Growing up, my family had a special tradition of making French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes on cozy Sunday evenings. The rich, savory flavors of the beef and caramelized onions, combined with the tanginess of the sloppy joe sauce, always made my mouth water. It was the perfect comfort food to gather around the table and enjoy together. To this day, the aroma of those French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes simmering on the stove takes me right back to my childhood. That’s why this recipe has become a go-to in my household – it’s a true family favorite that never disappoints.
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Why This French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes
This French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes recipe is truly special because it combines the rich, savory flavors of traditional French onion soup with the comforting, messy deliciousness of sloppy joes. The secret is in the slow-cooked onions, which are caramelized to perfection, and the blend of seasonings that infuse the beef with that classic French onion flavor. This recipe makes 6 hearty servings, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
To make these mouthwatering French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 brioche buns, toasted
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Step-by-Step French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes Instructions
Preparing Your French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes
This recipe takes 35 minutes total – 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. You’ll need a large skillet or Dutch oven to bring these French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes to life.
1- In the skillet, cook the 1 lb of ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s no longer pink, about 5 minutes.
2- Add the 2 large thinly sliced onions and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are caramelized and very soft, about 15 minutes.
3- Stir in the 1 cup of beef broth, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4- The sloppy joe filling should be thick, saucy, and deeply flavorful. If it looks too thin, let it simmer a bit longer to reduce.
5- Serve the French Onion Beef Sloppy Joe filling on the 6 hamburger buns.
6- Top with any desired toppings like shredded cheese, pickles, or caramelized onions, and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Success
To make these French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes truly exceptional, be sure to take the time to properly caramelize the onions. This step is key for developing that rich, sweet flavor that pairs so perfectly with the savory beef. Also, don’t be afraid to let the sloppy joe filling simmer a bit longer if it seems too thin – the extra time will help the flavors concentrate and thicken up the sauce.
Serving and Storing Your French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes
Perfect Pairings for French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes
These French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes are a complete meal on their own, but they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with roasted sweet potato wedges, a crisp garden salad, or creamy coleslaw for a delicious and well-rounded dinner that serves 6 people, with each serving being 1 sloppy joe.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftovers of these French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply place the sloppy joe filling in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also freeze the filling for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping – the filling can be made in advance and stored, then quickly assembled into sloppy joes when you’re ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes
Creative French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes Variations
While the classic version is hard to beat, there are plenty of ways to put a twist on these French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes. Try using ground turkey or plant-based protein for a leaner option. You could also add diced mushrooms or bell peppers to the filling for extra veggies. For a more indulgent twist, top the sloppy joes with melted Swiss or Gruyere cheese.
Making French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes Diet-Friendly
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply serve the French Onion Beef sloppy joe filling on gluten-free buns or over a bed of cauliflower rice or mashed potatoes. For a low-carb version, skip the buns and enjoy the filling on its own or over zucchini noodles. And for a vegan or vegetarian take, replace the ground beef with crumbled tofu or your favorite plant-based ground “meat” alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of onion besides yellow or white?
A: Absolutely! While traditional French onion soup calls for yellow or white onions, you can also use sweet onions like Vidalia or red onions for a slightly different flavor profile in these French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This recipe makes exactly 6 servings, with each serving being 1 sloppy joe.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Yes, the sloppy joe filling can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the filling and assemble the sloppy joes.
Q: What if the sloppy joe filling is too thin?
A: If the filling seems too thin, simply let it simmer a bit longer to allow the flavors to concentrate and the sauce to thicken up. You can also stir in a bit of cornstarch or flour to help it reach the desired consistency.
French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes
- Total Time: 35
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Elevate your sloppy joe experience with the irresistible flavors of French onion in this easy, 30-minute recipe for French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes. Featuring caramelized onions, tender ground beef, and melted cheese, these sloppy joes are a comforting and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup beef broth
– 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 6 brioche buns, toasted
– 1 cup shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese
Instructions
1. 1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and crumbled, 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
2. 2. Add the sliced onions and garlic to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are softened and caramelized, about 10-12 minutes.
3. 3. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.
4. 4. Divide the French onion beef mixture evenly among the toasted brioche buns. Top with shredded Gruyère or Swiss cheese.
5. 5. Serve the French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes immediately, while the cheese is hot and melty.
Notes
For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and ground pork. You can also add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to the onions for extra depth. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Beef, Fish & Seafood Mains
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
These French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes are an absolute must-try recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite. The combination of savory beef, caramelized onions, and tangy sloppy joe sauce is truly irresistible. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a comforting, delicious meal, this recipe is guaranteed to satisfy. So what are you waiting for? Give these French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes a try tonight and let me know what you think in the comments below!
