BEST FRENCH ONION BEEF SLOPPY JOES

Imagine the rich, savory depths of French onion soup melding perfectly with the comforting messiness of a classic sloppy joe; that’s exactly what you’re getting with these French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes. This isn’t just another weeknight dinner; it’s an experience, a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds, and I promise, it’s easier to make than you think!

Ingredients

For the Caramelized Onions:

• 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Beef Mixture:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 6-8 hamburger buns, toasted
• 1 cup shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss cheese)
• Optional: Fresh thyme for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Caramelize the Onions:

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat.
2. Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 30-45 minutes, or until the onions are deeply golden brown and caramelized. Be patient – this takes time! If they start to burn, lower the heat. The key is low and slow.
4. Remove onions from the skillet and set aside.

Prepare the Beef Mixture:

1. In the same skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Stir in beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Combine and Simmer:

1. Add the caramelized onions to the beef mixture.
2. Stir well to combine.
3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Assemble the Sloppy Joes:

1. Spoon the French Onion Beef mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns.
2. Top with shredded Gruyere cheese.
3. If desired, place the assembled Sloppy Joes under the broiler for a minute or two to melt the cheese (watch carefully to prevent burning!).
4. Garnish with fresh thyme, if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips for Perfect French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes

Choosing the Right Onions:

Yellow onions are my go-to for caramelizing because they have a good balance of sweetness and acidity. But honestly, any onion will work in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

The Secret to Caramelizing Onions:

Patience! I know, it’s a virtue. But seriously, don’t rush the caramelizing process. Low and slow is the way to go. Stir them occasionally, but not constantly. Let them sit and develop that beautiful color and flavor.

Beef Broth is Key:

Using beef broth instead of water really amps up the savory flavor in this recipe. If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken broth, but beef is definitely preferred. You can even use a beef bouillon cube dissolved in water.

Don’t Skip the Worcestershire Sauce:

Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of umami flavor that you just can’t get from anything else. It’s a secret weapon in many of my beef recipes.

Cheese, Please!

Gruyere cheese is the classic choice for French onion soup, so it’s the perfect topping for these Sloppy Joes. But if you don’t have Gruyere, Swiss cheese is a great substitute. Provolone would also work well.

Making it Your Own: Variations and Substitutions

Spice it Up:

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a little heat.

Add Some Veggies:

Sauté some sliced mushrooms or bell peppers along with the onions for extra flavor and nutrients.

Use Different Meat:

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used instead of ground beef. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Bread Options:

While hamburger buns are classic, you can also use slider buns, brioche rolls, or even toasted baguette slices.

Serving Suggestions

These French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with a side of:

• Coleslaw
• Potato salad
• French fries
• Onion rings
• A simple green salad

Make-Ahead Tips

You can caramelize the onions up to 2 days in advance and store them in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the beef mixture up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the Sloppy Joes, simply reheat the beef mixture and follow the instructions.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover French Onion Beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Other Beef Recipes You’ll Love

If you are looking for some similar recipes, check out this Chinese Beef And Broccoli recipe. You can also try this French Onion Roast recipe. For another beef and broccoli option, this Beef Broccoli recipe is great. Or even this Beef Broccoli recipe is another tasty choice. For a delicious side dish, you could make Garlic Butter Beef Potatoes, and for a quick appetizer consider making Garlic Butter Beef Bites.

Why You’ll Love These Sloppy Joes

These French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic comfort food. They’re easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. The combination of sweet caramelized onions, savory beef, and gooey Gruyere cheese is simply irresistible. So, ditch the boring Sloppy Joe recipe and give these a try – you won’t be disappointed!