Big Mac Sloppy Joes

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Bring the iconic flavors of the classic Big Mac to your kitchen with these delicious Big Mac Sloppy Joes. This quick and easy recipe combines savory ground beef with a tangy homemade Mac sauce, served on a sesame seed bun with all the fixings.

Ingredients:

For the meat mixture:

  • 1 ½ pounds lean ground beef
  • ½ medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon cracked pepper

For the Mac sauce:

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup ketchup
  • ¼ cup dill relish
  • 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

For the sandwiches:

  • 6 sesame seed buns
  • 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 12 dill pickle chips

Directions:

To make the meat mixture:

  1. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring often to break up the meat, until the meat is cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
  2. Season: Season the mixture with Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Remove from the heat.

To make the Mac sauce:

  1. Combine Ingredients: Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and stir well to combine.

To make the sandwiches:

  1. Mix Sauce and Meat: Stir ½ cup of Mac sauce into the meat mixture to combine.
  2. Assemble: Place ¼ cup of shredded lettuce on the bottom half of each bun. Top with a slice of cheese.
  3. Add Meat: Spoon the meat mixture over the top of the cheese.
  4. Drizzle Sauce: Drizzle a spoonful of Mac sauce over the meat on each sandwich, to taste.
  5. Finish with Pickles: Top each sandwich with 3 pickles and the top bun.
  6. Serve: Serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Serving and Storage Tips:

Serving Tips:

  • Accompaniments: Serve your Big Mac Sloppy Joes with a side of crispy French fries or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • Beverage Pairings: A cold soda or a glass of iced tea makes a great beverage pairing. For an adult twist, consider serving with a light beer or a classic milkshake.
  • Customization: Feel free to customize the toppings. Add sliced tomatoes, extra cheese, or jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Storage Tips:

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The Mac sauce can also be stored separately in a sealed container for up to 1 week.
  • Reheating: Reheat the meat mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave it in a microwave-safe dish in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
  • Freezing: The meat mixture can be frozen for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Make-Ahead: Prepare the meat mixture and Mac sauce ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, reheat the meat mixture, assemble the sandwiches, and enjoy!

Variations:

Cheesy Variation:

  • Extra Cheese: Add an extra slice of American cheese or use a combination of cheeses such as cheddar and mozzarella for a gooey, cheesy delight.
  • Cheese Sauce: Drizzle some warm cheese sauce over the meat mixture for an even richer flavor.

Spicy Variation:

  • Spicy Meat: Add 1-2 teaspoons of chili powder or a dash of hot sauce to the meat mixture for some heat.
  • Jalapeños: Top the sandwiches with pickled jalapeño slices for an extra spicy kick.
  • Spicy Mac Sauce: Mix in some Sriracha or another hot sauce into the Mac sauce to give it a spicy edge.

Vegetarian Variation:

  • Meat Substitute: Use a plant-based ground meat substitute in place of the ground beef.
  • Extra Veggies: Add finely diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat mixture for added texture and flavor.
  • Vegan Cheese and Mayo: Use vegan cheese slices and vegan mayonnaise for a completely vegan version.

Low-Carb Variation:

  • Lettuce Wraps: Replace the sesame seed buns with large iceberg lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
  • Cauliflower Rice: Serve the meat mixture over cauliflower rice instead of on a bun.

BBQ Variation:

  • BBQ Sauce: Substitute the Mac sauce with your favorite BBQ sauce.
  • Bacon: Add crispy bacon bits to the meat mixture for a smoky flavor.
  • Coleslaw: Top the sandwiches with a scoop of coleslaw for a classic BBQ touch.

Breakfast Variation:

  • Egg: Top the meat mixture with a fried egg for a breakfast twist.
  • Bacon: Add crispy bacon slices to the sandwich.
  • English Muffin: Serve the meat mixture on toasted English muffins instead of sesame seed buns.

These variations can help you customize your Big Mac Sloppy Joes to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making this versatile recipe a favorite for any occasion.

FAQs:

1. Can I use a different type of meat? Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat substitute for a vegetarian option.

2. How do I prevent the buns from getting soggy? To prevent soggy buns, you can lightly toast the sesame seed buns before assembling the sandwiches. Additionally, make sure to drain any excess grease from the meat mixture.

3. Can I make the Mac sauce ahead of time? Yes, the Mac sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

4. Can I freeze the meat mixture? Yes, the meat mixture can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

5. How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat the meat mixture in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave it in a microwave-safe dish in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

6. Can I add more vegetables to the meat mixture? Absolutely. Feel free to add finely diced vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini to the meat mixture for added texture and nutrition.

7. What can I serve with Big Mac Sloppy Joes? Big Mac Sloppy Joes pair well with French fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a fresh green salad. For beverages, consider serving with soda, iced tea, or a classic milkshake.

8. Can I use a different type of bun? Yes, you can use different types of buns such as whole wheat, brioche, or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

9. How can I make the dish spicier? To add some heat, you can mix chili powder or hot sauce into the meat mixture, or top the sandwiches with pickled jalapeño slices. You can also add hot sauce to the Mac sauce.

10. Can I make these sandwiches for a crowd? Yes, this recipe is easily scalable. Simply double or triple the ingredients as needed to serve a larger group. Prepare the meat mixture and Mac sauce in advance, then assemble the sandwiches just before serving.

These FAQs should help address common questions and provide tips for customizing and perfecting your Big Mac Sloppy Joes!

Big Mac Sloppy Joes are a delicious and easy way to bring the iconic flavors of a classic Big Mac to your home. This versatile recipe can be customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences, making it perfect for family meals or casual gatherings. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can enjoy a tasty twist on the traditional sloppy joe in just 25 minutes.

Enjoy these Big Mac Sloppy Joes, a fun and tasty twist on the classic sloppy joe, perfect for a family meal or casual get-together!