Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe with Special Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Enjoy a fun twist on a classic comfort food with this Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes recipe. It combines cheesy, savory ground beef with a tangy special sauce that mimics the iconic flavors of the famous burger. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that pleases the whole family.

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
- Optional: sliced pickles
- Optional: shredded lettuce
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, pickle relish, white vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth. Set this special sauce aside.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and finely diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and the onion is tender. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 3: Stir in garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the beef mixture, seasoning evenly.
- Step 4: Lower the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the beef and stir until the cheese melts completely into the mixture.
- Step 5: Toast hamburger buns lightly in the oven or on a skillet until golden brown.
- Step 6: To assemble, spread a generous layer of special sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture on top, then add sliced pickles and shredded lettuce if desired. Finish with the top bun.
- Step 7: Serve the sloppy joes warm with your favorite side dishes.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the beef while cooking.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Use pepper jack cheese to add a little spicy kick to the cheesy beef.
- If you prefer a smoky taste, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the special sauce.
Storage
Store any 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 until warmed through. Keep buns separate and assemble just before serving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the special sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the special sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together nicely.
Can I freeze the sloppy joe filling?
Absolutely. Cool the beef mixture completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly.
PrintEasy Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe with Special Sauce Recipe
This Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes recipe combines flavorful ground beef with a cheesy twist and a tangy special sauce inspired by the classic Big Mac. Perfectly toasted buns, optional toppings like pickles and shredded lettuce, and a rich, creamy sauce make this a delicious and satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare and great for family dinners or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- 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 the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the rest of the meal.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef along with the finely diced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess grease to keep the mixture from becoming too oily. Season the beef mixture with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the cooked beef mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated into the meat.
- Toast the Buns: Lightly toast the hamburger buns to add a bit of crispness and warmth. This can be done on a baking sheet in a preheated oven or directly on a skillet until the buns are golden brown and slightly crispy.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spread a generous layer of the prepared special sauce on the bottom half of each toasted bun. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture over the sauce, then add sliced pickles. Optionally, top with shredded lettuce for added crunch and freshness. Finish by placing the top bun over the filling.
- Serve: Serve the sloppy joes warm and enjoy them with your favorite side dishes such as fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Shredded lettuce and pickles are optional but add a nice crunch and traditional Big Mac flavors.
- Adjust the seasoning in the special sauce to suit your taste, adding more or less pickle relish or mustard as preferred.
- For extra flavor, you can sauté the onions in a little butter before adding the beef.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger gatherings.
Keywords: Sloppy Joes, Big Mac Sloppy Joes, Easy Sloppy Joe Recipe, Cheesy Sloppy Joes, Special Sauce, American Sandwich, Ground Beef Sandwich

