Big Mac Sloppy Joes with Knockoff Secret Sauce

Big Mac Sloppy Joes w KnockOff Secret Sauce

By Cameron BlytheSeptember 6, 2025Updated: September 5, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever had that Big Mac craving but wanted something more ? Honestly, these Big Mac Sloppy Joes (w/ knock off secret sauce are about to be your new best friend.

Think juicy, beefy, tangy, and totally addictive!

Brief Overview

Sloppy Joes are an American comfort food classic, and this Big Mac twist takes them to a whole new level.

This Beef Recipes Easy meal is super simple, ready in about 45 minutes, and makes enough for 6 hungry people.

Main Benefits

This recipe is packed with protein, making it a satisfying and hearty meal. It's perfect for a casual Weeknight Dinner Ideas , especially when you're short on time.

What makes it special? It's basically like getting your Mcdonalds Recipes fix without the drive thru guilt!

What You'll Need

Alright, let's talk ingredients for these Homemade Sloppy Joes . First off, you'll need a pound and a half of Ground Beef Recipes .

I usually go for an 80/20 blend. You get the flavour from the fat, you know? Then there's the usual suspects: onion, bell pepper, and of course, all the fixings for that Copycat Big Mac Recipe sauce.

Get Ready to Rumble

First, we get started sauteing onion and bell pepper for about 5- 7 minutes . Then, you get that 680g of ground beef into the skillet and crumble it up.

Season that beef like your life depends on it. Don't be shy with the garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.

Simmer Down, Now!

Once the beef is browned, in go the ketchup, mustard, relish, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Let that simmer for 15- 20 minutes .

You want the sauce to thicken up nicely. That's when you know it's ready.

Secret Sauce Shenanigans

Now, for the star of the show: that sauce. Mayo, relish, mustard, vinegar, and a few spices come together to create the magic.

Honestly, it's the closest thing to the real deal. Prep this first and let it meld together.

Ingredients & Equipment for Big Mac Sloppy Joes (w/ "Secret" Sauce)

Alright, let's talk ingredients! These Big Mac Sloppy Joes are all about that classic flavor, but Homemade Sloppy Joes are so much better.

We're doing a from scratch version, trust me, it's worth it! Plus, you probably already have half this stuff.

Main Ingredients - The Heart of the Beef Recipes Easy

Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Any cooking oil will do, tbh.
Yellow Onion: 1 large , chopped (about 1 cup ). Get a good one, not some sad, mushy thing.
Green Bell Pepper: 1 , chopped (about 1 cup ). Adds a bit of sweetness.
Ground Beef: 1.5 pounds (680g). 80/20 is best. Lean beef doesn't have that oomph!
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon . Don't skip it!
Onion Powder: 1 teaspoon . Seriously, both are important!
Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon . It gives it a nice smokiness, I swear by it!
Salt & Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper (or to taste). Always season!
Ketchup: 1/4 cup (60 ml). It's gotta be in there.
Yellow Mustard: 2 tablespoons (30 ml). Gives it a zing.
Sweet Pickle Relish: 2 tablespoons (30 ml), drained. This is the secret weapon!
Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Adds depth of flavor. Don't forget it!
Beef Broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml). Keeps it juicy.

For the totally awesome "secret" sauce:

Mayonnaise: 1 cup (240 ml). Full fat, please!
Sweet Pickle Relish: 2 tablespoons (30 ml), finely chopped.
Yellow Mustard: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Yep, again.
White Vinegar: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). Adds that tang.
Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon . See above.
Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon . See above again.
Smoked Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon . Just a little extra.

And for the Big Mac assembly?

Hamburger Buns: 6 , toasted. Butter them up, why not?
Shredded Lettuce: 1 cup . Iceberg is classic Big Mac style.
Dill Pickle Slices: 1/2 cup , thinly sliced. Get the good ones!

Seasoning Notes - Spice It Up the Right Way

Garlic powder and onion powder are essential . Don't even think about skipping them. Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth, but regular paprika works too.

If you're feeling adventurous, add a pinch of red pepper flakes! For a McDonalds Recipes twist, a tiny dash of liquid smoke can enhance the Copycat Big Mac Recipe vibe.

Equipment Needed - Keep it Simple, Silly!

Honestly, you don't need much for these Beef Recipes For Dinner :

Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: For browning the beef and simmering the sauce. A big pan is your friend.
Mixing Bowl: For the "secret" sauce.
Toaster: For toasting those buns. Unless you're a weirdo who doesn't toast their buns.

If you don't have a Dutch oven, a large skillet will work fine. Got no toaster? Use the grill in the oven.

I grew up in a house without fancy equipment and still made delicious food. These Quick Dinner Recipes are meant to be simple! Looking for easy Weeknight Dinner Ideas and delicious Ground Beef Recipes ? You're in the right place!

Cooking Method: Big Mac Sloppy Joes (w/ "Secret" Sauce)

So, how do we actually make these Big Mac Sloppy Joes ? Don't worry, it's easier than ordering through the Mcdonalds Recipes app on a Friday night.

This isn't about Michelin stars; it's about Quick Dinner Recipes that taste amazing. Let's dive in!

Prep Steps: Get Your Act Together!

First, you'll need your mise en place . Honestly, this just means chopping everything. Chop that onion and bell pepper. Measure out all spices and wet ingredients before we start.

This saves so much time. It's organisation, baby! Safety wise, watch your fingers while chopping. A dull knife is a dangerous knife!

step-by-step Process: Sloppy Joe Time!

Sauté the onion and bell pepper in olive oil on medium heat. Cook until soft, about 5- 7 minutes .
Add the ground beef and break it up. Cook until browned. Drain any fat, we don't need all that extra grease.
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. I normally start with 1/2 teaspoon of each and adjust from there to my taste.
Add ketchup, mustard, relish, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Simmer for 15- 20 minutes . This lets all flavors meld, and for the Beef Recipes Easy to start!
While simmering, mix the "secret" sauce. That is Mayo, relish, mustard, vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika. I personally add a tiny dash of cayenne, for that extra kick!

Pro Tips: Sloppy Joe Superstar

To get that Copycat Big Mac Recipe flavour profile right, don't skimp on the sweet pickle relish! You really want that tanginess.

Also, taste as you go. Seasoning is key. Make the "secret" sauce ahead of time. It tastes better when it sits for a while! That's my expert tips.

Recipe Notes for Your Big Mac Sloppy Joes (w/ the Secret Sauce)

Alright, let's talk shop about these Big Mac Sloppy Joes (w/ that amazing sauce). Honestly? It’s one of my favourite beef recipes for dinner .

Like, seriously addictive. I wanted to share some extras to help you nail it like a pro. This is a game changer for quick dinner recipes .

Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro

Okay, first things first: presentation matters! I like piling my Homemade Sloppy Joes high on a toasted bun. Then I add extra sauce! Maybe some crispy fried onions on top.

Think about serving these alongside some proper chippy style chips, or even better, make them with a big side of McDonald's style french fries.

It's the ultimate homage to Mcdonalds Recipes . A proper pint of lager goes great with this too.

Storage Tips: Keeping it Fresh

Leftovers? Unlikely! But if you do have some, store the Big Mac filling separately from the buns. This stops the buns from getting soggy.

The filling will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days . To reheat, just microwave it until piping hot. I haven’t tried freezing this yet, but I wouldn't recommend it.

It would ruin the beef, man.

Variations: Customize Your Joe!

Want to mix things up? For a lower carb version, serve the filling over lettuce wraps. Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey to make a "lighter" version of beef recipes easy .

If you don't have ground beef, this is a great dish for ground turkey. Get creative with those Ground Beef Recipes !

Nutrition Basics: The Good Stuff

So, this isn't exactly health food, you know? But it is delicious and satisfying. You will find these weeknight dinner ideas are packed with protein, thanks to the beef.

Plus, it's got some veggies hidden in there. Think of all that onion and pepper. Also, the relish makes it fun.

Enjoy in moderation, alongside a well balanced diet.

Honestly, this Copycat Big Mac Recipe turned Sloppy Joes is a winner. You will enjoy every bite. Enjoy this with your friends and family.

Don't sweat the small stuff. This is one of those Beef Recipes for Dinner that becomes a family favourite super quick.

Go for it and make this great recipe today!

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have all the exact ingredients? Can I still make these Big Mac Sloppy Joes with what I have?

Absolutely! Think of this recipe as a guideline, not a rigid rulebook. Missing sweet pickle relish? Finely chopped dill pickles with a touch of sugar will do the trick. No beef broth? Chicken broth or even water with a bouillon cube works too. Get creative and use what's in your cupboard!

How can I make these Big Mac Sloppy Joes (w/ the secret sauce!) ahead of time?

Great question for those busy weeknights! You can definitely prepare both the sloppy joe mixture and the "secret" sauce a day or two in advance. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge.

When you're ready to eat, simply reheat the sloppy joe mixture on the stovetop or in the microwave and assemble your sandwiches. The sauce tastes even better after the flavours have melded overnight!

Are there any variations I can try to spice up these Big Mac Sloppy Joes?

Definitely! If you like a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favourite hot sauce to the sloppy joe mixture. You could also experiment with different cheeses a slice of cheddar or pepper jack would be delicious.

For a healthier twist, consider using ground turkey instead of ground beef and adding some finely diced vegetables like carrots or zucchini.

How should I store leftover Big Mac Sloppy Joes mixture? And how long will they last?

Store any leftover sloppy joe mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. You can also freeze the mixture for longer storage (up to 2-3 months); just make sure to thaw it completely before reheating.

Just like leftovers that sit in the fridge, be mindful of any signs of spoilage. When in doubt, toss it out.

Can I use leaner ground beef for the Big Mac Sloppy Joes? Will it affect the taste?

You can absolutely use leaner ground beef, like 90/10, for a healthier option. However, keep in mind that leaner beef has less fat, which contributes to flavour and juiciness. If you opt for leaner beef, you might want to add a tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet when browning the beef to prevent it from drying out.

You might also consider adding a little more beef broth to compensate for the lack of fat.

This sounds great! What are some good sides to serve with Big Mac Sloppy Joes?

To complete the Big Mac experience, classic sides like French fries or onion rings are always a winner. For a lighter option, try serving the sloppy joes with a crisp coleslaw or a simple green salad. Pickled onions or a side of sweet potato fries would also be delicious.

Think about what you'd order at your local diner; you can't go wrong!