French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes Recipe
French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes combine the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion with hearty ground beef to create a delicious twist on a classic sandwich. This skillet-cooked recipe features tender onions, savory beef, and melted Swiss cheese piled high on toasted hamburger buns, making for an easy and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Assembly
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the skillet: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for caramelizing the onions.
- Caramelize onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until they become golden brown and caramelized, which brings out their natural sweetness.
- Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release its aroma without burning.
- Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
- Season the mixture: Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish lighter. Then stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer: Let the beef mixture simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and deepen.
- Toast buns: While the beef simmers, toast the hamburger buns until lightly browned and crisp to provide a sturdy base for the filling.
- Assemble the sandwiches: Spoon the beef and onion mixture onto the bottom halves of the toasted buns, then top each with shredded Swiss cheese. Place the top halves of the buns over the cheese.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a fresh, colorful finish. Serve immediately to enjoy the melty cheese and savory filling.
Notes
- You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor.
- For extra moisture, add a splash of beef broth while simmering the mixture.
- Use leaner ground beef or turkey to reduce fat content further.
- Serve with a side of pickles or coleslaw for added crunch and acidity.
- Leftover beef mixture can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.