Introduction

This Big Mac Sloppy Joes recipe brings a fun twist to a classic favorite, combining the flavors of a Big Mac with the comforting ease of sloppy joes. It’s a delicious, cheesy, and tangy meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that the whole family will enjoy.

A close-up image of a sloppy joe sandwich on a white plate resting on a white marbled surface. The sandwich shows three clear layers: the top layer is a golden brown sesame seed bun with white sesame seeds spread evenly on top; the middle layer is green chopped lettuce scattered loosely; the bottom layer is a moist, chunky mix of cooked ground beef with visible bits of yellow cheese and some sauce. Small pieces of lettuce have fallen around the sandwich on the plate. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb lean ground beef
1/4 cup mayo
3/4 cup Thousand Island dressing
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1/2 cup tangy dill pickles, diced
1 cup yellow onions, diced
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
4 large sesame seed hamburger buns
1 cup iceberg lettuce, shredded

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F to prepare for toasting the buns.
Step 2: In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with a dab of butter or margarine.
Step 3: Crumble the beef thoroughly as it cooks to ensure even browning.
Step 4: Once the beef is cooked through, drain the grease and reduce the heat to medium.
Step 5: Add mayo, Thousand Island dressing, salt, and pepper to the pan.
Step 6: Stir well to coat all the beef evenly with the dressing mixture.
Step 7: Stir in the diced pickles and diced onions until well combined.
Step 8: Reduce the heat to low to keep the mixture warm while preparing the buns.
Step 9: Arrange the sesame seed buns in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Step 10: Toast the buns in the oven for 4 to 6 minutes until lightly browned.
Step 11: Add shredded cheddar cheese to the beef mixture, stirring just until the cheese melts and blends in.
Step 12: Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
Step 13: Sprinkle shredded iceberg lettuce over the meat, then cover with the top bun.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, try mixing in a bit of minced garlic or smoked paprika while cooking the beef.
You can substitute the cheddar cheese with American cheese for a more authentic Big Mac flavor.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free buns to suit dietary preferences.
Adding a slice of tomato or some shredded carrot can give a fresh crunch and extra nutrients.

Storage

Store leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Keep buns separate and toast them fresh before serving to maintain texture.

How to Serve

A close-up of a sloppy joe sandwich on a white plate, showing three main layers; the top layer is a shiny golden brown sesame seed bun with many white sesame seeds scattered on top. The middle layer is light green chopped lettuce with a slightly crunchy texture, sitting directly on a thick, chunky layer of saucy ground beef mixed with melted bright yellow cheese and small bits of green pepper. The bottom layer is a soft, smooth golden brown bottom bun. The sandwich is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or cooked lentils to create a vegetarian version with similar texture and flavor.

Is it possible to prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the beef mixture a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Toast the buns and assemble the sloppy joes just before serving for the best taste and texture.