The first time I made French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes, it was purely by accident. I had planned to make my kids’ favorite classic sloppy joes, but halfway through cooking, I realized I was out of ketchup. What I did have was a big pot of caramelized onions leftover from a French onion soup dinner the night before.
I swapped the ketchup-based sauce for those sweet, deeply browned onions, added a splash of beef broth, and topped the sandwiches with melty provolone. The result? My kids declared them “fancy sloppy joes,” and they’ve been a weeknight regular ever since. It’s comfort food with just enough sophistication to make you feel like you’re at a bistro—without leaving your kitchen.
What is French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes?
It’s a cross between the classic American sloppy joe and rich, savory French onion soup. Ground beef is cooked with caramelized onions, beef broth, and herbs, then piled high on toasted buns and topped with melty cheese.
Why You’ll Love These French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes
- Deep, savory flavor: Sweet caramelized onions meet hearty beef.
- Cheesy goodness: Melted provolone or Swiss takes it over the top.
- One-skillet wonder: Less mess, more flavor.
- Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Crowd-pleaser: Family-friendly but impressive enough for guests.
Tips for Making the Best French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes
- Take your time caramelizing the onions—low and slow is key.
- Use lean ground beef for less grease.
- Toast buns for texture and to prevent sogginess.
- Add a splash of Worcestershire for extra depth.
- Use freshly grated cheese for smooth melting.
How to Make French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 brioche buns, split and toasted
- 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Caramelize the onions
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until golden brown. - Cook the beef
Push onions to one side of the skillet. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. - Add flavor
Stir in thyme, garlic, and Worcestershire. Sprinkle flour over mixture and cook for 1 minute. - Simmer
Pour in beef broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened. - Assemble
Spoon beef mixture onto toasted buns, top with cheese, and let melt before serving.
You Must Know
- Onions are the star—don’t rush them.
- Provolone adds creamy melt, Swiss gives tang.
- Toasting buns is a game changer.
Top Tips for Perfecting This Dish
- Add a splash of sherry vinegar at the end for brightness.
- Use a cast iron skillet for even browning.
- Double the onions if you’re an onion lover.
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Store filling separately from buns for up to 3 days.
- Reheat on stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth.
- Not freezer-friendly—onions can lose texture.
Helpful Notes
- Can swap beef for ground turkey or chicken.
- Serve with sweet potato fries or a side salad.
- Leftover filling is great over baked potatoes.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Julia Child: Always season onions as they cook for layered flavor.
- Alton Brown: Deglaze with broth to pull up all those browned bits.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Cooking onions too quickly—they’ll burn, not caramelize.
- Skipping the flour—it helps thicken the sauce.
- Adding cheese too early—it should melt on the sandwich, not in the pan.
FAQs
Can I make these vegetarian?
Yes, use plant-based beef and vegetable broth.
Which cheese is best?
Provolone for creamy melt, Swiss for a sharper bite.
Can I make the filling ahead?
Yes—store in the fridge and reheat before assembling.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
Conclusion
French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes turn a weeknight staple into something a little special. With rich onions, hearty beef, and melty cheese, it’s a comfort food upgrade that’s worth savoring.
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French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes combine sweet caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and melty provolone or Swiss cheese on a toasted bun. It’s a weeknight comfort food upgrade ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 4 brioche buns, split and toasted
- 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt butter. Add onions, sugar, and salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.
- Push onions to one side of the skillet. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
- Stir in thyme, garlic, and Worcestershire. Sprinkle flour over mixture and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in beef broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
- Spoon beef mixture onto toasted buns, top with cheese, and let melt before serving.
Notes
For extra depth, add a splash of sherry vinegar before serving. Toast buns to keep them from getting soggy. Double the onions if you love a richer flavor.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 870
- Fat: 27
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 90
Keywords: french onion beef sloppy joes, caramelized onion beef sandwich, cheesy sloppy joes
