Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a fun twist on the classic burger! They mix ground beef with tangy flavors, just like your favorite Big Mac, all piled on soft buns.
These messy yet delicious treats are perfect for game nights or quick dinners. I love topping mine with pickles and extra cheese—who can resist that gooey goodness? 🍔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the main protein in the dish. For a leaner option, try ground turkey or chicken. If you want a vegetarian version, use lentils or a mix of black beans and mushrooms for a hearty texture.
Onion: A small diced onion adds flavor. Shallots can work too for a milder taste. If you’re keeping things simple, you might skip it altogether or use onion powder instead.
Pickles: Chop up dill pickles for that tangy crunch. If you’re not a fan, consider chopped jalapeños for some heat or omit them altogether. Sweet pickles can add a different flavor profile if you like that.
Ketchup and Mayonnaise: Together, they create the iconic sauce. You can experiment with BBQ sauce for a smoky twist or Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy alternative. Remember, adjust sweetness to your taste.
American Cheese: This cheese melts beautifully. If you want something with more flavor, try cheddar or pepper jack. For dairy-free options, use vegan cheese slices.
How Do I Get the Ground Beef Just Right?
Cooking the ground beef properly is key to a delicious dish. You’ll want to make sure it browns well for the best flavor, and here’s how:
- Start by heating your skillet to medium heat. Don’t rush, as this allows the meat to brown nicely.
- Add the ground beef and diced onions together. This way, the onions get tender while the beef cooks.
- Break apart the beef with a spatula as it cooks, ensuring even browning.
- Once it’s no longer pink, drain off the excess grease. This keeps your Sloppy Joes from being too oily.
How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 cup pickles, chopped
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Condiments and Seasonings:
For Serving:
- 4 sesame seed burger buns
- 4 slices of American cheese
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 20 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping and cooking the ingredients, and then a few more minutes assembling your delicious Big Mac Sloppy Joes. Quick, easy, and oh-so-tasty!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Beef and Onions:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook them together until the meat is browned and the onions are nice and translucent. Once done, drain off any extra grease to keep it from being too greasy.
2. Mix in the Flavors:
Now it’s time to add some flavor! Stir in the chopped pickles, ketchup, mayonnaise, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together well and let it simmer for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s all heated through and the flavors blend nicely.
3. Toast the Buns:
While your beef mixture is simmering, toast the sesame seed burger buns. You can do this in a separate pan or pop them in a toaster until they’re lightly golden. This adds a wonderful crunch!
4. Assemble Your Sloppy Joes:
Grab those toasted buns and place a slice of American cheese on the bottom half of each bun. Then, spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture right over the cheese—this will help melt the cheese a bit. Don’t be shy, load them up!
5. Add Some Crunch:
Top your beef mixture with a handful of shredded lettuce. This gives a nice crunch and freshness to your Sloppy Joes. Finally, cover with the top half of the bun.
6. Serve and Enjoy!
Plate your Big Mac Sloppy Joes and serve them immediately while they’re warm. Enjoy every bite of this tasty, messy treat!
Can I Use Turkey or Chicken Instead of Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just cook it in the same way; however, you might want to add a touch more seasoning to enhance the flavor since these meats are milder than beef.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make these Big Mac Sloppy Joes gluten-free, simply use gluten-free burger buns. Ensure that your condiments, like ketchup and mustard, are also labeled gluten-free. Most of the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free!
What Can I Use Instead of Pickles?
If you’re not a fan of pickles, you can substitute them with chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick or diced green bell peppers for a milder flavor. Just adjust the amount based on your taste preference!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the beef mixture in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave, and toast the buns fresh for the best texture!
