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The Ultimate Copycat Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Homemade Special Sauce

A close-up of amazing big mac sloppy joes piled high with meat sauce, shredded lettuce, and pickles on a sesame seed bun.

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Combine the comfort of a Sloppy Joe with the iconic flavor of a Big Mac. This easy recipe features a tangy, savory beef filling and a homemade special sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 8 sesame seed hamburger buns
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 1/2 cup dill pickle chips
  • 4 slices American cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the Special Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 tablespoon white vinegar, sugar, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the chopped onion. Drain off any excess grease.
  3. Season the Beef: Stir in the water, 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish, 1 tablespoon yellow mustard, 1 teaspoon white vinegar, salt, and pepper into the beef mixture. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce slightly.
  4. Assemble the Joes: Toast the hamburger buns lightly. For each sandwich, place a bottom bun on a plate. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto the bottom bun.
  5. Add Toppings: Top the beef with a slice of American cheese (if using), a sprinkle of shredded lettuce, and a few dill pickle chips.
  6. Finish the Sandwich: Spread a layer of the homemade special sauce on the top bun and place it on top of the fillings. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a true Big Mac experience, use the middle bun slice if you have extra buns available.
  • You can skip the cheese if you prefer a leaner filling.
  • This recipe makes a messy sandwich overload; have napkins ready.

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