Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Name: Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 18 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter; 1 pound ground beef; ½ cup yellow onion (diced); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ cup pickle relish; ¼ cup bottled Thousand Island dressing; 1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 4 large sesame seed buns; ¼ head iceberg lettuce (shredded); 4 American cheese slices

Posted on July 5, 2025

Desserts & Sweets

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All the flavor of a Big Mac in one easy skillet meal—Big Mac Sloppy Joes bring together seasoned beef, special sauce, cheese, and pickles on toasted buns. This recipe is perfect for casual dinners, game days, or any occasion when you crave something hearty and satisfying. The unique combination of flavors and textures makes this dish a standout favorite that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With only 18 minutes from start to finish, you can have a delicious dinner ready in no time.
Flavorful Comfort: The savory taste of seasoned beef combined with creamy dressing and crunchy pickles creates a delightful bite every time.
Customizable: You can easily adjust toppings and sauces to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.
Kid-Friendly: This fun twist on a classic burger is sure to please even the pickiest eaters at your table.
Perfect for Leftovers: Make extra filling to enjoy as a topping on nachos or as a filling for baked potatoes the next day.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Big Mac Sloppy Joes seamlessly, having the right tools on hand is essential. These kitchen essentials will help you whip up this tasty dish quickly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

Skillet
Spatula
Measuring cups
Cutting board
Knife

Why These Tools Matter

Skillet: A large skillet allows for even cooking and easy mixing of ingredients.
Spatula: A sturdy spatula helps in breaking down the meat while cooking and ensures even browning.
Measuring Cups: Accurate measurements guarantee consistent flavor in your dish.
Cutting Board & Knife: These are crucial for safely chopping vegetables and preparing your ingredients before cooking.

Ingredients

All the flavor of a Big Mac in one easy skillet meal—seasoned beef, special sauce, cheese, and pickles piled high on toasted buns.

1 tablespoon unsalted butter
1 pound ground beef (85%-15% ground round)
½ cup yellow onion (small diced (plus additional for toppings))
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup pickle relish
¼ cup bottled thousand island dressing (Kraft brand(plus additional for toppings))
1½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
4 large soft sesame seed buns (Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse Hearty White)
¼ head iceberg lettuce (shredded)
2 tablespoons small diced yellow onion (about ½ tablespoon per sandwich)
4 American cheese slices (unwrapped)
Dill pickle (hamburger) slices ((3-4 per sandwich))
Bottled Thousand Island Dressing

How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Cook the Beef Mixture

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the unsalted butter, ground beef, diced yellow onion, salt, and black pepper.
1. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until the onions soften and the meat is browned.
2. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 2: Add Flavor Components

Turn the heat down to low and add:
1. Pickle relish
2. Bottled thousand island dressing
3. Worcestershire sauce
to the cooked ground beef mixture. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
4. Cook for an additional 1–2 minutes until heated through.

Step 3: Assemble Your Sloppy Joes

To create your Big Mac Sloppy Joes:
1. Place the bottom half of a sesame seed bun on a plate.
2. Top it with shredded iceberg lettuce followed by small diced yellow onions.
3. Add a slice of American cheese and then place 3–4 dill pickle slices on top.
4. Scoop a generous amount of the meat mixture onto the pickles.
5. Drizzle with additional bottled thousand island dressing before topping with the other half of the bun.
6. Repeat this process until all sandwiches are assembled.

Enjoy your delicious Big Mac Sloppy Joes!

How to Serve Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Big Mac Sloppy Joes are not just a meal; they’re a fun dining experience. These hearty sandwiches can be served in various ways to enhance your meal and impress your guests.

Creative Plating Ideas

Individual Serving Plates: Serve each sandwich on its own plate with a side of fries or chips for a complete meal presentation.
Family Style: Place all assembled sandwiches on a large platter for guests to help themselves, encouraging a communal dining atmosphere.

Accompaniments

Extra Pickles: Offer additional dill pickle slices on the side for those who enjoy an extra crunch.
Sliced Onions: Provide small bowls of diced onions for guests who prefer more onion flavor in their sandwiches.

Garnishes

Shredded Lettuce: Add more shredded iceberg lettuce on the side for a fresh crunch alongside the sloppy Joes.
Thousand Island Dressing: Set out a small bowl of extra dressing for dipping or drizzling onto the sandwiches.

How to Perfect Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Creating the perfect Big Mac Sloppy Joes is all about attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to elevate your dish.

Bold Flavoring: Use high-quality ingredients like fresh ground beef and premium thousand island dressing for richer flavors.
Even Cooking: Ensure even cooking by breaking up the meat thoroughly while browning it in the skillet. This helps it cook evenly and allows flavors to meld better.
Texture Balance: For added texture, consider mixing in some finely chopped bell peppers or mushrooms with the onions as they sauté.
Toast Your Buns: Lightly butter and toast your buns before assembling. This prevents sogginess and adds a delightful crispness.
Customize Spice Levels: Adjust salt and pepper to taste, or add a dash of hot sauce if you enjoy a bit of heat in your sloppy joes.
Resting Time: Let the mixture sit for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This helps the flavors deepen and blend together.

Best Side Dishes for Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Pairing your Big Mac Sloppy Joes with the right side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options that complement this delicious sandwich.

French Fries: Classic crispy fries serve as an ideal crunchy side that pairs perfectly with sloppy joes.
Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides a nice contrast with its creamy texture and tangy flavor.
Potato Chips: Crunchy potato chips add an easy and fun element to your meal; choose classic salted or flavored varieties.
Sweet Potato Fries: These offer a sweeter alternative to regular fries, adding both flavor and color to your plate.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings summer vibes to your table, enhancing the overall experience.
Garden Salad: A simple garden salad offers freshness that balances out the richness of the sloppy joes, filled with seasonal veggies.
Onion Rings: Crispy onion rings provide an indulgent twist that pairs well with the flavors of Big Mac Sloppy Joes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Big Mac Sloppy Joes, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

Skipping the seasoning: Failing to properly season the beef can lead to bland flavors. Always add salt and pepper during cooking for the best taste.
Overcooking the meat: Cooking the beef for too long can make it tough. Aim for just enough time to ensure it’s no longer pink while remaining juicy.
Not draining excess fat: Leaving excess fat in the skillet can make your sloppy joes greasy. Be sure to drain any fat after cooking the beef.
Using stale buns: Stale buns can ruin your sandwich experience. Always use fresh, soft buns for optimal texture and flavor.
Ignoring toppings: Skipping toppings like lettuce or pickles means missing out on great flavor and crunch. Don’t forget these key elements!

Refrigerator Storage

Store your Big Mac Sloppy Joes in an airtight container.
They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Big Mac Sloppy Joes

You can freeze the cooked meat mixture for up to 2-3 months.
Use freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, heat for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Big Mac Sloppy Joes?

Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a delicious skillet meal that combines seasoned beef, special sauce, cheese, and pickles served on soft sesame seed buns.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that can provide a lighter option while still being flavorful.

How do I customize my Big Mac Sloppy Joes?

Feel free to add your favorite toppings such as jalapeños, avocado, or even different types of cheese for a unique twist.

Are Big Mac Sloppy Joes kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Their fun presentation and tasty flavors make them a hit with kids and adults alike.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You can substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian version of Big Mac Sloppy Joes.

Conclusion

Big Mac Sloppy Joes bring all the iconic flavors of the beloved burger into an easy-to-make skillet meal. This recipe is versatile; you can customize it with different proteins or toppings according to your preference. Give it a try and enjoy this delicious twist on a classic favorite!