French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes (Printable)

Caramelized onions and seasoned ground beef topped with melted provolone on toasted brioche buns.

# What goes in:

→ Meats

01 - 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)

→ Vegetables & Aromatics

02 - 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Dairy

04 - 4 slices provolone cheese (or Swiss or Gruyère)

→ Breads

05 - 4 brioche buns (or hamburger rolls)

→ Liquids

06 - 1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
07 - 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

→ Pantry & Spices

08 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
09 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 - 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
11 - 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 teaspoon dried)
12 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
13 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste

# Directions:

01 - Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized and golden brown, about 12-15 minutes.
02 - Add minced garlic and thyme; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
03 - Push onions to the side of the pan. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
04 - Sprinkle flour over the beef and onions, stirring well to coat. Cook for 1 minute.
05 - Stir in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, until the mixture thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Toast brioche buns (optional) under the broiler or in a skillet until golden.
07 - Spoon the beef and onion mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top with a slice of cheese. Place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
08 - Add the top bun and serve hot.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The caramelized onions create a natural sweetness that balances the rich beef perfectly
  • Melting the cheese right on top makes every bite incredibly satisfying
  • Its fancy enough for guests but comes together in under an hour
02 -
  • Rushing the onions is the biggest mistake you can make, let them turn deep golden brown
  • The flour needs a full minute to cook off or you will taste raw starch in the final sauce
  • Broiling the cheese at the end is non negotiable for that authentic French onion experience
03 -
  • Add a splash of white wine or sherry while caramelizing onions for extra depth
  • Use ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter version, just add a little extra olive oil

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