Name: Copycat McDonald’s Big Mac Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 pound ground beef (80/20); Salt and pepper to taste; 3 sesame seed buns (1 top, 1 bottom, 1 extra bottom); 2 slices American cheese; 1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce; 4 dill pickle slices; 2 tablespoons finely chopped onion; 1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns); 1/4 cup Big Mac sauce (store-bought or homemade)

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Introduction

The classic Big Mac is a beloved fast-food icon known for its unique sauce and satisfying layers. This copycat recipe lets you recreate the signature flavors of McDonald’s Big Mac right in your own kitchen, with juicy beef patties and that famous special sauce.

A close-up view of a burger with a sesame seed white bun on top, showing layers from top to bottom: light green shredded lettuce, thin white onion slices, creamy white sauce, a crispy golden chicken patty, two thin, well-cooked dark brown beef patties with melted bright orange cheese between them, all resting on a soft white bottom bun. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 pound ground beef (80/20)
Salt and pepper to taste

3 sesame seed buns (1 top, 1 bottom, 1 extra bottom)
2 slices American cheese

1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce
4 dill pickle slices

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1/4 cup Big Mac sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 tablespoon butter (for toasting buns)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Big Mac sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, vinegar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Chill until needed.
Step 2: Divide the ground beef into four 1.6-ounce balls and flatten each into a thin patty.
Step 3: Cook the patties in a hot skillet for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Butter and toast all bun halves, including the extra bottom bun, until golden brown.
Step 5: Build the Big Mac starting with the bottom bun. Spread sauce, then add chopped onions, shredded lettuce, a slice of cheese, and a beef patty.
Step 6: Add the middle bun (extra bottom bun), then repeat layering with sauce, onions, lettuce, pickles, and the second beef patty.

Step 7: Top with the top bun and serve warm with fries or your favorite sides.

Tips & Variations

For a fresher sauce, make your own Big Mac sauce using equal parts mayonnaise and sweet pickle relish with a splash of yellow mustard and spices.
Use freshly shredded lettuce instead of pre-packaged for better texture and crunch.

Try adding a little white vinegar to the lettuce for a slight tang that complements the sauce.
Swap American cheese for cheddar or Swiss if you prefer a different cheese flavor.

Storage

Store any leftover patties and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Avoid assembling the sandwich in advance to prevent sogginess. Reheat patties gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling and serving.

How to Serve

A close-up of a burger showing three layers of sesame seed bun. The top bun sits on a thick layer of shredded green lettuce and thin slices of white onion. Below is a crispy, golden brown fried patty, followed by a layer of melted bright orange cheese. Underneath the cheese are two grilled beef patties that are dark brown with a slightly charred texture. The bottom bun is soft and slightly toasted. The burger looks juicy and fresh, placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of bun?

Yes, you can substitute sesame seed buns with plain hamburger buns or brioche buns if you prefer. The sesame seeds add a traditional touch but are not essential.

Is there a vegetarian version of the Big Mac?

Absolutely! You can replace the beef patties with plant-based patties or grilled mushrooms and use vegetarian cheese to make a delicious meat-free Big Mac alternative.