the chopped pickles and shredded cheddar cheese to the skillet. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is heated through. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
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4Spoon the beef mixture onto toasted hamburger buns. Top with shredded lettuce and extra pickles if desired.
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5Serve immediately and enjoy your Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Burger Flavor.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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