This BIG MAC SLOPPY JOES IS YOUR NEW BEST FRIEND. It’s everything you love about the Big Mac—juicy beef, tangy sauce, and those crunchy pickles—mixed into a family-friendly, easy-to-make dish.
And let’s be real, who doesn’t love something messy, delicious, and ready in no time? My husband whipped this up one Sunday when we were CRAVING fast food but didn’t want to leave the house, and let me tell you, it’s been on repeat ever since.
If you’re obsessed with all things Big Mac, you’ll love this Big Mac Soup.
I’m breaking it down step-by-step so you can nail this recipe on your first try. Let’s get into it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- FAST FOOD FLAVOR, HOMEMADE FEEL. It’s like drive-thru magic without leaving your kitchen.
- KID-FRIENDLY. My niece says this is her “FAVORITE DINNER EVER.” Enough said.
- BUDGET-FRIENDLY. You can feed a family of four for less.
🛒 INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED
For the Sloppy Joe Mixture:
- 1 pound ground beef (80/20 for flavor)
- ½ small onion, diced
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp mustard
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup beef broth (or water, but broth adds flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
The Big Mac Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
For Assembly:
- 4 hamburger buns (or brioche for a fancy touch)
- Shredded lettuce
- Diced pickles
- Chopped onions
- Optional: Sesame seeds for garnish
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⏱️ HOW TO MAKE BIG MAC SLOPPY JOES
This recipe is EASY PEASY. It’s ready in about 30 minutes, and most of that is just simmering and letting the flavors come together.
COOK THE BEEF
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks.
- Once the beef is halfway cooked, toss in the diced onion. Cook until the onion is soft and the beef is fully browned (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain any excess grease from the pan.
ADD THE FLAVOR
- Stir in ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, letting all those flavors soak into the beef.
MAKE THE BIG MAC SAUCE
- While the beef simmers, mix all the Big Mac sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Adjust the flavors to your taste (I usually go heavy on the pickle relish because YUM).
- Pop the sauce in your fridge to chill while everything else comes together.
ASSEMBLE THE SLOPPY JOES
- Toast your hamburger buns if you’re feeling fancy—it adds a nice crunch!
- Spread a generous layer of Big Mac sauce on the bottom bun.
- Pile on the sloppy joe mixture, then top with shredded lettuce, diced pickles, and chopped onions.
- Add the top bun, press down slightly, and get ready for a MESSY GOOD TIME.
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🍽️ TIPS FOR THE PERFECT BIG MAC SLOPPY JOES
- MAKE IT AHEAD: The flavors get even better as the beef sits, so feel free to make it a few hours early.
- DOUBLE THE SAUCE: Trust me on this. You’ll want extra for dipping fries or drizzling on top.
- ADD CHEESE: If you’re missing the melted cheese from a Big Mac, throw a slice of American cheese on the top of the sloppy joe mixture while it’s still warm.
- GO SESAME: Sprinkle sesame seeds on your buns for that classic Big Mac look.
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🔀 VARIATIONS TO TRY
- BIG MAC TACOS: Swap the buns for taco shells and make a Big Mac taco night.
- BIG MAC SLIDERS: Use mini Hawaiian rolls for party-sized sloppy joes.
- VEGGIE VERSION: Use plant-based ground beef or lentils for a meat-free option.
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🍟 SIDES THAT PAIR PERFECTLY
Make it a WHOLE MEAL with these easy sides:
- Crispy French Fries: Duh!
- Coleslaw: The creamy crunch balances the messy joes.
- Tater Tots: Because they’re FUN.
- Simple Garden Salad: For a lighter touch.
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NUTRITIONAL INFO (PER SERVING)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 30g
- Fat: 25g
Keep in mind that adding cheese, extra sauce, or sides will bump up those numbers. But hey, you’re making Big Mac Sloppy Joes—it’s worth it!
BIG MAC SLOPPY JOES: YOUR NEW FAMILY FAVORITE DINNER
Big Mac Sloppy Joes are an absolute game-changer when it comes to weeknight meals. Imagine combining the juicy, flavorful beef from a sloppy joe with the unmistakable tangy sauce and toppings from a Big Mac. This recipe brings together two comfort food classics in the best way possible. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, hungry teens, or your fast-food-loving partner, this dish checks ALL the boxes.
The best part? Big Mac Sloppy Joes are quick, affordable, and ridiculously easy to make. With simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen, you can recreate the magic of a Big Mac without ever hitting the drive-thru. And let’s be real, cooking at home means you can go as heavy as you want on that iconic Big Mac sauce!
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WHY BIG MAC SLOPPY JOES ARE A MUST-TRY
The appeal of Big Mac Sloppy Joes lies in their simplicity and versatility. You don’t need a culinary degree to pull off this dish, yet it delivers restaurant-quality flavor in every bite.
The sweet and tangy Big Mac sauce complements the seasoned ground beef, while the shredded lettuce, diced pickles, and onions bring the crunch. It’s comfort food with a fast-food twist, and the whole family will be OBSESSED.
If you’ve got kids, these sloppy joes are guaranteed to become a regular request at the dinner table. My sister-in-law swears her kids eat seconds (sometimes thirds) every single time she makes them. And let’s not even talk about how my husband goes back for more sauce to drizzle on his fries—TOTAL GAME CHANGER.
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MAKE IT YOUR OWN
One of the best things about Big Mac Sloppy Joes is how customizable they are. Want to up the heat? Add a bit of your hot sauce to the beef or sprinkle red pepper flakes into the Big Mac sauce.
Prefer a healthier spin? Replace the ground beef by ground turkey or chicken. The Big Mac-inspired flavors shine no matter what you use.
You can even experiment with toppings to make these sloppy joes your own. Try adding caramelized onions for extra sweetness, or sprinkle on some shredded cheddar for an ooey-gooey touch.
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BIG MAC SLOPPY JOES ARE BUDGET-FRIENDLY
In today’s economy, eating out can add up FAST. That’s why Big Mac Sloppy Joes are such a genius option—they give you the flavor of your favorite fast food without the price tag. You can make enough to feed a family of four (and probably have leftovers!) for less than the cost of a single Big Mac combo meal.
Plus, the ingredients are pantry staples, so you’re not running to specialty stores or buying fancy spices. Ground beef, a few condiments, and hamburger buns are all you really need. If you’re on a tight budget or just want a meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cost, this recipe is IT.
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FAQS ABOUT BIG MAC SLOPPY JOES
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Your beef mixture can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just reheat it on your stove before serving.
What’s the best beef to use?
Go for ground chuck (80/20). It has enough fat to stay juicy without being greasy.
Can I use store-bought Big Mac sauce?
You could, but making it yourself takes 2 minutes and tastes SO MUCH BETTER.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free buns and make sure your condiments don’t contain gluten.
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Big Mac Sloppy Joes are one of those recipes that make you look like a kitchen superstar without the stress. They’re fast, fun, and PACKED with flavor. Whether you’re whipping these up for a weeknight dinner or serving them at a party, you’ll have people licking their fingers and asking for seconds.
What are you waiting for? Grab your skillet and get cooking—your Big Mac craving won’t wait forever!
