What happens when you combine the messy deliciousness of a sloppy joe with the iconic flavors of a Big Mac? You get Big Mac Sloppy Joes—a fun, flavorful twist on two classic comfort foods. Juicy ground beef is simmered in a tangy sauce and topped with melty cheese, pickles, and lettuce, all nestled in a soft sesame seed bun.

This recipe brings the magic of your favorite fast-food burger to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. It’s easy, satisfying, and sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Why You’ll Love These Big Mac Sloppy Joes

• Quick and easy: Perfect for weeknights when you want something fast and delicious.
• All the Big Mac flavors: Tangy sauce, pickles, onions, and that classic cheesy goodness.
• Kid-friendly: This fun twist is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable: Pile on your favorite toppings or adjust the seasonings to make it your own.

Ingredients for Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Sloppy Joe Mixture

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tbsp mustard
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Toppings and Assembly

• 4 sesame seed hamburger buns
• 4 slices American cheese
• Pickles, sliced
• Shredded lettuce
• Thousand Island dressing (or your favorite burger sauce)

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet (optional, for toasting buns)

How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until the beef is browned and fully cooked, about 6–8 minutes. Drain any excess grease.

Step 2: Make the Sloppy Joe Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the beef.

Step 3: Toast the Buns (Optional)

While the beef mixture is simmering, lightly toast the sesame seed buns in the oven or a skillet for added texture.

Step 4: Assemble the Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with a slice of American cheese, pickles, shredded lettuce, and a drizzle of Thousand Island dressing. Place the top bun on and serve warm.

What to Serve with Big Mac Sloppy Joes

These sandwiches are hearty on their own but pair wonderfully with classic sides:

• French fries or tater tots
• Potato chips
• Coleslaw
• Macaroni salad
• Side salad

Tips for Perfect Big Mac Sloppy Joes

• Don’t skip the cheese: The melted cheese is a key part of that Big Mac flavor!
• Make it extra saucy: If you love a super saucy sloppy joe, double the sauce ingredients.
• Toast the buns: A lightly toasted bun helps prevent it from getting soggy and adds a slight crunch.
• Customize the toppings: Add diced onions, extra pickles, or even crispy bacon for a fun twist.

How to Store and Reheat

• Refrigerator: Store the sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the cooked beef mixture (without toppings or buns) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm the mixture in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken are great leaner alternatives.

What if I don’t have Thousand Island dressing?

You can make a quick version by mixing 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp ketchup, 1 tsp relish, and a splash of vinegar or pickle juice.

Can I make these ahead of time?

The sloppy joe mixture can be made ahead and reheated just before serving. Assemble the sandwiches fresh for the best results.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Big Mac Sloppy Joes are the perfect mashup of two comfort food classics. With their tangy, saucy filling and iconic toppings, they’re a fun and flavorful way to change up your dinner routine. Whether it’s for a casual family meal or a game-day party, this dish will have everyone coming back for seconds.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your thoughts or photos in the comments below or on Pinterest.

More Comfort Food Favorites to Try:

• Cheeseburger Casserole
• Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
• Pulled Pork Sandwiches

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 400
• Protein: 24g
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 20g

Get ready for a deliciously messy, Big Mac-inspired dinner! 🍔