• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Kudos Kitchen by Renee

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipe Index
  • About
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipe Index
    • About
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Fast and Easy Dinner Recipes » Ground Beef Recipes

    Published: Apr 10, 2020 · Modified: Sep 7, 2024 by Renée · This post may contain affiliate links · 26 Comments

    French Onion Sloppy Joes

    Jump to Recipe
    A Pinterest pin for French Onion Sloppy Joes along with a title text.

    When you want to frugally feed a crowd for game day, or a hungry family at dinner, it doesn't get much tastier than French Onion Sloppy Joes!

    Game Day French Onion Sloppy Joes - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com

    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!!

    This recipe post and its contents may include affiliate links for your consideration. I may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, but your prices are never increased as a result. Thank you.

    Table of Contents Found Here
    • The ingredient list:
    • Kitchen tools and equipment needed:
    • How this easy sandwich recipe came to be:
    • Why this recipe works?
    • 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:
    • How to make French Onion Sloppy Joes:
    • Find other French onion inspired recipes:
    • Printable Recipe Card
    • French Onion Sloppy Joes
    • Please comment if you've made this recipe.

    Subscribe to my Kudos Kitchen channel on YouTube. IT'S FREE!! Thanks, and I can't wait to see you there!!
    When you want to frugally feed a crowd for game day, or a hungry family at dinner, it doesn't get much tastier than French Onion Sloppy Joes! - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com

    The ingredient list:

    *Please note that the exact measurements along with a "shop the recipe" feature from Instacart and Walmart is available inside the printable recipe card.

    instacart logo
    Walmart logo
    • 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 French Onion Sloppy Joes 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!

    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, French onion sloppy joes will keep for 7 days.

    To save on space, the sloppy joes and the caramelized onions may be kept in the same container if desired.

    A vertical title text closeup image of an open face French onion sloppy joe sandwich with caramelized onions and melted Swiss cheese.

    How to make thyme-infused caramelized onions:

    • 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.
    How to make thyme-infused caramelized onions for French Onion
    • 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 15 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 thyme-infused caramelized onions.

    How to make French Onion Sloppy Joes:

    • 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.
    How to make homemade sloppy joes for French Onion Sloppy Joes.
    • 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.
    How to make homemade sloppy joes for French Onion Sloppy Joes.
    Overhead photo of an open-faced French Onion Sloppy Joes sandwich on a textured place mat and a football napkin.

    Find other French onion inspired recipes:

    1
    Two cheesy baguette slices on top of a bowl of French Onion Soup with Pasta.
    French Onion and Pasta Soup
    When you want French Onion Soup that's more like a meal and less like a starter course, this is the recipe you should reach for.
    Take me to this recipe
    2
    French Onion Crostini with melted cheese and fresh thyme on a plate.
    French Onion Crostini Appetizers
    This caramelized onion appetizer can be served for any occasion from fancy to casual and everything in between.
    Take me to this recipe
    3
    A platter filled with French Onion Short Ribs with fresh thyme sprigs on top and a bowl of mashed potatoes in the background.
    French Onion Short Ribs
    French Onion Short Ribs are a tasty and impressive meal with a rich, robust flavor everyone will love.
    Take me to this recipe
    4
    A French Onion Chicken Thigh on top of French bread and caramelized onions after baking.
    French Onion Chicken Thighs
    Moist and meaty. French Onion Chicken Thighs will get everyone running to the dinner table.
    Take me to this recipe
    5
    A spoon full of French Onion Mac and Cheese being served.
    French Onion Mac and Cheese
    When you want to wow a crowd, bring out this amazingly cheesy and oniony baked macaroni and cheese. It's SO good!!
    Take me to this recipe
    6
    A pretty blue platter loaded with caramelized onions and topped with pork chops and melted cheese.
    French Onion Pork Chops
    Moist and meaty pork chops are bathed and simmered in caramelized French onions and topped with melted cheese.
    Take me to this recipe
    7
    Crave-Worthy French Onion Stuffed Shells
    French Onion Stuffed Shells
    A uniquely delicious pasta dish that you'll enjoy as a side dish or even a main course.
    Take me to this recipe
    8
    A delicious looking Mushroom Swiss Burger with melted cheese and caramelized onions and fresh thyme.
    Beefy Mushroom Onion Swiss Burgers
    Mushroom Swiss Burgers are tender beef burgers flavored with thyme and Dijon mustard and topped with sauteed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and plenty of nutty Swiss and Gruyere cheese.
    Take me to this recipe
    Open face French Onion Sloppy Joes on a blue plate with a football napkin and salt shaker.

    When you make today's recipe (and I hope that you will), I'd appreciate it if you'd take the time to come back and give it a star rating along with a comment on why you rated as you did.

    Search engines such as Google appreciate comments and ratings and, in turn, will show my recipes to more people. Please look for the pink star rating box within the printable recipe card. Thank you!!

    Printable Recipe Card

    Game Day French Onion Sloppy Joes - kudoskitchenbyrenee.com

    French Onion Sloppy Joes

    Renee Goerger
    When you want to frugally feed a crowd for game day, or a hungry family at dinner, it doesn't get much tastier than French Onion Sloppy Joes! 
    Have you made this recipe?Please Comment and Rate
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save recipe Save this recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course dinner
    Cuisine American Comfort Food
    Servings 10 sandwiches
    Calories 479 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    For the thyme-infused caramelized onions:

    • 4 sweet onions , sliced
    • 3 tablespoons butter
    • 10 sprigs thyme
    • butchers twine
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper

    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 hamburger buns
    • 2 tablespoons grapeseed oil
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    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.
    • 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. Remove the thyme and discard. Season with salt and pepper. Stir.
    • Keep the onions warm until serving or cover and 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 and a helping of thyme-infused caramelized onions.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    Tools and equipment;
    large skillet, wooden spoon, measuring cups, measuring spoons, butchers twine or cheesecloth, chef's knife, cutting board.
    The thyme-infused caramelized onions may be made in advance and refrigerated for up to 4 days (covered). Reheat before serving.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1sandwichCalories: 479kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 30gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 11gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 1084mgFiber: 1gSugar: 10g

    I sincerely hope you've enjoyed today's easy sandwich recipe for French Onion Sloppy Joes as much as I've enjoyed bringing it to you!

    Title text image of French Onion Sloppy Joes on a blue plate with melted cheese.

    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!

    Please don't forget to like and follow me across all of my SM channels, and while you're at it stop by and say hello! I'll be looking for you! 🙂

    FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, YOUTUBE, KUDOS AMAZON SHOPPING,

    and PINTEREST

    Until we eat again, I hope you have a delicious day!

    Selfie of Renee of Kudos Kitchen by Renee
    Custom Renee Signature

    More Ground Beef Recipes

    • A red and white plate with a serving of ground beef salisbury steak covered in a deep brown mushroom gravy.
      Salisbury Steak with Red Wine and Mushroom Gravy
    • A Big Mac Quiche in a pie tin with a large slice taken out.
      Remarkable Big Mac Quiche
    • A zucchini filled with taco ingredients.
      Taco-Filled Zucchini Boats
    • A small white bowl filled with Calico Beans.
      Calico Baked Beans with Beef and Bacon

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 28 votes (16 ratings without comment)

      Please tell me what you think... Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




      By submitting this comment you agree to share your name, email address, website and IP address with Kudos Kitchen by Renee. This information will not be used for any purpose other than enabling you to post a comment. *

    1. Suzy says

      April 10, 2020 at 12:31 pm

      I love how you took this classic dish and kicked it up a notch! French onion anything is SO GOOD! Loved it!

      Reply
    2. Sophie Heath says

      April 10, 2020 at 12:17 pm

      5 stars
      These French dips are so good! So glad I found this recipe

      Reply
    3. Debbie says

      September 06, 2019 at 9:46 am

      5 stars
      https://bakedbroiledandbasted.com/20-winning-game-day-recipes/

      Great Recipe Thanks for sharing ..YUMM!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 09, 2019 at 3:43 pm

        My pleasure, Debbie!! Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Donna says

      July 29, 2019 at 6:22 pm

      5 stars
      This is amazing, so good! Love the little twist with adding thyme to the caramelized onions, makes such a great flavour!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        July 30, 2019 at 8:45 am

        It really does, Donna! Why not add more flavor whenever possible, right? Thanks so much!!

        Reply
    5. Linda says

      July 26, 2019 at 2:13 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        July 27, 2019 at 6:34 am

        Everything's better with caramelized onions, in my opinion. Thanks. Linda!

        Reply
    6. Tanya Schroeder says

      July 26, 2019 at 2:10 pm

      5 stars
      This is such a fun take on sloppy joes!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        July 27, 2019 at 6:35 am

        Thanks, Tanya!

        Reply
    7. Sandi says

      July 26, 2019 at 12:48 pm

      5 stars
      You had me at those yummy onions!! My whole family is going to love this!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        July 27, 2019 at 6:35 am

        I'm sure they will. Enjoy, Sandi!

        Reply
    8. Sandi says

      January 14, 2019 at 11:21 am

      5 stars
      When I saw the onion in this recipe, I knew I had to make it for my husband. He loved every bite!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        January 14, 2019 at 11:38 am

        Good to know. Thanks, Sandi!

        Reply
      • Mary George says

        December 12, 2019 at 6:27 pm

        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.

        Reply
    9. Meagen Brosius says

      January 14, 2019 at 10:38 am

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        January 14, 2019 at 11:37 am

        Awesome! I make them all the time, too. We LOVE them!! Thanks, Meagen!

        Reply
    10. Nancy | The Bitter Side of Sweet says

      September 04, 2018 at 8:52 am

      Perfect for a quick and easy meal for a busy night!

      Reply
    11. Brandi says

      September 02, 2018 at 7:20 pm

      5 stars
      Cant wait to make it for my husband and his friends on a game day. Instructions are easy to follow and so detailed!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 03, 2018 at 7:44 am

        I'm glad you appreciate the instructions. It's important to me to break everything down because not everyone is comfortable in the kitchen.

        Reply
    12. Denay DeGuzman says

      September 02, 2018 at 6:15 pm

      5 stars
      What a delicious recipe! The beautiful caramelized onions added the perfect boost of flavor to these already yummy sloppy joes. Mmmmm...

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 03, 2018 at 7:45 am

        They really do, Denay and that melted cheese doesn't hurt either! LOL
        Glad you like the recipe. Thanks!

        Reply
    13. Jennifer Farley says

      September 02, 2018 at 3:34 pm

      5 stars
      The onion is such a perfect way to add flavor!

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 02, 2018 at 3:58 pm

        I think so too, Jennifer! Especially since they're caramelized and sweet!

        Reply
    14. Lindsay Fekitoa says

      September 02, 2018 at 2:13 pm

      5 stars
      Amazing! They’re perfect for fall and absolutely delicious.

      Reply
      • Renée says

        September 02, 2018 at 2:35 pm

        Glad you think so. Thanks, Lindsay!!

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Renee of Kudos Kitchen by Renee holding a cast iron skillet cornbread.

    Hi, I'm Renee! I've been a passionate home cook for over 40 years. I specialize in easy-to-make comfort food dishes from appetizers to desserts and everything in between.

    More →

    Fast and Easy Dinners

    • A salsa sloppy joe sandwich in a small cast iron skillet with avocado slices and a sesame seed bun.
      Salsa Sloppy Joes
    • A stack of Burrito Dogs with some ketchup and mustard in the background.
      Burrito Dogs (aka Dogs in a Blanket)
    • Four Caprese Sausage Sandwiches on a platter with tomatoes and fresh basil.
      Caprese Sausage Sandwich
    • A stack to Burgerdillas on a wooden cutting board.
      Burgerdillas - Burgers in Tortillas

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Media Kit

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. When I find a great product or service I like to share it with my readers. For additional information please view my privacy policy.

    Copyright © 2025 Kudos Kitchen by Renee

    1.5K shares
    • Pinterest
    • 574Facebook
    • Email
    • Save
    • Flipboard
    • Threads
    • Messenger
    • Bluesky

    Recipe Ratings

    Something went wrong. Please try again.