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Irresistible French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes

Irresistible French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes

Irresistible French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes take the familiar sloppy joe sandwich and give it a cozy bistro twist with caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, and melted cheese piled onto toasted buns for an easy, comforting meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 sandwiches
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the French onion beef mixture
  • 1 pound ground beef (80–85% 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 black pepper to taste
For assembling the sandwiches
  • 4 hamburger buns split
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • fresh parsley, chopped optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring often, for about 10–12 minutes, until the onions are soft, golden, and caramelized.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant.
  4. Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
  5. Drain off any excess fat from the skillet, then return it to the heat.
  6. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef and onions.
  7. Let the mixture simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  8. While the filling simmers, lightly toast the hamburger buns in a toaster, on a dry skillet, or under the broiler.
  9. Spoon the hot French onion beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with shredded Swiss cheese and place the top bun over the filling. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter version, swap in ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and use a bit less cheese if you prefer. You can also add sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers with the onions for extra vegetables and flavor. Store leftover filling in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months; reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving on freshly toasted buns.