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Irresistible French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes Recipe

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4.8 from 117 reviews

These Irresistible French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes combine the rich, caramelized flavor of French onions with hearty ground beef for a comforting twist on a classic sandwich. Caramelized onions and savory seasonings make this a flavorful and satisfying meal, topped with melted Swiss cheese and fresh parsley for a touch of brightness.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat and Vegetables

  • 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 large onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Sauces

  • 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

  1. Heat olive oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for the onions.
  2. Caramelize onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring often, until they become golden and caramelized, which brings out their natural sweetness.
  3. Add garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes to release its aroma without burning.
  4. Cook ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook it thoroughly until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula to ensure even cooking.
  5. Drain fat and season: Drain any excess fat from the skillet, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to build layers of savory flavor.
  6. Simmer mixture: Let the beef and onion mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together nicely.
  7. Toast buns: While the mixture simmers, toast the hamburger buns until lightly browned and crisp.
  8. Assemble sandwiches: Spoon the beef and onion mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns, sprinkle generously with shredded Swiss cheese, and then cover with the top buns.
  9. Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish each sandwich with chopped fresh parsley before serving for a fresh, herbaceous touch.

Notes

  • Using 85% lean ground beef strikes a good balance between flavor and fat content.
  • Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to developing the deep, sweet flavor characteristic of French onion dishes.
  • You can substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère for a more authentic French onion flavor.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free hamburger buns and ensure the soy sauce used is gluten-free.
  • Leftover mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.