Description
These French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes combine the rich, caramelized flavor of slow-cooked onions with hearty ground beef in a savory Worcestershire-spiked sauce. Served on toasted hamburger buns topped with melted provolone or Swiss cheese, this recipe offers a comforting and flavorful twist on a classic sandwich that’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 hamburger buns, toasted
- 4 slices provolone or Swiss cheese
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, until they are deeply golden and caramelized, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. This process develops the rich sweetness that is the hallmark of French onion flavor.
- Brown the Beef: Increase the heat to medium. Add the ground beef and minced garlic to the skillet with the caramelized onions. Cook, stirring and breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is browned and fully cooked through.
- Add Seasonings and Flour: Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, then sprinkle the flour over the mixture. Continue cooking and stirring for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste, which will help thicken the sauce later.
- Simmer with Broth and Thyme: Pour in the beef broth and add the fresh or dried thyme leaves. Stir well and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken into a savory, saucy consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Sloppy Joes: Spoon the beef and onion mixture generously onto the bottom halves of the toasted hamburger buns. Place a slice of provolone or Swiss cheese on top of the hot mixture to allow it to soften slightly.
- Serve: Close the sandwiches with the top halves of the buns and serve warm for a hearty and delicious meal.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of balsamic vinegar to the onions while caramelizing.
- Using freshly sliced thyme will provide a brighter herbaceous note compared to dried thyme.
- Toast the buns until golden to enhance texture and prevent sogginess.
- If preferred, substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Sandwiches
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
