Dinner

Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe with Special Sauce Recipe

ByLily Cross December 28, 2025December 28, 2025

Introduction

This Easy Big Mac Sloppy Joes recipe brings the iconic flavors of the classic burger into a comforting, messy sandwich you can make at home. Combining seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar, tangy pickles, and a special sauce, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or casual get-together.

A close-up of a thick burger with a soft toasted bun top sprinkled with chopped green herbs, beneath which sits a layer of green pickle slices soaked in creamy light orange sauce with specks, followed by a bright melted yellow cheddar cheese slice and a chunky, juicy cooked ground beef patty that’s slightly crumbled and dark brown, resting on a bottom bun spread with a smooth thick orange sauce, all placed on a white plate against a white marbled background, some sauce dripping down the side and small green herb pieces scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 until smooth 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 meat well.
Step 4: Reduce heat to medium-low, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the beef, and stir until the cheese is melted and fully incorporated.
Step 5: Lightly toast the hamburger buns until golden brown, either in a skillet or oven.
Step 6: Spread a generous layer of the special sauce on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto each bun, then top with sliced pickles and shredded lettuce if using. Cover with the top bun.
Step 7: Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.
Try American or Swiss cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor.
Make the special sauce up to 2 days ahead and keep refrigerated.
Add sesame seeds to the buns for an authentic Big Mac touch.

Storage

Store leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet before serving. The special sauce keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze the cooked beef mixture for up to 3 months, thaw overnight, and reheat on the stove.

How to Serve

A close-up of a cheeseburger on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The sandwich has a soft, light brown bun sprinkled with chopped green herbs on top. The first layer is an orange creamy sauce spread on the bottom bun, followed by a thick, crumbled, juicy ground beef patty mixed with melted bright yellow cheddar cheese. On top of the beef, there is a generous layer of a creamy, orange-colored sauce with black specks, dripping slightly on the sides, topped with several green pickle slices. The top bun rests slightly tilted over the fillings, with small bits of green herbs scattered around on the plate photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I freeze the sloppy joe mixture?

Yes, let the beef mixture cool completely before placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat in a skillet when ready to serve.

What if I don’t have pickle relish?

You can substitute finely diced pickles or use a splash of pickle juice to achieve similar tangy flavor.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free buns and verify that all condiments used, including pickle relish and mustard, are gluten-free to make this recipe celiac-friendly.