These Big Mac Sloppy Joes bring all the goodness of a classic Big Mac into a messy, fun dinner! With ground beef, onions, pickles, and that special sauce, it’s a flavor explosion!
Who doesn’t love a meal that you can eat with one hand? Just scoop it on a bun and enjoy! I love piling on extra pickles for that extra crunch—yum! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the show and gives you that hearty texture. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option or even plant-based ground meat if you’re vegetarian or vegan.
Onion: A small onion adds great flavor. If you’re not a fan, you could use shallots or omit it altogether. Green onions can also work for a milder taste.
Dill Pickles: Chopped dill pickles provide that tangy crunch. If you don’t have dill pickles, sweet pickles or relish could work too, but they will change the flavor a bit.
American Cheese: This helps create that gooey texture. You can swap it out for cheddar or pepper jack if you want more flavor, but keep in mind that it won’t have the same melting qualities.
Hamburger Buns: Sesame seed buns are a great choice, but really any burger bun will do. You can also use whole grain or gluten-free buns for a healthier or dietary alternative.
What’s the Best Way to Brown Ground Beef and Onions?
Browning ground beef and onions correctly sets the stage for amazing flavor. Here are some tips to ensure you get it right:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the meat; this helps create a nice sear.
- Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks to prevent clumping.
- Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are soft and transparent. This usually takes about 7-10 minutes.
- Don’t forget to drain the excess fat! This step keeps your Sloppy Joes from being too greasy.
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup dill pickles, chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 hamburger buns (preferably sesame seed)
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- Optional: additional pickles for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes browning the beef and preparing the sauce, and about another 10 minutes assembling the sandwiches. It’s a quick and tasty way to satisfy your cravings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Meat:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion to the skillet. Cook the mixture for about 5 to 7 minutes until the beef is browned and the onion is soft and translucent. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
2. Mixing in the Flavors:
Next, add the chopped dill pickles, ketchup, yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper to the skillet with the beef. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend nicely.
3. Melting the Cheese:
Place a slice of American cheese on top of the meat mixture in the skillet. Let it melt over the meat for about 2 minutes. This will make your sloppy joes extra cheesy and delicious!
4. Preparing the Spread:
While the cheese melts, take a small bowl and combine the mayonnaise and white vinegar to create your creamy spread. Mix it until smooth.
5. Toasting the Buns:
If you like your buns toasted, now’s the time to do it! Lightly toast each hamburger bun in a toaster or on a pan for a few minutes until just golden.
6. Assembling Your Sloppy Joes:
Spread a generous amount of the mayonnaise mixture on the bottom half of each bun. Then, add a big scoop of the cheesy ground beef mixture on top. Finish with a handful of shredded lettuce for that fresh crunch!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Close the sandwiches with the top buns and serve them right away. If you like, add extra pickles on top for garnish. Enjoy your delicious Big Mac Sloppy Joes!
Can I Use a Different Type of Ground Meat?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a healthier or meat-free option. Just ensure to cook it thoroughly, as cooking times may vary slightly with different types of meat.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the meat mixture for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the cheesy meat mixture a day in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat it on the stove, add the cheese, and assemble your Sloppy Joes!
What Can I Use Instead of American Cheese?
If you’re not a fan of American cheese, feel free to swap it out for cheddar, Swiss, or provolone cheese. Just slice or shred them, and melt on top of the meat mixture similarly to the American cheese.
