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Best French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes Recipe

5 from 141 reviews

Best French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes deliver all the sweet-savory richness of French onion soup, transformed into a comforting sandwich packed with caramelized onions, ground beef, melted cheese, and toasted buns. This easy skillet recipe makes a perfect cozy dinner and delicious leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

For the French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes

  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 4 slices provolone or Gruyère cheese
  • 4 brioche or burger buns

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and thyme. Stir occasionally and cook slowly for 20 to 25 minutes until the onions become deeply caramelized, golden brown, and jammy.
  2. Cook the Ground Beef: Push the caramelized onions to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef to the empty side and cook over medium heat until browned, breaking the meat apart with a spatula. Once fully cooked, mix the beef and onions together in the skillet.
  3. Build the Flavor: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in Worcestershire sauce and beef broth. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 to 10 minutes, letting it reduce slightly and thicken to develop rich flavor. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  4. Toast the Buns: While the beef mixture simmers, toast the brioche or burger buns in a dry skillet or oven until they are golden and slightly crisp. This step helps prevent sogginess when assembled.
  5. Assemble and Melt: Spoon a generous amount of the beef and onion mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top each with a slice of provolone or Gruyère cheese. Cover the skillet briefly or use a lid to melt the cheese gently. Then place the top bun over the melted cheese and serve immediately while hot and melty.

Notes

  • Cook onions low and slow to develop their deep, sweet flavor.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.
  • Toasting the buns creates a sturdy base and prevents them from getting soggy.
  • Leftover beef mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen up to 2 months.
  • Reheat beef mixture gently on the stovetop or microwave; always toast fresh buns before assembling.

Keywords: French Onion Sloppy Joes, ground beef recipes, caramelized onion sandwich, cheesy beef sandwich, easy dinner