Dinner

French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes Recipe

BySarah Summers February 8, 2026February 8, 2026

Introduction

French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes combine the rich, savory flavors of caramelized onions and seasoned ground beef with the melty goodness of Swiss cheese. This twist on a classic sloppy joe delivers comforting depth and a satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.

The image shows a close-up of a juicy cheeseburger with a shiny, soft golden brown bun on top and bottom. Inside, there is a thick, dark brown beef patty covered with melted white cheese that stretches slightly over the edges. On top of the cheese and beef, there are glossy, cooked caramelized onions adding a rich brown color and smooth texture. The sandwich sits against a clean, white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
1 large onion, 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 chicken hamburger buns
1 cup shredded Swiss cheese

Instructions

Step 1: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are caramelized and golden brown, about 10–12 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spoon and cook until fully browned and no longer pink.
Step 4: Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Then mix in Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to blend the flavors.
Step 5: Toast the chicken hamburger buns until they are golden brown for added texture.
Step 6: To assemble, spoon the beef and onion mixture onto the bottom half of each bun. Top generously with shredded Swiss cheese, then cover with the top half of the bun.

Tips & Variations

Use yellow or white onions for caramelizing, as they become sweeter and richer when cooked slowly.
For extra flavor, add a splash of beef broth or red wine when simmering the beef mixture.
Substitute Swiss cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different but equally delicious taste.
If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the beef mixture.

Storage

Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Keep buns separate and toast fresh before serving to retain texture.