Imagine hearty beef mixed with sweet, caramelized onions, all piled high on a bun and topped with gooey melted cheese. These French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes are a tasty twist on a classic!
Every bite feels like a cozy hug, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love cheese? I like to serve them with crispy fries or chips for a fun meal that everyone enjoys. Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This is the star of the show! I prefer lean ground beef to keep the dish from being too greasy. If you want a lighter option, use ground turkey or chicken. Also, plant-based ground meat can be a great substitute for a vegetarian version!
Onions: Yellow onions are perfect for this recipe because they caramelize beautifully, giving a sweet flavor. If you’re in a pinch, you can use sweet onions or even shallots for a different twist.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a great flavor to this dish. If cheddar isn’t your favorite, you could substitute with Gruyère or Swiss cheese, which both melt nicely and contribute to the French onion theme.
Beef Broth: For a richer taste, opt for homemade beef broth if you have it! Low-sodium beef broth is also a good choice to control the salt level. If you need a vegetarian option, vegetable broth works well.
How Do I Get My Onions Perfectly Caramelized?
Caramelizing onions is a key step and takes a bit of time but trust me, it’s worth it! The process unlocks their natural sweetness, which is essential for that French onion flavor.
- Start with a good skillet over medium heat. Adding butter and olive oil will help prevent the butter from burning.
- Add thinly sliced onions and stir to coat. Be patient! Cook them for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is a nice golden-brown color.
- Season lightly with salt during cooking. This helps draw out moisture and enhances flavor.
Once caramelized, you can add garlic and flour for extra flavor and texture to the beef mix. Enjoy the sweet aroma filling your kitchen!
French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes with Melted Cheese
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Beef Mixture:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 4-6 sandwich buns or hoagie rolls
- 6 oz (170g) sharp cheddar cheese, sliced or shredded
- Optional: fresh thyme or parsley for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15-20 minutes of prep time, plus around 30 minutes of cooking time for a total of about 45-50 minutes. It’s the perfect amount of time to go from cooking to enjoying a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Caramelizing the Onions:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter together with the olive oil. Add the sliced onions and cook them slowly, stirring occasionally. You want them to become caramelized and golden brown, which will take about 25-30 minutes. Sprinkle a little salt during cooking to help them soften and bring out the sweetness.
2. Enhancing the Flavor:
Once the onions are beautifully caramelized, toss in the minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Next, sprinkle the flour over the onions and stir to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes to cook off that raw flour flavor.
3. Making the Onion Gravy:
Slowly pour in the beef broth while stirring to create a rich, thick onion gravy. Add in the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and dried thyme. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about 5 minutes until the mixture is slightly thickened.
4. Cook the Ground Beef:
In a separate skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks until it’s fully browned. If there’s any excess fat, drain it off before mixing with the onions.
5. Combine and Season:
Mix the cooked beef with the onion gravy, stirring to combine well. Let them cook together for another 3-5 minutes to meld all those wonderful flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Broiling the Sloppy Joes:
Now it’s time to preheat your oven’s broiler. Spoon generous portions of the beef and onion mixture onto the bottom halves of the sandwich buns. Top each with slices or shredded cheddar cheese.
7. Melt the Cheese:
Place the open-faced sandwiches on a baking sheet and pop them under the broiler for about 2-4 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
8. Finishing Touches:
Carefully remove the sandwiches from the oven. Place the top buns on, and if you’d like, garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color. Serve them up warm and enjoy!
These French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes with melted cheese are sure to be a hit at your table! Enjoy every flavorful bite!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Ground Turkey or Chicken Instead of Beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken makes for a lighter alternative and works well in this recipe. Just make sure to season it well, as these meats can be milder than beef.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. You might want to add a splash of beef broth to refresh the mixture while reheating.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and onion mixture a day in advance! Just store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop. Assemble the sandwiches and broil the cheese right before serving for that melted goodness.
What Can I Substitute for Worcestershire Sauce?
If you don’t have Worcestershire sauce on hand, you can use soy sauce as a substitute, although it won’t provide the same depth of flavor. Combining soy sauce with a bit of vinegar and a dash of sugar can mimic the taste of Worcestershire sauce!