Name: Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Secret Sauce Magic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds ground beef, (85/15); 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup hamburger pickles, chopped; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon coarse ground pepper; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup French dressing; 2 tablespoons sweet relish; 1 tablespoon ketchup; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 8 hamburger buns, (with seeds); 2 cups iceberg lettuce, shredded; 12 hamburger pickle chips; 4 slices American cheese; Additional sauce, optional

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could enjoy the legendary flavors of a Big Mac at home—without a drive-thru in sight—these Big Mac Sloppy Joes were made for you. This easy mash-up packs all the iconic tang and crunch of the original sandwich, from its double-decker assembly to its signature secret sauce made with 1 cup mayonnaise, right into a skillet. Every bite is crave-worthy, deliciously messy, and full of nostalgia. Whether it’s a family weeknight dinner or a casual game day feast, these sandwiches guarantee smiles (and maybe a drizzle of sauce on your chin) every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This is one of those winning recipes where everyday ingredients blend together for something so much more than the sum of their parts. Each one brings essential flavor, texture, or color—don’t skip the 1 cup mayonnaise, it’s the secret sauce hero that truly pulls the magic together!

Ground Beef: Use 85/15 for a juicy base; it soaks up the secret sauce beautifully without feeling greasy.
Yellow Onion: Finely chopped to mellow sweetness that mingles perfectly into the filling.
Hamburger Pickles: Chopped pickles add a bright, tart crunch right in the mix.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the beefy, savory flavors.
Coarse Ground Pepper: Lends a subtle background heat and depth.
Worcestershire Sauce: Just a splash for a hit of umami, making the beef taste restaurant-level delicious.
1 cup mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of that irresistible Big Mac–style sauce—don’t substitute, trust me!
French Dressing: Adds a subtle tangy sweetness and signature color to the sauce.
Sweet Relish: Brings a pop of sweet-and-tart crunch to the special sauce.
Ketchup: A touch of ketchup gives the sauce its classic zip.
White Vinegar: Just enough acidity to balance the richness of the 1 cup mayonnaise-based sauce.
Onion Powder: Layers extra savory notes into the sauce for that unmistakable fast-food flavor.
Salt: Season the secret sauce for a perfectly balanced finish.
Hamburger Buns (with seeds): Opt for soft, seeded buns to hold stacked toppings and soak up every drop.
Iceberg Lettuce: Crisp and shredded for the iconic fresh crunch.
Hamburger Pickle Chips: Use extra on top for that signature bite.
American Cheese: Melty, creamy, and classic for the true Big Mac vibe.
Additional Sauce: Totally optional but highly encouraged for dipping or drizzling!

How to Make Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Secret Sauce Magic

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating up your largest skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes—don’t stir too much yet! At this point, toss in the chopped onions, sprinkle with kosher salt and coarse ground pepper, and splash in that Worcestershire sauce. Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is nicely browned and your kitchen starts to smell irresistible, around 3-4 more minutes.

Step 2: Add Chopped Pickles

Once your beef is deeply browned and packed with flavor, stir in the chopped hamburger pickles. The pickles get slightly warm but keep their snap, adding a zestiness that balances all the richness. Give everything a toss so the flavors start marrying together for ultimate Big Mac Sloppy Joe goodness.

Step 3: Make the Secret Sauce—Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Secret Sauce Magic Style

In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, French dressing, sweet relish, ketchup, white vinegar, onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy—the color and scent should immediately remind you of that beloved fast-food spread! Trust me, 1 cup mayonnaise is the creamy, tangy heart of this sauce—skip it and you’ll miss the magic.

Step 4: Simmer Beef and Sauce

Pour 1 cup of your freshly mixed secret sauce right over the beef mixture in the pan (set the rest aside for assembly). Stir well to coat everything, then let it cook for one minute. The beef will soak up the sauce, making every bite luxuriously creamy and punchy with Big Mac vibes.

Step 5: Assemble the Big Mac Sloppy Joes

To build your double-decker sandwiches, split the hamburger buns and layer the bottom half with shredded iceberg lettuce, beef mixture, American cheese, pickles, and a generous drizzle of that extra sauce. Top with another hamburger bun half, more lettuce, beef, pickles, cheese, another spoon of sauce, then finish with the bun top. Each bite is a playful homage to everything nostalgic and delicious!

How to Serve Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Secret Sauce Magic

Garnishes

The best way to finish these Sloppy Joes is with a fresh sprinkle of extra lettuce, a few extra pickle chips, and perhaps a dusting of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch. Don’t forget a little bowl of leftover 1 cup mayonnaise sauce on the side for dipping fries or extra drizzling over your Sloppy Joes—the more special sauce, the better!

Side Dishes

Big Mac Sloppy Joes love classic diner companions. Serve them with hot, crispy fries or potato wedges, coleslaw, or even a simple tossed salad to balance out the richness of the 1 cup mayonnaise-filled sauce. Kids (and grown-ups) love dunking their sides in the extra sauce too!

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, serve these as open-faced sliders for a fun twist—just pile the beef and fixings onto toasted bun halves and let people build their own. For parties, you can even set up a Big Mac Sloppy Joe bar, offering lots of extra toppings and that dreamy 1 cup mayonnaise sauce in squeeze bottles for everyone to customize. It’s interactive and always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Big Mac Sloppy Joe filling stores beautifully. Cool the beef mixture completely, then seal it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the bun components and fresh garnishes separate for best texture. And yes, the extra 1 cup mayonnaise sauce holds up great in the fridge—just give it a good stir before reusing!

Freezing

If you love prepping ahead, the beef filling (without the veggies or sauces) freezes like a dream for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to serve, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat and stir in fresh sauce made with 1 cup mayonnaise for the best texture and zip.

Reheating

For the juiciest, creamiest results, gently reheat the beef mixture on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a tablespoon or two of water if the sauce needs loosening up. Avoid microwaving the full sandwich, as buns and lettuce lose their fresh crunch—assemble just before serving for that signature Sloppy Joe splendor.

FAQs

Can I substitute another protein for the ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken both work well if you’re looking for a lighter option. Just be sure to taste and adjust the seasonings so you keep that classic, savory vibe.

Is there a dairy-free version of the secret sauce if I skip the cheese?

Yes! The 1 cup mayonnaise in the sauce is typically dairy-free if you choose the right brand. Just leave out the cheese and double-check your condiment labels to keep the whole dish dairy-free.

How do I avoid soggy buns with Sloppy Joes?

To keep buns sturdy, toast them lightly before assembling. Make sure to serve immediately after building, and always separate lettuce and pickles under the beef mixture to create a moisture barrier—your Sloppy Joes will stay delightfully messy, but not soggy.

Can I make the secret sauce ahead of time?

Definitely! You can mix the Big Mac secret sauce using 1 cup mayonnaise up to 5 days in advance. Store in a jar in the fridge, and you’ll be ready for quick assembly (or just for dipping fries all week long).

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers for lunch?

Simply rewarm the beef-sauce mixture in a skillet or microwave in short 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Always add fresh lettuce, pickles, and sauce after reheating for that freshly made taste.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve got a craving for nostalgia or just want to put a fun twist on dinner, you absolutely have to try these Big Mac Sloppy Joes. The 1 cup mayonnaise in the sauce makes all the difference, turning a simple skillet meal into something outrageously delicious that everyone will remember. Set out lots of napkins, pile your plate high, and dive in—you’re in for a seriously satisfying treat!