Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! The beef mixture and sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Just store separately and assemble right before serving to prevent sogginess.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes. While American cheese gives that classic melty texture and flavor, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella will work if you want to switch it up.

How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?

A quick broil or toast keeps your buns sturdy. Also, layering lettuce between the meat and bun adds a barrier that helps them stay crisp.

Is there a way to make this lighter or healthier?

Sure! Use ground turkey or chicken, swap the mayo for a lighter version or Greek yogurt, and serve on whole grain or low-calorie buns. Lettuce wraps work great, too!

Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe

Name: Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 yellow onion, chopped; 1 lb. lean ground beef (96/4); 1 tsp. yellow mustard; 1 tsp. garlic powder; 1 tsp. onion powder; 1/2 tsp. salt; Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup beef broth, divided; 1 tsp. corn starch mixed with 1/4 cup broth; 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce; 5 slices American cheese; 5 Brioche hamburger buns; 1/4 cup mayonnaise (60g); 1/4 cup ketchup (60g); 1/4 cup dill pickles, finely chopped; 1 Tbsp. dill pickle juice

Ready for a weeknight dinner that brings pure happiness to your table, with almost zero fuss? Meet the Big Mac Sloppy Joes an absolute flavor bomb that mashes up the beloved fast-food classic with the all-time comfort of a sloppy joe. Juicy, robustly seasoned beef, melty American cheese, and that crave-worthy tang of Big Mac sauce, all tucked inside a soft, rich brioche bun. And guess what? You’ll have this crowd-pleasing meal sizzling and ready in just about 15 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you need dinner fast but don’t want to compromise on taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Fast: You can whip these up from scratch in about 15 minutes. No long simmering, no complicated steps just real food, real quick.
Classic Flavors at Home: This recipe nails that iconic Big Mac taste with straightforward, everyday ingredients. Enjoy all those nostalgic flavors without leaving your kitchen.
Simple, Fuss-Free Cooking: It all happens in one skillet, and the sauce whisks together in seconds. Clean-up is minimal and happiness is guaranteed.
Flexible & Friendly: Feed picky kids or grown-up burger lovers; this recipe is endlessly tweakable. Plus, you can swap in different meats or buns if you like.
Fun to Eat: There’s something so satisfying about a big, saucy, cheesy sandwich that needs two hands and plenty of napkins!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the lowdown on the ingredients and why they matter. No complicated shopping list, just what you need for pure Big Mac joy:

Lean Ground Beef: The key for that authentic burger flavor. Go for lean—less grease, more flavor.
Yellow Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and depth, bringing the meat to life.
Yellow Mustard: Provides a tangy zip, echoing classic burger notes.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Elevate the savory flavors without extra chopping.
Salt and Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Essential for bringing the meat mixture into full bloom be generous with the black pepper.
Beef Broth: Adds moisture and richness; keeps the sloppy joes juicy but not soggy.
Cornstarch: Mixed with beef broth for perfect, silky thickness that lets the filling hold together just right.
Worcestershire Sauce: Deepens the umami punch don’t skip it!
American Cheese: The classic choice for that melt-in-your-mouth creamy texture.
Brioche Hamburger Buns: Soft, slightly sweet, and sturdy enough to hold all that goodness.
Mayonnaise: The base of the signature Big Mac sauce rich and creamy.
Ketchup: Adds body and sweetness to the sauce.
Dill Pickles & Pickle Juice: For that essential tang and crunch. Real deal, don’t go for sweet pickles here.
Optional: Shredded iceberg lettuce for crunch, and extra pickles for serving.

Tip: For best results, use freshly toasted buns and assemble right before serving to keep things extra delicious.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Different Meat: Swap the ground beef for lean ground turkey or chicken if you want a slightly lighter version. Just be sure to punch up the flavor with extra seasonings if needed.
Cheese Swap: Don’t have American cheese? Try cheddar, provolone, or even a vegan “cheese” slice for a dairy-free twist.
Low-Carb: Skip the bun and serve the beef and toppings in lettuce wraps. Still tasty, just a bit lighter!
Add Spice: For those who like a kick, a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne in the sauce or meat works wonders.
Bun Variety: If brioche isn’t handy, use potato rolls, classic hamburger buns, or even slider buns for party-sized servings.

How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onion

Set a large skillet over medium heat and spritz it with a bit of nonstick spray. Add chopped yellow onion and lean ground beef, breaking up the meat as it cooks. Stir frequently until the beef is browned and the onions are soft about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Flavor It Up

Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and plenty of cracked black pepper. Stir everything together. Next, add the yellow mustard and stir to coat the beef with that unmistakable burger tang. Pour in Worcestershire sauce and half of the beef broth. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 3: Thicken Things Up

Whisk the cornstarch into the remaining beef broth until smooth, then pour it into the skillet. Stir and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, until it’s thickened and luscious just sloppy enough to pile high, but not runny.

Step 4: Make That Big Mac Sauce

While the meat thickens, quickly mix up your sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, finely chopped dill pickles, and a splash of dill pickle juice. Give it a good stir the aroma alone will have you swooning!

Step 5: Assemble and Melt

Heat the oven’s broiler. Place the bottom halves of your brioche buns on a baking sheet. Spread a generous spoonful of Big Mac sauce, then a pile of shredded iceberg lettuce if you’re using it. Layer on the hot beef mixture, then a slice of American cheese. Slide under the broiler just long enough to melt the cheese to perfection—watch closely so the buns don’t burn!

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Spread more Big Mac sauce on the top buns (don’t hold back!), a few extra pickles if you love them, then crown your Sloppy Joes. Press together, grab a napkin, and get ready to dig in.

Optional: For the ultimate crunch, broil the buns on their own for a minute before assembling.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Sear the Beef: Let the beef brown well for extra flavor; don’t rush this step!
Taste As You Go: Adjust salt, pepper, and mustard to match your personal Big Mac memory.
Sauce Generosity: More sauce always equals more joy. Double it if you think you’ll want to dip!
Toasting Matters: Toast the buns lightly under the broiler for structure and a golden edge that won’t go soggy.
Cheese Melt: Broil just until cheese is gooey and shiny. Overbaking can dry out the top.

How to Serve

Freshly assembled is best these are meant to be enjoyed while hot and gooey. Serve with:

Crispy Fries or Oven Tots: Classic pairing, and they’re just right for scooping up extra sauce.
Simple Side Salad: Something crisp and tangy like coleslaw or a green salad helps balance all the rich flavors.
Sweet Pickles or More Dill Chips: For extra crunch and tang alongside.
Idea: Turn it into sliders for parties or game day—just use smaller buns and assemble as above.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), keep the meat mixture and Big Mac sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep buns at room temp or wrapped in the fridge.

Freezing

The sloppy joe meat itself freezes beautifully! Cool completely, then freeze in a ziplock or airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Don’t freeze buns or sauce assemble fresh for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat the meat mixture gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to bring back the sauciness. Microwave works too, but stovetop keeps the texture perfect. Toast buns and assemble with fresh lettuce and sauce as needed.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Absolutely! The beef mixture and sauce can be made a day or two in advance. Just store separately and assemble right before serving to prevent sogginess.
Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes. While American cheese gives that classic melty texture and flavor, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella will work if you want to switch it up.
How do I keep the buns from getting soggy?

A quick broil or toast keeps your buns sturdy. Also, layering lettuce between the meat and bun adds a barrier that helps them stay crisp.
Is there a way to make this lighter or healthier?

Sure! Use ground turkey or chicken, swap the mayo for a lighter version or Greek yogurt, and serve on whole grain or low-calorie buns. Lettuce wraps work great, too!

Final Thoughts

The Big Mac Sloppy Joe is proof that fast, fuss-free dinners can still deliver showstopping flavor. Whether you’re craving comfort or looking for a nostalgic twist on dinnertime, these saucy, cheesy, irresistible sandwiches are just the thing. Don’t wait for a special occasion treat yourself and your loved ones tonight, and get ready for requests to make it again and again. Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy every messy bite!