I really enjoy making this recipe because it takes the familiar flavors of a classic fast-food burger and turns them into a comforting, homemade meal. I get a rich, tangy, and cheesy sandwich that feels fun, filling, and perfect for an easy lunch or dinner at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I like this recipe because it is simple, quick, and packed with bold flavor. I love how the sauce mimics that iconic burger taste while staying creamy and savory. I also appreciate how flexible it is, since I can easily adjust the seasoning or toppings based on what I have available.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon white vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 to 6 hamburger buns
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1½ cups shredded lettuce
Directions
I start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add the chopped onion and cook it for about 3 to 4 minutes until it softens. I stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
I add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. If there is excess grease, I drain it off. I then reduce the heat to low and stir in the ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
I let the mixture simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the meat. I spoon the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and top with lettuce before closing the sandwiches.
Servings And Timing
I usually get 4 to 6 sandwiches from this recipe.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
I sometimes use ground turkey or ground chicken instead of beef when I want a lighter option. I like adding extra relish or chopped pickles for more tang. When I want extra richness, I melt the cheese directly into the meat mixture before serving. I also enjoy adding a small splash of hot sauce when I want a little heat.
Storage/Reheating
I store any leftover sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. I always keep the buns and lettuce separate so they stay fresh.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
I often prepare the meat mixture in advance and reheat it just before serving, which makes meals quicker during busy days.
What buns work best for this recipe?
I prefer classic hamburger buns, but brioche or potato buns also work well.
Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture?
I let the mixture cool completely, then freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
I find it great for meal prep since the flavors hold up well and reheat easily.
Can I add extra toppings?
I like adding pickles, diced onions, or extra lettuce depending on my preference.
Conclusion
I think these Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a fun and satisfying way to enjoy familiar burger flavors in a new form. I love how easy they are to make and how comforting they feel, which makes them a recipe I come back to again and again.
These Big Mac Sloppy Joes combine the bold, tangy flavors of a classic fast-food burger with the hearty comfort of a sloppy joe. It’s a quick, easy meal that’s fun, cheesy, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 to 6 sandwiches
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 to 1.5 pounds ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¾ cup ketchup
2 tablespoons yellow mustard
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon white vinegar
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
4 to 6 hamburger buns
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1½ cups shredded lettuce
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess grease.
Reduce heat to low and stir in ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, relish, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the meat.
Spoon mixture onto the bottom halves of buns. Top with shredded cheese and lettuce, then close the sandwiches.
Notes
Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Stir cheese directly into the meat for added richness.
Add pickles or hot sauce for more flavor.
Keep lettuce and buns separate when storing leftovers.
