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This Big Mac Sloppy Joes recipe brings together all the familiar flavors of the iconic Big Mac with the comforting, hearty feel of a sloppy joe. Juicy ground beef cooks with onions and Worcestershire sauce before being blended with creamy Velveeta cheese and tangy Thousand Island dressing. Dill relish adds a bright punch while sesame seed buns hold everything together along with layers of American cheese and crisp iceberg lettuce. It’s a nostalgic, delicious sandwich that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get togethers with friends.
This recipe disappeared almost immediately when I brought it to a neighborhood barbecue. Everyone loved the blend of flavors and many asked for the recipe, so I keep making it for gatherings and weeknight dinners alike.
Ingredients
- Olive oil: Locks in moisture and adds rich flavor choose extra virgin for a deeper taste
- Ground beef: The main protein look for freshly ground, bright red meat for juiciest results
- Small onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth yellow onions work best here
- Worcestershire sauce: Brings a savory, umami richness Lea and Perrins is the goto brand if you can find it
- Dill relish: Adds a tangy brightness that balances richness taste before adding to avoid saltiness
- Velveeta: Provides smooth melting and signature creamy texture melts better than shredded cheese here
- Thousand Island dressing: Gives the recipe its classic Big Mac tang homemade or storebought works well
- Sesame seed buns: Offer nutty toastiness and hold the filling perfectly look for soft, fresh buns
- American cheese: Melts beautifully and adds that fastfood vibe get real American cheese slices for best flavor
- Iceberg lettuce: Adds crisp crunch just like the original sandwich use fresh heads and shred just before assembling
- Salt and pepper: Enhance and wake up all the flavors freshly cracked pepper makes a difference
- Garlic powder: Adds subtle warmth and depth use granulated garlic powder not garlic salt
Instructions
- Prep the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add chopped onions and ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small pieces as it cooks. Cook for about eight minutes until the beef is fully browned and the onions are soft and translucent.
- Season and Drain:
- Sprinkle salt, freshly cracked pepper, and garlic powder over the beef mixture. Stir to blend the seasoning evenly. Drain off any excess fat from the pan to keep the filling from getting greasy or heavy.
- Build the Layers:
- Pour Worcestershire sauce into the skillet and stir well so it coats every bit of browned beef and onions. Add the Velveeta cheese in small pieces while stirring constantly until it melts completely and turns the mixture velvety and creamy.
- Finish the Filling:
- Stir in dill relish carefully, then add the Thousand Island dressing. Mix thoroughly until every bit is blended with the cheesy beef base. This combination is the heart of your flavorful sloppy joe filling.
- Toast and Build:
- Lightly toast the sesame seed buns to prevent sogginess. Place a slice of American cheese on the bottom half of each bun. Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture over the cheese. Top with another slice of cheese, shredded iceberg lettuce, and finish with the top bun. Serve immediately.
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Velveeta is truly irreplaceable in this recipe because of how smooth and creamy it melts. I still remember when my sister tried this for the first time—she immediately asked for the recipe and now her kids request it every birthday party.
Storage Tips
Keep any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently over medium heat on the stove, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Toast fresh buns before serving, and keep lettuce and cheese separate until ready to assemble to maintain crunch and freshness.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you don’t have Velveeta try shredded cheddar cheese combined with a little milk to mimic the creaminess. Thousand Island dressing can be replaced with a quick mix of mayonnaise, ketchup, and finely chopped pickles. For those who prefer a lighter or plant based option, ground turkey or plant based crumbles work nicely instead of beef.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these sloppy joes with oven baked fries, potato chips, or dill pickles for a classic combo. For a retro fast food vibe, pair with an ice cold cola or a simple vanilla milkshake. These sandwiches also scale down perfectly as sliders for casual parties or game day snacks.
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This Big Mac Sloppy Joes recipe is a nostalgic, crowd pleasing weeknight winner that comes together quickly. Serve hot and enjoy the gooey, tangy filling with crisp lettuce for the best experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, cheddar or Monterey Jack both melt well and provide a delicious alternative, though American cheese maintains the classic flavor.
- → What kind of ground meat can I use?
Ground turkey or chicken are lighter options offering a different taste, but beef delivers the familiar burger flavor this dish is known for.
- → Is it necessary to use Thousand Island dressing?
Thousand Island provides the iconic tang, but Russian dressing or homemade burger sauce make excellent substitutes.
- → Can I prepare this in advance?
The beef mixture can be made ahead and reheated. Assemble with buns, cheese, and lettuce just before serving for best texture.
- → How can I add some heat to the dish?
A dash of hot sauce or finely chopped pickled jalapeños offers a spicy kick that complements the creamy layers.