Description
A savory twist on the classic sloppy joe, these French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes combine caramelized onions, rich ground beef, and Swiss cheese for a flavorful, comforting sandwich perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean)
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 hamburger buns
- 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for caramelizing the onions.
- Caramelize Onions: Add the thinly sliced onions to the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden and caramelized, developing a deep sweet flavor.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to release its aroma without burning.
- Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook thoroughly until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spatula to create a crumbly texture.
- Season the Mixture: Drain any excess fat from the pan, then stir in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to infuse rich, savory flavors.
- Simmer: Allow the beef and onion mixture to simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld together perfectly.
- Toast Buns: While the mixture simmers, toast the hamburger buns lightly to give them a slight crispness.
- Assemble Sloppy Joes: Spoon the flavorful beef mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun, top generously with shredded Swiss cheese, and place the top bun over the filling.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor.
Notes
- Using 85% lean ground beef offers a good balance of flavor and fat content for juiciness.
- Caramelizing the onions slowly is key to developing the sweet, rich flavor characteristic of French onion dishes.
- If you prefer a spicier twist, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the onion and garlic.
- Swiss cheese melts beautifully, but feel free to substitute with Gruyère for an even more authentic French onion taste.
- For a lower-fat option, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
