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French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes

A cozy and hearty recipe featuring tender ground beef and sweet caramelized onions in a tangy sauce, served on soft toasted buns.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, French
Calories: 500
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the filling
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable oil
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced For best sweetness, slice against the grain.
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 for rich flavor, or 93/7 for a leaner, healthy option.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme.
  • 1 cup beef broth or low-sodium broth.
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar Optional, helps balance acidity.
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 4 to 6 pieces soft burger buns or small rolls
  • 4 ounces Gruyere or Swiss cheese, thinly sliced Optional; melts beautifully.
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil and butter. When the butter melts and begins to bubble, add the onions.
  2. Add the thinly sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat, lower the heat to medium-low, and let them slowly brown for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
Cooking
  1. Push the onions to one side, increase heat to medium, add the ground beef, and break it apart with a spatula. Brown until no pink remains and the meat has a savory crust — about 6 to 8 minutes.
  2. Stir in the minced garlic and thyme; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Mix in the tomato paste, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and brown sugar. Toast these briefly for a minute to deepen the flavors.
  4. Pour in the beef broth, stir to combine, and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and let it bubble gently for 8 to 10 minutes until the mixture thickens.
  5. Taste and season with salt and pepper. If you like it creamier, stir in a tablespoon of butter or a splash of cream. Fold in the caramelized onions.
Assembly
  1. Lightly toast burger buns in a pan or oven. Spoon a generous portion of the French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes onto each bun, top with Gruyere or Swiss cheese if using, and garnish with chopped parsley.

Notes

Swap spinach with kale if adding greens on the side. Use turkey or plant-based ground meat for a lighter option. For a richer finish, stir in a splash of cream or a pat of butter at the end.