If you’re a fan of both Big Macs and Sloppy Joes, you’re in for a treat! The Big Mac Sloppy Joe is a delicious fusion of two classic American dishes that combines the hearty flavor of a Sloppy Joe with the iconic taste of a Big Mac. It brings together ground beef, a savory special sauce, shredded lettuce, cheddar cheese, and dill pickles—all sandwiched between sesame seed hamburger buns for that ultimate comfort food experience.

This recipe takes everything people love about a traditional Big Mac—the tangy sauce, the melted cheese, and the crisp lettuce—and marries it with the saucy, beefy goodness of a Sloppy Joe. It’s the perfect dish for a quick family dinner or a casual weekend lunch.

Both the Big Mac and Sloppy Joe have interesting histories in American cuisine. The Big Mac was introduced by McDonald’s in 1967, becoming one of the most recognizable fast-food items worldwide. In contrast, the Sloppy Joe, with its origins dating back to the early 20th century, was a popular dish for American families seeking a quick and easy meal. This recipe is a nostalgic take that delivers the best of both worlds.

For more insight into the history of hamburgers and how they’ve become a staple of comfort food, check out this comprehensive article on hamburger history.

Ingredients Overview :

To make the perfect Big Mac Sloppy Joe, you’ll need a combination of simple ingredients, each playing an important role in recreating the iconic flavor of a Big Mac while maintaining the heartiness of a Sloppy Joe.

Sloppy Joe Mixture Ingredients
- Ground beef: The base of the mixture, giving the dish its richness. Opt for 80% lean ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture.
- Onion: Finely chopped, it adds a mild sweetness and depth to the Sloppy Joe mixture.
- Ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar: These create the perfect sweet and savory balance, a hallmark of a great Sloppy Joe.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning.
Special Sauce Ingredients
The special sauce is what truly gives this dish its Big Mac flavor. The combination of mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet pickle relish, and a dash of white vinegar brings the creamy and tangy flavors that make the sauce so memorable. You can explore more about the versatility of French dressing in this guide to dressing types.
Sandwich Ingredients
Don’t forget the buns, cheddar cheese, shredded lettuce, and dill pickles—all crucial for capturing the classic Big Mac experience in this Sloppy Joe format.

Each ingredient is essential in delivering the distinctive flavors we all love from a Big Mac, combined with the comfort of a Sloppy Joe.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes :

Now that we’ve reviewed the ingredients, let’s dive into the process of making Big Mac Sloppy Joes. With this step-by-step guide, you’ll have this delicious meal ready in no time.

Step 1: Preparing the Sloppy Joe Mixture

Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook 1 lb of ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s fully browned. Add the finely chopped onion during cooking, and sauté until tender. This step is crucial because the onion adds sweetness and texture to the mixture.
Drain the excess fat: Once the beef is cooked and the onions are softened, drain any excess fat from the skillet to prevent a greasy texture in the final dish.
Add the sauce ingredients: Stir in ½ cup of ketchup, 2 tbsp of mustard, 1 tbsp of Worcestershire sauce, 1 tbsp of brown sugar, and season with salt and pepper to taste. The combination of ketchup and mustard gives the Sloppy Joe mixture its tangy, sweet, and savory flavor, reminiscent of classic Sloppy Joe recipes.
Simmer to thicken: Let the mixture simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the sauce to thicken and the flavors to meld together. You’ll want a thick consistency so that the mixture holds together well in the sandwich.

For a deeper dive into the role of Worcestershire sauce in enhancing savory dishes, check out this guide on Worcestershire sauce.

Step 2: Making the Special Sauce

Combine the ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together ½ cup of mayonnaise, 2 tbsp of French dressing, 1 tbsp of sweet pickle relish, 1 tbsp of finely minced onion, 1 tsp of white vinegar, 1 tsp of sugar, and ¼ tsp of salt. This mixture will serve as the creamy, tangy sauce that gives the sandwich its Big Mac signature taste.
Mix until smooth: Stir the ingredients until the sauce is smooth and creamy. The combination of mayonnaise and pickle relish provides the base, while the French dressing and vinegar add that much-needed tanginess, balanced by a touch of sugar. You can explore how sweet pickle relish enhances sauces by visiting this resource on pickle relish.

Step 3: Assembling the Sloppy Joes

Toast the buns: Preheat your oven to broil. Split 4 sesame seed hamburger buns and place them on a baking sheet, cut side up. Broil the buns for 1-2 minutes until they are golden brown. Toasting the buns is important to prevent them from getting soggy when you add the sloppy joe mixture.
Layer the cheese: Place a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom half of each toasted bun. The cheese will melt slightly from the heat of the sloppy joe mixture, adding richness to every bite.
Add the sloppy joe mixture: Spoon a generous amount of the prepared sloppy joe mixture over the cheese. Ensure the beef mixture is evenly distributed to maintain a consistent texture and flavor in every bite.
Top with more cheese: Add another slice of cheddar cheese on top of the meat mixture. This double layer of cheese helps create a creamy and savory flavor profile, similar to the double cheese found in a classic Big Mac.
Add lettuce and pickles: Top the sloppy joe mixture with a handful of shredded lettuce and several slices of dill pickles. These fresh, crunchy elements balance the richness of the beef and cheese. For more information on the varieties of lettuce, check out this article on lettuce types.
Drizzle with special sauce: Generously drizzle the special sauce over the lettuce and pickles. The sauce ties all the flavors together, replicating the famous Big Mac taste.
Finish with the top bun: Place the top half of the bun on the sandwich, and you’re ready to serve your Big Mac Sloppy Joes!

Step 4: Serving Suggestions

Big Mac Sloppy Joes are best served immediately, with an extra side of the special sauce for dipping. To complete the meal, consider classic sides like French fries, onion rings, or even a coleslaw for added crunch and freshness. For a healthier option, try serving it alongside a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

With just a few easy steps, you can enjoy this twist on two beloved classics, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. And don’t forget, you can explore more ideas for serving comfort food classics on platforms like Pinterest, where you’ll find plenty of inspiration for side dishes and presentation ideas.

Tips for Perfect Big Mac Sloppy Joes :

Making Big Mac Sloppy Joes may seem straightforward, but following these tips will ensure that your dish is not only delicious but perfectly balanced in texture and flavor.

Meat Tips :

Choosing the right ground beef: Opt for ground beef with 80% lean meat and 20% fat. This ratio provides the perfect balance between flavor and moisture without making the dish too greasy. If you go leaner, the mixture may end up dry. For more about beef varieties, check out this ground beef guide.
Browning the meat properly: Make sure to brown the meat thoroughly over medium-high heat, allowing the natural fats to render out. This process enhances the flavor and helps the meat absorb the sauce better.

Toasting the Buns :

The importance of toasting: Lightly toasting the sesame seed hamburger buns under the broiler is crucial to prevent them from becoming soggy. A quick 1-2 minutes under the broiler adds a crispy texture that holds up well against the juicy beef mixture.

Cheese Choices :

Why cheddar works best: Sharp cheddar cheese melts beautifully and provides a tangy counterbalance to the rich beef and sweet special sauce. However, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like American for a more traditional Big Mac experience, or Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.

How to Customize the Recipe :

Vegetarian option: Replace ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute, like Impossible™ or Beyond Meat™, to make a vegetarian version.
Spice it up: Add some heat by incorporating jalapeños or mixing a spicy sauce like Sriracha into the special sauce.

The Science Behind the Big Mac Sloppy Joe :

The beauty of the Big Mac Sloppy Joe lies in its clever combination of flavors and textures. The balance between sweet, savory, tangy, and creamy elements is what makes this dish so irresistible. Let’s break down the science of flavor behind this fusion.

Flavor Profiles: Sweet, Savory, and Tangy :

The Big Mac Sloppy Joe delivers a complex yet harmonious blend of flavors. The ground beef provides the savory base, while the ketchup and brown sugar add a sweet, tangy twist. The ketchup’s acidity balances out the richness of the beef, while the brown sugar contributes a subtle sweetness that elevates the overall taste.

The mustard and Worcestershire sauce introduce tangy and umami flavors that round out the beef mixture, making each bite as satisfying as the last. These ingredients work in synergy, creating layers of flavor that make this dish more dynamic than your average Sloppy Joe.

You can learn more about how ketchup and mustard act as key condiments in many savory dishes by exploring their impact on cuisine here and here.

Textural Balance :

Texture plays a vital role in creating the perfect sandwich experience. The crispy, toasted sesame seed buns contrast beautifully with the tender, juicy beef mixture. Additionally, the crunch from the shredded lettuce and the snap of the dill pickles provide a fresh bite that cuts through the richness of the meat and cheese.

The special sauce, with its creamy texture and tangy flavor, ties everything together, making every bite feel indulgent yet balanced.

Why the Big Mac Elements Work in a Sloppy Joe :

The reason these Big Mac components work so well in a Sloppy Joe format is their universal appeal. The special sauce, cheese, and pickles replicate the nostalgic flavors of a Big Mac, while the heartiness of the Sloppy Joe mixture makes the dish filling and satisfying.

Creative Variations of Big Mac Sloppy Joes :

While the classic Big Mac Sloppy Joe is a satisfying meal on its own, there are plenty of ways to get creative and tailor the dish to different tastes and dietary preferences. Here are a few exciting variations to consider:

Big Mac Sloppy Joe Sliders :

For parties or gatherings, make sliders instead of full-sized sandwiches. Use smaller buns and follow the same assembly process. These bite-sized versions are great for serving a crowd or as appetizers.

Bacon Big Mac Sloppy Joes :

Add crispy bacon to the mix for an extra layer of smoky, savory flavor. Simply cook a few slices of bacon, crumble them, and sprinkle them over the cheddar cheese before adding the Sloppy Joe mixture. This variation takes the richness up a notch and pairs perfectly with the creamy special sauce.

Vegetarian or Vegan Big Mac Sloppy Joes :

For a meat-free option, substitute the ground beef with a plant-based alternative, such as Beyond Meat™ or Impossible™. You can also make a hearty mixture using lentils or mushrooms for a more whole-foods approach.

Low-Carb or Keto Big Mac Sloppy Joes :

For a low-carb option, skip the bun and serve the sloppy joe mixture over a bed of shredded lettuce or use a low-carb wrap instead of traditional bread.

Big Mac Sloppy Joes