Can I make Big Mac Sloppy Joes with ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a lighter version of this recipe. For best results, use ground turkey that's not too lean (93/7 works well) and add an extra teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor since turkey is milder than beef.

How can I make the Mac sauce less tangy?

If you find the Mac sauce too tangy, reduce the vinegar to 1/2 tablespoon and use sweet relish instead of dill relish. You can also add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise to mellow out the flavors.

Can I prepare any components of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! The Mac sauce actually tastes even better when made a day ahead, allowing the flavors to meld in the refrigerator. The meat mixture can also be cooked ahead and refrigerated for up to two days - just reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

My sloppy joes are too... sloppy! How can I thicken the mixture?

If your meat mixture is too wet, return it to the pan and simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce excess moisture. Alternatively, add 1-2 tablespoons of tomato paste, which will thicken the mixture while enhancing the flavor.

Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe

Name: Big Mac Sloppy Joes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef; 1/2 medium onion, finely diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce; 1 1/2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon cracked pepper; 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup ketchup; 1/4 cup dill relish; 1 tablespoon distilled white vinegar; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 6 sesame seed buns; 1 cup shredded iceberg lettuce; 4 slices American cheese; 12 dill pickle chips

Description

Big Mac Sloppy Joes combine the flavors of a classic Big Mac burger with the comfort of sloppy joes. Lean ground beef cooked with onions, garlic, and savory seasonings is topped with homemade tangy Mac sauce, crisp lettuce, American cheese, and pickles, all served on sesame seed buns. This easy, family-friendly main course brings fast-food nostalgia home in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the meat mixture:

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

For the Mac sauce:

1 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup ketchup
1/4 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

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Instructions

Cook the Beef Mixture: Add the ground beef, onion, and garlic to a skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring often to break up the meat, until the meat has cooked through and the onions are soft. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Season the Meat: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper into the cooked beef mixture. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
Prepare the Mac Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, dill relish, white vinegar, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well until fully mixed and creamy.
Combine Meat and Sauce: Add 1/2 cup of the prepared Mac sauce to the beef mixture and stir until evenly combined.
Assemble the Sandwiches: Place 1/4 cup of shredded iceberg lettuce on the bottom half of each sesame bun. Add a slice of American cheese on top of the lettuce. Spoon the beef-and-sauce mixture over the cheese layer.
Add Toppings: Drizzle more Mac sauce over the meat, to taste. Place 3 dill pickle chips on each sandwich, then add the top half of the bun to finish assembling.
Serve: Serve the Big Mac Sloppy Joes hot and enjoy immediately.

Notes

To melt the cheese fully, you can briefly cover the assembled sandwiches with foil and let them sit for a minute before serving.
Use lean ground beef to avoid excess grease.
You can toast the buns for added texture and flavor.
Use store-bought or homemade sesame seed buns.
Leftover Mac sauce can be used as a dip or on other sandwiches.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 sandwich
Calories: 600
Sugar: 7g
Sodium: 1250mg
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 18g
Trans Fat: 1.2g
Carbohydrates: 36g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 90mg