Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes With Secret Sauce Recipe

Big Mac Sloppy Joes takes all the familiar flavors of the classic burger and turns them into an easy ground beef dinner recipe that comes together fast. The saucy ground beef mixture has that signature tangy flavor of the Big Mac sauce, crisp lettuce and dill pickles as toppings, a slice of American cheese, and the toasted sesame seed bun makes every bite feel like you’re eating the real thing. 

This one skillet pan sloppy joe recipe is and easy way to satisfy a fast-food craving at home without the expense or hassle of the drive-thru. It’s a fun, family-friendly meal that works on those busy weeknights. For another delicious and fun twist to a classic Big Mac – be sure and try these Big Mac Hot Dogs. 

Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe

This recipe for Big Mac sloppy joes turns the McDonald’s Big Mac – an American fast food icon – into a classic sandwich, sloppy joe style, making it a quick easy weeknight dinner recipe that the whole family will devour!

It has all your favorite flavors! Starts with toasted sesame seed buns, then gets filled with sloppy Joe meat that has that amazing Big Mac burger sauce mixed right in, then it’s topped with the classic shredded lettuce and tangy dill pickles, and finished off with more Big Mac sauce and of course, a slice of American cheese. 

How To Make Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes With Copycat Big Mac Sauce (Printable Recipe Card)

In a large skillet pan, over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef and onion until browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease from the skillet. 

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, relish, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper.

Stir half of the sauce into the ground beef mixture until combined, and let the ground beef and sauce mixture simmer on low heat while you toast the buns. Set aside the remaining sauce for serving. 

Heat another large skillet, or flat top pan, over medium heat. Spread softened butter onto both sides of the hamburger buns and toast them until golden brown. 

Assemble the sloppy joes by placing the beef and sauce mixture onto a bottom bun, top with a slice of cheese, shredded lettuce, and pickle slices, and extra sauce. Place the top bun on and enjoy!

How To Store Leftovers

Leftovers should be stored in separate airtight containers; ground beef mixture, Big Mac special sauce, and the toppings (lettuce and pickles) should all be stored in the refrigerator. The buns can stay out at room temperature on the counter. The ground beef sloppy joe mixture can keep for 3-4 days, the sauce keeps well for 5-7 days, and the lettuce will keep for 1-2 days. 

To reheat, microwave individual portions of the ground beef with the creamy sauce in 30 to 45 second intervals, or until warmed through. Warm or toast the buns and assemble the sloppy joe. 

Substitutions & Ingredient Notes

• Ground Beef : Stick with classic ground beef for the best copycat recipe. For the best flavor choose between the 85/15 ground beef or 90/10, and sometimes I use 93/7 ground beef with great results as well. For a learner option you could try using ground chicken or ground turkey. Or one pound ground beef + one pound ground turkey. 
• Onion : I love the vidalia sweet onion for most cooking recipes, however, you can also choose between a yellow or white onion as well. 
• Mayonnaise : If you need an egg-free option, choose a vegan mayonnaise or plain green yogurt. I will warn that using plain greek yogurt will significantly change the taste of the Big Mac sauce. 
• Dill Pickle Relish : Dill pickle relish is traditional in the Big Mac sauce for it’s tanginess. However, if you prefer a much sweeter version, you could opt for sweet relish instead. 
• Sesame Seed Buns : These are the classic buns for a Big Mac. Other options include classic hamburger buns, pretzel buns, hawaiian sweet roll buns, potato buns, or brioche buns. 

Recipe FAQs

What Are Some Other Ways I Can Toast The Buns?

Other options for toasting the buns include placing them in the oven on a baking sheet at 350 degrees F for 5-8 minutes until golden brown. You could also use a toaster oven or an air fryer if your air fryer has a toaster setting. I typically just toast the buns in the oven so it’s more hands off and they just cook while I prepare the sloppy joes. 

How Do I Drain The Grease From The Ground Beef?

To drain the excess grease from the ground beef, move all the meat to one side of the pan and tilt it so the grease drains away from the meat. If there’s a lot, spoon it out into a small bowl lined with aluminum foil for easy disposal once it solidifies, and then use a paper towel to dab or wipe out the remaining grease from the pan. If there is not a lot, then usually dabbing and wiping a paper towel into the grease will soak it up nicely.

Do I Have To Toast The Buns?

No, you do not have to toast the buns, but it’s recommended because of the moisture in the meat and sauce. Toasting helps the buns hold their shape while you eat, preventing them from falling apart. It also adds to the classic Big Mac flavor with the toasted bun – similar to how they sell them at the restaurant. 

More Must Try Sloppy Joe Recipes

• Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
• Gumbo Soup Sloppy Joes
• Hawaiian Sloppy Joes
• Taco Sloppy Joes
• Cheez Whiz Sloppy Joes
• Chili Cheese Sloppy Joes
• Frito Pie Sloppy Joes
• BBQ Turkey Sloppy Joes