French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes (Printable)
Caramelized onions and seasoned beef topped with melted cheese on toasted brioche buns create this hearty, flavor-packed sandwich.
# What You'll Need:
→ Meats
01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
→ Vegetables & Aromatics
02 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
→ Dairy
04 - 4 slices provolone cheese (or Swiss or Gruyère)
→ 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 more to taste
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
# Step-by-step:
01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 12–15 minutes.
02 - Add minced garlic and thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Push onions to the side of the pan. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
04 - Sprinkle flour over the beef and onions, stirring well to coat. Cook for 1 minute.
05 - Stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Toast brioche buns under the broiler or in a skillet until golden.
07 - Spoon the beef and onion mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with a slice of cheese. Place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Add the top bun and serve hot.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The way caramelized onions melt into the beef creates this incredible depth that regular sloppy joes just do not have
- Melting provolone over the top brings that French onion soup experience but in a handheld sandwich you can actually eat while watching a movie
02 -
- Rushing the onions is the number one mistake here, they need time to develop that deep sweetness and color
- Letting the assembled sandwiches rest for just 2 minutes before eating keeps the filling from sliding right out when you take a bite
03 -
- Add a splash of sherry or white wine to the onions during the last 5 minutes of caramelizing for restaurant depth
- Toast the cut side of the buns under the broiler with a little butter for extra flavor and structural integrity