If you love classic sloppy joes but want something a little more elevated, these French Onion Sloppy Joes are for you. Juicy ground beef gets simmered with caramelized onions, a splash of Worcestershire and beef broth, and finished with loads of melty cheese — all tucked into toasted buns. It’s like French onion soup met your favorite sandwich and turned it into something cozy, hearty, and totally irresistible.
This recipe is quick enough for a busy weeknight and rich enough to serve guests or enjoy as a weekend treat. Whether you’re craving comfort food or just looking for a new twist on a classic, this one’s sure to hit the spot.
Turn a comfort food classic into something unforgettable with these French Onion Sloppy Joes! Juicy ground beef is simmered with caramelized onions, beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce, then topped with melty cheese and served on toasted buns. It’s rich, cozy, and easy enough for any night of the week — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser the whole family will love.
Add the butter and oil to a pan over medium high heat. Allow the butter to melt down and add in the onions. Put in the salt and brown sugar. Stir and fry for about 4 or 5 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium low and allow to cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and caramelized. Add in the garlic and thyme. Stir and sauté until fragrant.
Push the onions to one side of the pan and turn the heat back up to medium high. Add in the ground beef and break it up. Fry until browned. Mix the onions and beef together and add in the flour. Stir and cook for about one minute. Season with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir once again. Pour in the beef broth, stir, and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes.
Toast the bun and add the mixture over the bottom of the bottom of the buns. Place a piece of Swiss cheese over the top and place in the oven, on broil, until the cheese melts down. Put the top on.
Plate, serve, and enjoy your French onion sloppy joes!
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. Nutritional values are a within reason estimate and my vary depending on several factors.
Caramelizing the onions slowly over medium heat is key to getting that deep, sweet flavor. Don’t rush this step — it makes all the difference.
For even more French onion flavor, try adding a splash of dry white wine or a bit of Dijon mustard to the beef mixture.
Toasting the buns adds structure and helps prevent them from getting soggy — a simple step that makes a big impact.
These Sloppy Joes are delicious broiled briefly after assembly — just enough to get the cheese bubbly and lightly golden.
Make it ahead! The beef mixture can be made a day in advance and reheated — perfect for meal prep or gatherings.