Description
Looking for a comfort food classic with a flavorful twist? These French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes are your answer. This easy dinner recipe combines caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, and gooey melted cheese on toasted brioche buns for an irresistible, cozy bite. It’s quick enough for a weeknight and indulgent enough to satisfy your comfort food cravings. Whether you’re searching for new dinner ideas, a hearty lunch, or a creative twist on a childhood favorite, this recipe checks all the boxes — savory, cheesy, and ready in about 35 minutes.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1/2 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
4 slices provolone or Gruyère cheese
4 brioche buns
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and cook slowly, stirring often, for 20–25 minutes until caramelized and golden brown. Season lightly with salt.
2. Push onions to the side and add ground beef. Cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add garlic and tomato paste to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes to combine and deepen flavor.
4. Sprinkle flour over the mixture and stir well. Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 5–7 minutes until thickened.
5. Turn off heat and layer cheese over the beef mixture. Cover with a lid to let the cheese melt evenly.
6. Toast brioche buns in a separate pan with a little butter until golden brown.
7. Spoon the cheesy beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with the other half and serve immediately.
Notes
Be patient with the onions; true caramelization takes time but rewards you with deep flavor.
Use fresh, soft brioche buns—they hold up well to the juicy filling without falling apart.
If making ahead, store the meat mixture separately and reheat before assembling sandwiches.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 sandwich
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: sloppy joes, French onion, easy dinner, comfort food, beef sandwich