Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe with Special Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe brings the iconic flavors of a classic Big Mac into a comforting, cheesy sloppy joe sandwich. Quick to prepare and packed with special sauce and melty cheddar, it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day gatherings.

Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns, toasted
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tsp pickle relish
- ½ tsp white vinegar
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- Sliced pickles (optional)
- Shredded lettuce (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to make the special sauce. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef with the diced onion until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 3: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to season the beef mixture.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, and stir until the cheese melts and is fully incorporated.
- Step 5: Toast the hamburger buns lightly until golden brown, either in a preheated oven or on a skillet.
- Step 6: Spread a generous amount of the special sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture over the sauce, top with sliced pickles and shredded lettuce if using, then cover with the top bun.
- Step 7: Serve the sloppy joes warm with your favorite sides.
Tips & Variations
- For a healthier option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Try different cheeses such as American or Swiss for varied flavors.
- Prepare the special sauce up to 2 days ahead and keep it refrigerated for convenience.
- Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds to the buns for an authentic Big Mac touch.
Storage
Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet before serving to keep the cheese melty. You can also freeze the mixture for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before assembling the sandwiches.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture?
Yes, allow the beef mixture to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet when ready to serve.
What if I don’t have pickle relish?
You can finely dice pickles or use a splash of pickle juice as a substitute to maintain that tangy flavor in the special sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free buns and ensure all condiments, including the special sauce ingredients, are gluten-free for a celiac-safe version.
PrintEasy Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe with Special Sauce Recipe
This Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe brings together the classic flavors of a Big Mac in a quick and comforting sloppy joe sandwich. Featuring seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, tangy pickles, and a homemade special sauce reminiscent of the iconic Big Mac dressing, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner or game day. Toasted buns add the perfect crunch to hold the juicy and flavorful filling together.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Sloppy Joes:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 hamburger buns, toasted
For the Special Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp yellow mustard
- 2 tsp pickle relish
- ½ tsp white vinegar
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
Optional Toppings:
- Sliced pickles
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease. Season the mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste, stirring well to combine.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the beef mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and is fully incorporated into the beef mixture.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns either on a baking sheet in a preheated oven or on a skillet until they turn golden brown and slightly crisp, enhancing texture and flavor.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spread a generous layer of the prepared special sauce on the bottom halves of the toasted buns. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture evenly over the sauce. Top with sliced pickles and, if desired, add a layer of shredded lettuce. Place the top halves of the buns on the sandwiches.
- Serve: Serve the sloppy joes warm alongside your favorite sides like French fries or a green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Make it Healthier: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Customize the Cheese: Try American or Swiss cheese for different flavor variations.
- Prep Ahead: The special sauce can be made 2 days in advance and refrigerated to enhance the flavors.
- Freezing Tip: The beef mixture can be cooled and frozen in an airtight container for up to 3 months; reheat in a skillet before serving.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free buns and verify condiments are gluten-free to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Substitute for Pickle Relish: Use finely diced pickles or a splash of pickle juice if relish is not available.
Keywords: Big Mac sloppy joes, sloppy joe recipe, Big Mac sauce, easy sloppy joes, ground beef sandwich, family dinner, game day recipe

