Print

French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes

French onion beef sloppy joes - featured image
Print Recipe

These French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes combine the deep, savory flavors of caramelized onions and juicy beef with melty cheese, all piled onto toasty buns. It’s a quick, comforting dinner that brings the cozy vibes of French onion soup to a fun, family-friendly sandwich.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (85/15 preferred)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 3 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 4–6 sturdy sandwich buns or brioche rolls (use gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère, Swiss, or provolone cheese
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring often, until onions are soft, golden, and deeply sweet, about 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of beef broth or water if onions start to stick. Sprinkle in brown sugar during the last 5 minutes.
  2. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add dried thyme, black pepper, and tomato paste. Mix until combined and tomato paste darkens slightly.
  3. Push onions to one side of the skillet and increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Mix onions and beef together and drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Pour in Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, until mixture thickens slightly.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. (Optional: Add a splash of balsamic vinegar for tang.)
  6. Slice and toast sandwich buns under the broiler or in a toaster. (Optional: Brush cut sides with melted butter before toasting.)
  7. Pile hot beef-onion mixture onto bottom half of each bun. Sprinkle generously with shredded cheese. For ultimate melt, broil open-faced sandwiches for 1-2 minutes until cheese bubbles and browns. Top with bun lids and fresh parsley if using.

Notes

For best flavor, caramelize onions slowly over medium-low heat. If the filling is too runny, simmer longer; if too thick, add a splash of broth. Make the filling ahead for deeper flavor and easy weeknight meals. Use gluten-free buns for a gluten-free version, and swap in ground turkey or plant-based meat for lighter or vegetarian options.

Nutrition

Keywords: French onion, sloppy joes, beef, cheesy, easy dinner, comfort food, caramelized onions, sandwich, family meal, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/french-onion-beef-sloppy-joes-recipe-easy-cheesy-dinner-idea/