Description

These French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes offer a comforting blend of savory flavors and tender textures. Ground beef is simmered in a rich, umami-packed sauce featuring deeply caramelized onions and a robust beef broth, reminiscent of classic French onion soup. Each serving is generously topped with a slice of melted, tangy cheese and nestled within a soft, toasted bun, creating a satisfying and hearty meal. The dish is garnished with fresh herbs, adding a touch of brightness to its rich profile.

Ingredients

Scale

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
1 pound lean ground beef
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
2 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
8 slider buns, brioche style recommended
8 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (for buns)
Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

**Caramelize Onions:** Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 25-30 minutes, or until deeply golden brown and caramelized. Remove onions from the skillet and set aside.
**Brown Beef:** Increase heat to medium. Add ground beef to the same skillet and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat.
**Build Sauce:** Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
**Simmer Sloppy Joe Mixture:** Gradually pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Add Worcestershire sauce, tomato paste, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 10-15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.
**Combine and Finish:** Stir the caramelized onions back into the beef mixture. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
**Prepare Buns:** Preheat your oven broiler. Lightly brush the cut sides of the slider buns with melted butter. Place buns cut-side up on a baking sheet and toast under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until lightly golden. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
**Assemble and Melt Cheese:** Spoon a generous amount of the sloppy joe mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese. Place the assembled sloppy joes back on the baking sheet and return to the broiler for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
**Serve:** Place the top bun on each sloppy joe. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives before serving immediately.

Notes

For best caramelization, cook onions slowly over low heat; patience is key for deep flavor.

Toasting the buns adds texture and prevents them from becoming soggy.

Consider using a mix of provolone and Gruyere cheese for a more complex flavor profile.

The sloppy joe mixture can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before assembling.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 380 kcal
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 25g