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French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes

French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes - featured image

These French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes combine the deep, rich flavors of caramelized onions, juicy beef, and melty cheese, all piled high on toasted buns. It’s a cozy, comforting twist on the classic sloppy joe, ready in about 35 minutes and perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced (about 4 cups)
  • 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1.5 lbs lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
  • 8 brioche or classic hamburger buns
  • Optional: fresh parsley or chives, extra cheese, garlic butter for buns

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
  2. Add sliced onions and cook, stirring every few minutes, until deeply golden and caramelized, about 18-22 minutes. Add a splash of water if onions start to stick.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Increase heat to medium-high. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  5. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Add beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened to a sloppy consistency.
  7. Lower heat to low. Lay cheese slices over the beef mixture, cover, and let melt for 2-3 minutes.
  8. While cheese melts, toast buns under the broiler or in a dry skillet until golden (optional: brush with melted butter before toasting).
  9. Spoon beef mixture onto toasted bun bottoms, top with extra cheese or parsley if desired, cap with bun tops, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, don’t rush caramelizing the onions—patience is key. Toasting the buns helps prevent sogginess. For gluten-free, use GF buns and check Worcestershire. For dairy-free, use vegan cheese. Leftover filling keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days or can be frozen (without cheese) for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

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