My dad was the king of sloppy joes. It wasn’t fancy, but it was always satisfying. Every time he made them, it was like a warm hug after a long day. I can still smell the sweet and savory aroma filling our small kitchen.
I always loved how he’d let me help, even if it meant making a mess. He’d let me stir the ingredients, and I felt so important, like I was a real chef. Those memories are so precious to me, and they make this french onion sloppy joes recipe extra special. Speaking of classics, just the other day I was reminiscing with a friend about my attempt to recreate this Pineapple Cheese Ball Recipe that I saw on Cook Reel, and we both agreed that some flavors just instantly transport you back to happy times.
Now, I’ve taken that nostalgic comfort food and given it a little upgrade. This version is all grown up, with deeply caramelized onions and a rich, flavorful sauce. It’s still just as easy to make, but it feels a bit more… elegant.
Why you’ll love this French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes with French Onion Sloppy Joes
- The caramelized onions add a depth of sweetness and savory flavor that takes these french onion sloppy joes to the next level.
- This recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.
- The combination of beef, onions, and cheese creates a comforting and irresistible dish that everyone will love.
- You can easily customize these french onion sloppy joes with different types of cheese or toppings to suit your taste.
- These are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic sloppy joe, making them a unique and exciting meal.
- The rich beef broth and red grape juice vinegar create a delicious and complex sauce that perfectly complements the beef and onions in these french onion sloppy joes.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red grape juice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 6 hamburger buns, split and toasted
- 6 slices provolone or Gruyere cheese
Directions
Step 1
French onion sloppy joes makes every moment feel energetic. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper.
Step 2
Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Reduce heat if onions start to burn. The key here is patience—don’t rush the caramelization process!
Step 3
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 4
Sprinkle flour over the beef and onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. This will help thicken the sauce.
Step 5
Gradually pour in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in red grape juice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.
Step 6
Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 7
Spoon the french onion sloppy joes beef mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns. Top each with a slice of provolone or Gruyere cheese.
Step 8
Place the assembled sloppy joes on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet and let the cheese melt from the residual heat.
Step 9
Serve immediately and enjoy these delicious french onion sloppy joes!
Variations, pairings, and serving ideas
Variations
Want to kick up the spice? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef mixture for a little heat. You could also try using a different type of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack.
For a sweeter flavor, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the caramelized onions. You can even incorporate some chopped mushrooms for an earthier taste. These adjustments will all work to make your french onion sloppy joes unique.
If you’re looking to lighten things up, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also add some finely chopped vegetables like carrots or celery to the onion mixture for extra nutrients. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.
Pairings
Coleslaw is a classic side dish that pairs perfectly with these french onion sloppy joes. The cool, crunchy texture complements the rich, savory filling. A simple potato salad is another great option.
For a heartier meal, serve with some crispy French fries or onion rings. A side of roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or Brussels sprouts, adds a healthy touch. Consider a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the sloppy joes.
Don’t forget the drinks! A cold glass of lemonade or iced tea is always refreshing. If you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated, try a sparkling apple cider or a crisp, dry white grape juice.
Serving ideas
For a casual presentation, simply arrange the french onion sloppy joes on a platter and let everyone help themselves. You can also individually wrap each one in parchment paper for easy handling.
Garnish with some fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. A side of pickles or pickled onions adds a tangy contrast to the savory filling. Don’t forget the napkins – these can get messy!
If you’re serving these at a party, consider setting up a toppings bar with extra cheese, onions, and condiments. This allows your guests to customize their sloppy joes to their liking. For a fancy touch, use brioche buns instead of regular hamburger buns.
Storage and make-ahead tips
Storage
Leftover french onion sloppy joes filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to let the mixture cool completely before refrigerating.
To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick and easy meal. Avoid overheating, as this can dry out the filling.
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the onions and beef may change upon thawing. However, if you must freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Make-ahead
You can caramelize the onions up to 2 days in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use. This will save you time on the day you plan to make the french onion sloppy joes.
The beef mixture can also be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Simply reheat and assemble the sloppy joes when you’re ready to serve. This is a great option for busy weeknights.
For meal prep, portion out the beef mixture into individual containers and pair with hamburger buns. This makes it easy to grab a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. Just add cheese and toast the buns before serving.
Common mistakes when making French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes
- Not caramelizing the onions long enough: The key to great flavor is deeply caramelized onions. Don’t rush the process! Cook them low and slow until they are golden brown and sweet.
- Using too much flour: Adding too much flour can make the sauce thick and pasty. Use just enough to help thicken the sauce without making it gluey.
- Overcooking the beef: Overcooked beef can be dry and tough. Cook it just until it’s browned and then let it simmer in the sauce to stay tender.
- Not toasting the buns: Toasting the buns prevents them from getting soggy from the sloppy joe mixture. It also adds a nice texture contrast.
- Skipping the cheese: The melted cheese is an essential part of these french onion sloppy joes. Don’t skimp on the cheese, and choose a variety that melts well.
Final notes
These french onion sloppy joes are a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. They’re easy to make, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and toppings to find your perfect combination.
Remember, the key to great sloppy joes is patience and good quality ingredients. Take your time to caramelize the onions and use fresh, flavorful beef broth. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen!
I hope you enjoy making and eating these french onion sloppy joes as much as I do. They’re a fantastic way to elevate a classic dish and create something truly special. Happy cooking!
Loved this French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes? Try these next
- Pineapple cheese ball recipe
- Filipino beef tocino recipe
- Strawberry cream cheese pound cake
- Christmas bars recipe
- Crock pot turkey breast
French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes
Elevate your weeknight dinner with these French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes! Savory ground beef simmered in a rich, caramelized onion sauce, topped with melted cheese and served on toasted buns. A comforting twist on a classic!
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup red grape juice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 6 hamburger buns, split and toasted
- 6 slices provolone or Gruyere cheese
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add sliced onions, sugar, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 25-30 minutes. Reduce heat if onions start to burn.
- Add ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef and onions and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually pour in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in red grape juice vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Spoon the French onion beef mixture onto the toasted hamburger buns. Top each with a slice of provolone or Gruyere cheese.
- Place the assembled sloppy joes on a baking sheet and broil for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, you can cover the skillet and let the cheese melt from the residual heat.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
For a richer flavor, use bone broth. You can also add a splash of balsamic vinegar for extra tang. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Serve with your favorite sides, such as coleslaw, potato salad, or French fries.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sloppy joe
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg