Description
How to make rich French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes with caramelized onions and savory ground beef that’s perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
- Base Components:
- 2–3 pounds lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
- 4 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)
- 12–16 brioche or potato buns
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Flavor Builders:
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 cup dry red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon) or dry sherry
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Seasonings & Herbs:
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt, or to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Finishing Touches & Toppings:
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyère cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Caramelize Onions: Melt butter in a large pot. Add sliced onions and cook over medium-low heat for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until deeply golden brown and sweet. This caramelization is key for developing the deep flavor of these French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes.
- Brown Beef: While onions caramelize, brown ground beef in a separate large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat, then add the browned beef to the caramelized onions. Stir in minced garlic, tomato paste, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Build Sauce: Sprinkle flour over the beef and onion mixture, stirring for 1 minute to cook the flour and create a roux. Deglaze the pan with red wine, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, and dried thyme.
- Simmer Filling: Pour in beef broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes filling has thickened nicely. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Toast Buns: While the sloppy joe mixture simmers, lightly toast your brioche or potato buns. A quick toast adds great texture and prevents them from getting soggy, making for a much better eating experience for your crowd.
- Assemble & Serve: Spoon a generous amount of the rich French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes filling onto each toasted bun. Top with shredded Gruyère cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately and watch your crowd enjoy!
Notes
Caramelize onions low and slow for 30-40 minutes; rushing this step makes the sloppy joes lack deep, sweet flavor.
Store cooled sloppy joe filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Dry sherry is a great red wine substitute; for non-alcoholic, use beef broth with a splash of red wine vinegar.
Serve warm on toasted buns, topped with shredded Gruyère and fresh parsley, perhaps with crispy French fries.
Make filling 2-3 days ahead; reheat gently, then assemble with freshly toasted buns and cheese just before serving.
**Allergy Information:** Dairy, Eggs, Gluten, Fish