Homemade Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Homemade Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Posted on January 19, 2025
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Take your love for the iconic Big Mac and transform it into a delicious, family-friendly dinner with Homemade Big Mac Sloppy Joes ! This fun and easy twist combines the best of two classics: the bold flavors of the Big Mac and the messy, comforting appeal of a sloppy joe. Juicy ground beef, tangy pickles, melty cheese, and, of course, a homemade version of that famous Big Mac sauce—all piled onto soft sesame seed buns. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or looking for a quick meal to satisfy your cravings, this recipe will become a fast favorite. Let’s dive into the ultimate comfort food mash-up!

Ingredients

For the Beef Mixture:

  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce

For the Big Mac Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

For Assembly:

  • 4 sesame seed burger buns
  • 4 slices of American cheese
  • ½ cup shredded lettuce
  • ½ cup diced pickles (or pickle chips)
  • Optional: diced tomatoes for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Big Mac Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until smooth.
  2. Cover and refrigerate the sauce while preparing the rest of the meal. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 2-3 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
  2. Add the chopped onion, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes.
  3. Drain excess grease if necessary, then stir in beef broth, ketchup, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.

Step 3: Toast the Buns

  1. Preheat a griddle or skillet over medium heat.
  2. Lightly butter the cut sides of the sesame seed buns and toast them until golden brown. This step prevents the buns from getting soggy when topped with the beef mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Big Mac Sloppy Joes

  1. Place the bottom halves of the toasted buns on a plate.
  2. Add a slice of American cheese to each bun.
  3. Spoon the beef mixture generously over the cheese.
  4. Top with shredded lettuce, diced pickles, and a generous drizzle of the homemade Big Mac sauce.
  5. Place the sesame seed bun tops on and serve immediately.

Tips

  1. Customize the Sauce: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce by tweaking the amount of relish or vinegar to suit your taste.
  2. Cheese Swap: If you’re not a fan of American cheese, cheddar or Swiss make great alternatives.
  3. Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the beef mixture and Big Mac sauce up to a day in advance. Simply reheat and assemble when ready to serve.
  4. Keep It Messy: Serve with plenty of napkins—these are called “sloppy” for a reason!

Storage Instructions

  1. Refrigeration: Store leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  2. Reheating: Warm the beef mixture gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or beef broth if needed.
  3. Freezing: You can freeze the beef mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Note that the sauce is best made fresh.

Variations

  1. Low-Carb Option: Serve the beef mixture over lettuce wraps instead of buns for a keto-friendly alternative.
  2. Vegetarian Twist: Use plant-based ground beef or crumbled tofu instead of meat for a veggie-friendly version.
  3. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños to the beef mixture or a dash of hot sauce to the Big Mac sauce for extra heat.
  4. Slider Style: Make mini Big Mac Sloppy Joes using slider buns for a fun party appetizer.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 27g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 29g
  • Saturated Fat: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg
  • Sodium: 890mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 6g

FAQ

1. Can I use store-bought Big Mac sauce?
Absolutely! While homemade sauce takes the flavor up a notch, a store-bought alternative works in a pinch.

2. How can I make this dish healthier?
Opt for lean ground turkey or chicken, use low-fat mayo for the sauce, and swap sesame buns for whole-grain options.

3. Are there other bun options?
Potato rolls or brioche buns make excellent substitutes if sesame buns aren’t available.

4. Can I add other toppings?
Yes! Sautéed onions, crispy bacon, or even fried eggs can elevate these sloppy joes even further.

5. What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
French fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a side salad are perfect complements to Big Mac Sloppy Joes.