French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes (Printable)
Caramelized onions and seasoned beef topped with melted cheese on toasted brioche buns for a rich, comforting sandwich experience.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef, 80/20 blend preferred
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
04 - 4 slices provolone, Swiss, or Gruyère cheese
→ Breads
05 - 4 brioche buns or hamburger rolls
→ Liquids
06 - 1/2 cup beef broth, low sodium preferred
07 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
→ Pantry & Spices
08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
11 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried
12 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus additional to taste
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus additional to taste
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until deeply caramelized and golden brown, approximately 12–15 minutes.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and fresh thyme leaves. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
03 - Push caramelized onions to the side of the pan. Add ground beef to the skillet and break apart with a spatula. Cook until thoroughly browned, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
04 - Sprinkle flour evenly over the beef and onion mixture. Stir thoroughly to coat and cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
05 - Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir well and simmer for 3–4 minutes until the mixture slightly thickens. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Lightly toast the cut sides of brioche buns under the broiler or in a dry skillet until golden brown and crisp.
07 - Generously spoon the beef and onion mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Place a cheese slice on top and broil for 1–2 minutes until melted and bubbly. Top with the remaining bun half and serve immediately.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The onions transform into something sweet and jammy that balances the rich beef perfectly
- Melting provolone over the top creates that irresistible French onion soup moment in every bite
- Ready in under an hour but tastes like it simmered all afternoon
02 -
- Don't rush the onions, that 15 minute cook time is non negotiable for the right flavor
- Draining excess fat after browning the beef keeps these from becoming too greasy
- Watch closely under the broiler, cheese goes from perfect to burned in seconds
03 -
- Adding a splash of sherry or white wine while the onions caramelize deepens the flavor
- Ground turkey or chicken work if you want something lighter, though beef gives the best results