French Onion Sloppy Joes combine two comfort-food favorites in one deliciously messy sandwich. Savory homemade sloppy joe meat is piled onto buns and topped with melted Swiss cheese and sweet, thyme-infused caramelized onions.
These hearty ground beef sandwiches are easy enough for a family dinner but especially fun for game day, casual entertaining, and feeding a hungry crowd. Make the onions ahead of time, and the sandwiches come together even faster!
For other delicious sandwich recipes that work well for entertaining or as an easy meal without much fuss, check out some of my other recipes: Slow-Cooker Pulled Pork made with Pineapple Juice and Horseradish, German Knockwurst Sausage Sandwich, and Provolone Grilled Cheese with Prosciutto and Melon. You're welcome!!
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Table of Contents Found Here
- The ingredient list for making French onion sloppy joes:
- Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- How this easy sandwich recipe came to be:
- Why this recipe works?
- Why You’ll Love These French Onion Sloppy Joes:
- Can French onion sloppy joes be frozen after cooking?
- How to Reheat French onion sloppy joes after freezing:
- How long will these sloppy joes keep in the refrigerator?
- How to make thyme-infused caramelized onions (the step-by-step photos):
- How to make French Onion Sloppy Joes (the step-by-step photos):
- Find other French onion inspired recipes:
- French Onion Sloppy Joes Quick Take:
- Important Recipe Takeaways:
- Printable Recipe Card
- French Onion Sloppy Joes
- Please comment if you've made this recipe.
The ingredient list for making French onion sloppy joes:
*Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.
- sweet onions, sliced
- fresh thyme sprigs
- ground beef
- chopped celery
- tomato paste
- brown sugar
- apple cider vinegar
- Swiss cheese slices
- grapeseed oil, or other neutral-flavored light oil
- butter
- salt and pepper
- buns
Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
- large skillet
- chef's knife
- cutting board
- cooking twine (optional)
- measuring cups and spoons
- wooden spoon or spatula
How this easy sandwich recipe came to be:
This is a recipe idea that came to me in the middle of the night and made me grab my pen and paper.
When something like that happens it usually takes me a while to fall back asleep, but this time I drifted back easily, and you can bet that I was dreaming about these French Onion Sloppy Joes!
If you want to get fancier and add more ingredients to your ground beef mixture, have at it.
I, however, wanted to keep things simple so that the flavor of the thyme-infused caramelized onions would shine in this sandwich.
Why this recipe works?
Easy-to-make homemade ground beef sloppy joes are smothered with plenty of melted Swiss cheese and then are topped with a mound of deeply caramelized, thyme-infused, onions. What's not to love?!!
And, when you factor in that these easy sandwiches cost only pennies per serving, you'll want to add these to the family dinner roster on a regular rotation! SCORE!
It honestly doesn't get much easier or more delicious than this!
Why You’ll Love These French Onion Sloppy Joes:
- The recipe uses everyday ingredients without canned sloppy joe sauce or onion soup mix.
- They combine the flavors of French onion soup with a hearty homemade sloppy joe.
- The thyme-infused caramelized onions can be prepared in advance.
- One batch makes approximately 10 generously sized sandwiches.
- They’re economical enough for a family meal and fun enough for game day.
Can French onion sloppy joes be frozen after cooking?
Sure thing! Just don't freeze the French onion sloppy joes already made as sandwiches as the buns will get soggy when thawed.
My suggestion is to cool the ground beef and the caramelized onion mixture separately in airtight freezer containers and freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Reheat French onion sloppy joes after freezing:
Thaw the sloppy joe and caramelized onions completely.
Reheating can be done in microwave-safe containers on medium-high power, stirring occasionally.
OR, add the thawed sloppy joes to a skillet and reheat over medium/high heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Add cheese slices after heating.
How long will these sloppy joes keep in the refrigerator?
If kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, French onion sloppy joes will keep for 5 days.
To save on space, the sloppy joes and the caramelized onions may be kept in the same container if desired.
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How to make thyme-infused caramelized onions (the step-by-step photos):
- Melt butter and oil in a large, heavy skillet.
- Slice 3 - 4 sweet onions and add them to the skillet, tossing to coat with the butter.
- Make a thyme bundle and add them to the skillet along with the onions.
- Cook the onions over medium heat (stirring occasionally) until they've turned a deep golden brown and have cooked down considerably. *Note - this will take approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper. Stir well.
- Remove the thyme bundle from the skillet and use the onions immediately, or store them covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
How to make French Onion Sloppy Joes (the step-by-step photos):
- Brown ground beef and diced celery in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in tomato paste and brown sugar.
- Add a splash of apple cider vinegar and cook, stirring frequently until the beef is no longer pink and the sloppy joes are heated through.
- Serve on buns with a slice of Swiss cheese and mounds of thyme-infused caramelized onions.
Can I turn these into sliders?
Absolutely.
Spoon smaller portions of the sloppy joe mixture onto slider buns and top each one with Swiss cheese and caramelized onions. They’re ideal for parties, tailgating, and game day snacking.
What makes these French Onion Sloppy Joes different?
French Onion Sloppy Joes are topped with sweet caramelized onions, fresh thyme, and melted Swiss cheese. They combine the saucy ground beef filling of a traditional sloppy joe with the rich, savory flavors associated with French onion soup.
What is the best onion for sloppy joes?
Sweet onions work especially well because they become mild, tender, and naturally sweet as they cook. Yellow onions may also be used and will produce a slightly stronger onion flavor.
Can I make French Onion Sloppy Joes ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the sloppy joe filling and caramelized onions in advance and refrigerate them separately for up to 3–4 days. Reheat both before assembling the sandwiches and adding the cheese.
Find other French onion inspired recipes:
French Onion Sloppy Joes Quick Take:
- Best For: Family dinners, game day, parties, and casual entertaining
- Difficulty: Easy
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Make Ahead: Caramelized onions can be prepared up to 4 days in advance
- Flavor Profile: Savory, slightly sweet, cheesy, and onion-forward
Important Recipe Takeaways:
French Onion Sloppy Joes combine savory sloppy joe meat, melted Swiss cheese, and caramelized onions on a bun.
These sandwiches are perfect for family dinners, game days, and casual entertaining, especially if you prepare the onions ahead.
The recipe features a simple ingredient list and can be made in just 35 minutes, making it easy and accessible.
You can freeze the sloppy joe mixture separately, ensuring the best texture when reheating.
This dish offers a savory, cheesy flavor profile that everyone loves, making it a must-try recipe.
Printable Recipe Card
French Onion Sloppy Joes
Equipment
- large cast iron skillet optional
- butcher's twine optional
- cheesecloth optional
- airtight container optional if making the onions in advance.
- food storage labels optional
Ingredients
For the thyme-infused caramelized onions:
For the homemade sloppy joes:
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 cup celery , diced
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- ¼ cup brown sugar , packed
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 10 slices Swiss Cheese
- 10 each hamburger buns
- 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil avocado oil also works
Instructions
To make the thyme-infused caramelized onions:
- Melt the butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion slices. Stir well to coat the onion in the oil and butter.
- Make a thyme bundle by wrapping the thyme sprigs with butcher's twine or wrap them in cheesecloth.
- Add the thyme bundle to the onions. Cook, over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the onions are deeply caramelized and reduced in volume (approximately 25-30 minutes).Remove the thyme from the skillet and discard and season the caramelized onions with salt and pepper. Stir.
- Keep the onions warm until serving, or store the onions in an airtight container in the refrigerate for up to 4 days if making them in advance.
To make the homemade sloppy joes:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and chopped celery.
- Stir in the tomato paste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the brown sugar and apple cider vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, for an additional 3-4 minutes until the flavors have married and the sloppy joes are heated through.
- Serve the sloppy joes on buns and top with slices of Swiss cheese (the cheese will melt) and a helping of thyme-infused caramelized onions.
Notes
Nutrition
I sincerely hope you'll enjoy making, serving, and of course eating these easy homemade sloppy joes as much as I've enjoyed bringing you this recipe.
Should you have any questions or comments regarding anything you've seen on my site, please don't hesitate to reach out to contact me. It is always my distinct pleasure to get back with you just as soon as I possibly can!
Thank you so much for visiting me today in my Kudos Kitchen. I hope you found something you'll love and that you will come back and visit me often. Please know that there is always room for you around my kitchen table!
Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!
All of the recipes you'll find here on my website are in loving memory of my son, Greg, who left this earth far too soon and will be forever in our hearts.
Suzy says
I love how you took this classic dish and kicked it up a notch! French onion anything is SO GOOD! Loved it!
Sophie Heath says
These French dips are so good! So glad I found this recipe
Debbie says
https://bakedbroiledandbasted.com/20-winning-game-day-recipes/
Great Recipe Thanks for sharing ..YUMM!
Renée says
My pleasure, Debbie!! Enjoy!
Donna says
This is amazing, so good! Love the little twist with adding thyme to the caramelized onions, makes such a great flavour!
Renée says
It really does, Donna! Why not add more flavor whenever possible, right? Thanks so much!!
Linda says
These look perfect for a game day treat! We must have been on the same wavelength because I just made French Onion Chicken with the same delicious onions. I think those onions can elevate any dinner! Great recipe that I'm keeping in mind for the upcoming football season.
Renée says
Everything's better with caramelized onions, in my opinion. Thanks. Linda!
Tanya Schroeder says
This is such a fun take on sloppy joes!
Renée says
Thanks, Tanya!
Sandi says
You had me at those yummy onions!! My whole family is going to love this!
Renée says
I'm sure they will. Enjoy, Sandi!
Sandi says
When I saw the onion in this recipe, I knew I had to make it for my husband. He loved every bite!
Renée says
Good to know. Thanks, Sandi!
Mary George says
Hi,
Top directions say add a splash of apply cider vinegar but the bottom directions say 3 tablespoons?? Isn't that a big difference? Can you please clarify, I need to make these on Saturday.
Meagen Brosius says
My husband is a HUGE french onion soup fan so I knew we had to give these a shot! They are in instant favorite in our house. I'm sure we'll be making these time and time again!
Renée says
Awesome! I make them all the time, too. We LOVE them!! Thanks, Meagen!
Nancy | The Bitter Side of Sweet says
Perfect for a quick and easy meal for a busy night!
Brandi says
Cant wait to make it for my husband and his friends on a game day. Instructions are easy to follow and so detailed!
Renée says
I'm glad you appreciate the instructions. It's important to me to break everything down because not everyone is comfortable in the kitchen.
Denay DeGuzman says
What a delicious recipe! The beautiful caramelized onions added the perfect boost of flavor to these already yummy sloppy joes. Mmmmm...
Renée says
They really do, Denay and that melted cheese doesn't hurt either! LOL
Glad you like the recipe. Thanks!
Jennifer Farley says
The onion is such a perfect way to add flavor!
Renée says
I think so too, Jennifer! Especially since they're caramelized and sweet!
Lindsay Fekitoa says
Amazing! They’re perfect for fall and absolutely delicious.
Renée says
Glad you think so. Thanks, Lindsay!!