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Copycat Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Homemade Special Sauce

A close-up of a delicious big mac sloppy joes sandwich piled high with seasoned meat, white sauce, lettuce, and pickles on a sesame seed bun.
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Make this easy, one-pan Big Mac Sloppy Joes recipe for a quick weeknight dinner. You get the savory, tangy flavor of the classic burger, complete with a homemade special sauce, all in a satisfying, messy sandwich.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish (for sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard (for sauce)
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar (for sauce)
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika (for sauce)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped dill pickles (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce (for topping)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 6 sesame seed hamburger buns

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, and paprika. Mix well until smooth. Set aside in the refrigerator while you cook the meat.
  2. Brown the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Season the Meat: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook until the onion softens, about 3 minutes. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, dried mustard, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Create the Sloppy Joe Base: Pour in the water, ketchup, 2 tablespoons yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish. Stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Add Cheese (Optional): If using cheese, sprinkle it over the meat mixture during the last 2 minutes of simmering and cover the pan briefly until the cheese melts.
  6. Toast Buns: Lightly toast the sesame seed hamburger buns.
  7. Assemble the Sandwiches: Spoon the Big Mac Sloppy Joe mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top generously with the homemade special sauce, chopped dill pickles, and shredded iceberg lettuce. Place the top bun on the sandwich.
  8. Serve immediately for a delicious, messy sandwich experience.

Notes

  • For a true Big Mac experience, you can use three-part buns (a middle slice of bread) for an authentic layered look, though it is not required for flavor.
  • If you want a slightly tangier sauce, add 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder to the special sauce mixture.
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce wilts quickly, so add it right before serving to keep it crisp.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/big-mac-sloppy-joes-recipe/