Go Back
–+ servings
image of realistic top down mise en place shot fresh lean ground beef sliced yellow onions bowl beef broth brioche buns provolone cheese slices arranged white marble kitchen counter clear glass bowls rustic brown wooden spoons soft diffuse daylight
adam saha

French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes

A comforting fusion of classic French onion soup and the beloved American sloppy joe. This recipe features sweet caramelized onions, savory ground beef, and melted cheese on toasted brioche buns, creating a rich and satisfying meal perfect for busy weeknights.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Active Cooking Time 20 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Caramelized Onions
  • 3 large yellow or sweet onions thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
Sloppy Joe Filling
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef 90/10 lean preferred
  • 1 packet dry beefy onion soup mix
  • 1 cup low sodium beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose flour optional, for thickening
Assembly
  • 6 brioche buns or slider buns
  • 6 slices provolone cheese or Swiss cheese

Equipment

  • Large skillet or Dutch oven
  • cutting board,
  • Chef's Knife
  • Wooden spoon
  • Baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add the butter and olive oil. Once melted, add the thinly sliced onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes until the onions are softened and start to caramelize.
  2. Increase the heat to medium and continue cooking the onions, stirring frequently, for another 5-10 minutes until they turn a deep golden-brown color. If any bits stick to the bottom, deglaze with a small splash of beef broth.
  3. Push the caramelized onions to the side of the pan. Add the ground beef to the empty space and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink.
  4. Drain off any excess grease from the pan. Stir the beef into the onions and sprinkle the beefy onion soup mix, garlic powder, and black pepper over the mixture. Cook for 1-2 minutes to toast the seasonings.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. If using flour for thickening, sprinkle it over the mixture and stir well. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon.
  6. Preheat your oven's broiler to low. Split the brioche buns and place them on a baking sheet. Toast under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
  7. Spoon a generous amount of the beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun. Top with a slice of provolone cheese.
  8. Place the assembled sandwiches back on the baking sheet and broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 485kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 28gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 95mgSodium: 950mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 320IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 3.5mg

Notes

For a slow cooker version: complete steps 1-3 on the stovetop, then transfer everything to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Toast buns and melt cheese just before serving.
Leftover filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
Try serving this filling over mashed potatoes or rice for a different twist on this comforting meal.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
QR Code linking back to recipe