French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes

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Golden, buttery buns filled with juicy ground beef, sweet caramelized onions, and melty provolone cheese—these French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes take everything you love about French onion soup and turn it into a hearty sandwich. With each bite, you get savory depth, creamy richness, and that perfect hit of comfort food nostalgia.

This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner or an elevated twist on game day eats. It comes together quickly in one skillet and fills the kitchen with those cozy, caramelized aromas that make everyone ask, “What’s cooking?” Serve it with fries, salad, or even a bowl of soup for a satisfying meal.

What Kind of Bread Should I Use?

Soft brioche or potato buns are ideal—they’re sturdy enough to handle the juicy filling but tender enough to melt in your mouth. Avoid overly crusty rolls that compete with the texture of the meat. You can toast them slightly for extra structure and a little crunch.

Ingredients for the French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes

• Ground Beef: Use 80/20 for a perfect balance of richness and flavor.
• Yellow Onions: Slowly caramelized, they bring sweetness and depth.
• Garlic: Adds a fragrant punch that enhances the beef.
• Beef Broth: Creates a rich, French onion-inspired sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds umami and a savory finish.
• Thyme: A subtle herb that elevates the beef and onion blend.
• Cornstarch Slurry: Helps thicken the sauce without making it gloopy.
• Provolone Cheese: Melts like a dream for that classic soup topping effect.
• Brioche or Potato Buns: Soft, buttery, and made to cradle all that goodness.

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How To Make the French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Caramelize the Onions

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and the sliced onions. Cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden and caramelized—about 20-25 minutes. Don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break it up and cook until no longer pink. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Sprinkle in thyme and let the mixture simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

Turn off the heat. Layer provolone slices over the beef mixture and let them melt. Stir gently to combine or leave them in melted pockets.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Scoop the mixture onto toasted buns and serve immediately. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

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How to Serve and Store French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes

Serve hot, ideally right after assembly when the cheese is gooey and the buns are still warm. Store leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling again. Buns should be stored separately to avoid sogginess.

What to Serve With French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes?

Garlic-Parmesan Fries

Crispy, golden fries tossed with garlic and parmesan are a perfect crunchy contrast.

Creamy Coleslaw

The cool crunch balances the rich, savory flavors of the beef.

Roasted Green Beans

Simple, seasoned veggies to keep things light and fresh.

French Onion Soup

Yes, double down! It’s a warm starter that complements the sandwich perfectly.

Mac and Cheese

For those nights when you want to go all out comfort food.

Cucumber Salad

A refreshing, tangy salad to cleanse the palate.

Sweet Potato Chips

A slightly sweet, earthy crunch that works great with the rich filling.

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Want More Ground Beef Ideas?

If you loved these French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes, check out these other hearty favorites:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a cheesy one-pot dinner.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce if you’re craving a pasta twist.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta for quick, indulgent flavor.
• Cheesy Hamburger Casserole when you need something baked and bubbly.
• A Comforting and Flavorful Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe for easy weeknight dinners.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when the comfort food craving hits!

I’d love to hear how your sloppy joes turned out. Did you toast the buns or go soft and pillowy? Add mushrooms or extra cheese? Share your twists in the comments below!

Explore beautifully curated beef and sandwich recipes on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest and discover your next cozy meal idea.

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