French Onion Sloppy Joes

These French Onion Sloppy Joes are a delightful twist on a classic favorite! Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish combines the rich flavors of beef with sweet, caramelized onions and gooey cheese. The unique French onion sauce adds depth, making each bite an explosion of flavor. Easy to prepare in a slow cooker, these sloppy joes promise satisfaction and comfort for everyone at the table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of ground beef and caramelized onions creates a savory experience that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker does the work.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, game day, or a backyard BBQ, these sloppy joes fit right in.
• Cheesy Goodness: Topped with melty provolone cheese, every bite is rich and indulgent.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve on brioche buns or slider buns to cater to both adults and kids alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential kitchen tools. Using the right equipment will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker: Ideal for easy meal prep; it allows flavors to meld beautifully over hours without constant attention.
• Large skillet: Perfect for browning meat and sautéing onions evenly before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Wooden spoon: Great for mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

These French Onion Sloppy Joes are a bomb of flavor! This is a savory, sweet, and cheesy ground beef with a thick and delicious French onion sauce.

For the Filling

• 2 pounds ground beef (lean)
• 1 large onion (sliced thin)
• ½ cup quick cooking oatmeal
• 1 1/3 cups beef broth
• 1 ounce beefy onion soup mix
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

• 6 slices provolone cheese
• Buns

How to Make French Onion Sloppy Joes

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions

In a large skillet, add your ground beef and thinly sliced onion.
1. Sauté over medium heat until the beef is cooked through.
2. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
3. Transfer the meat and onion mixture to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

To the slow cooker, add:
1. Quick cooking oatmeal,
2. Beef broth,
3. Beefy onion soup mix,
4. Worcestershire sauce,
5. Garlic powder,
6. Black pepper.
7. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 3: Slow Cook Until Ready

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 3-4 hours.
1. Right before serving, place slices of provolone cheese on top.
2. Cover for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted.

Step 4: Serve Your Sloppy Joes

Serve the French Onion Sloppy Joe mixture on brioche buns or slider buns for an irresistible meal that everyone will love!

How to Serve French Onion Sloppy Joes

These French Onion Sloppy Joes are not just delicious; they are also versatile when it comes to serving. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or enjoying a cozy family dinner, here are some great serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Classic Style

• Brioche Buns – Serve your sloppy joes on soft brioche buns for a rich and buttery flavor that complements the savory filling.
• Slider Buns – Perfect for parties, these smaller buns make delightful finger foods that everyone can enjoy.

Toppings Galore

• Sautéed Mushrooms – Add a layer of sautéed mushrooms on top for an earthy flavor that pairs well with the beef and onions.
• Pickles – A few crunchy pickles can provide a tangy contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.

Accompaniments

• Coleslaw – A side of creamy coleslaw adds freshness and crunch, balancing the savory richness of the sloppy joes.
• Potato Chips – For a quick and easy side, serve with crispy potato chips for a satisfying crunch.

How to Perfect French Onion Sloppy Joes

To ensure your French Onion Sloppy Joes are truly unforgettable, follow these essential tips.

• Use Lean Beef – Opt for lean ground beef to keep your dish flavorful but not overly greasy.
• Sauté Onions Well – Take your time sautéing the onions until they are caramelized; this enhances their sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Adjust Seasoning – Taste your mixture before serving. You can always add more garlic powder or black pepper according to your preference.
• Let It Simmer – Allow the mixture to cook low and slow in the slow cooker. This helps meld all the flavors beautifully.
• Top with Cheese – Don’t skip the provolone cheese! Placing it on top before serving gives it that irresistible melty goodness.
• Experiment with Buns – Try different types of buns such as whole grain or pretzel buns for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for French Onion Sloppy Joes

Pairing side dishes with your French Onion Sloppy Joes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider:

1. Classic Fries – Crispy fries made from fresh potatoes add a satisfying crunch that complements the sloppy joes perfectly.
2. Sweet Potato Wedges – Roasted sweet potato wedges provide a sweet contrast while being nutritious and delicious.
3. Green Salad – A simple green salad with vinaigrette offers freshness that balances out the richness of the sloppy joes.
4. Vegetable Skewers – Grilled vegetable skewers add vibrant colors and flavors, making for a fun and healthy side option.
5. Macaroni Salad – Creamy macaroni salad is a classic comfort food that pairs wonderfully with hearty sandwiches.
6. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn on the cob is an excellent choice, especially in summer; it brings sweetness and texture to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making French Onion Sloppy Joes, a few common pitfalls can affect your results. Here’s how to steer clear of them:

• Using the wrong beef type: Opting for fatty ground beef can lead to greasy Sloppy Joes. Choose lean ground beef for a healthier and tastier dish.
• Overcooking the onions: Cooking onions too long can make them overly caramelized. Sauté them just until they are translucent for the best flavor balance.
• Not measuring ingredients: Guessing measurements can throw off your sauce’s consistency. Always measure your broth and oatmeal for a perfect blend.
• Skipping the slow cooker: Rushing the cooking process may result in less flavorful Sloppy Joes. Allowing them to cook slowly enhances the taste significantly.
• Neglecting to cover while melting cheese: Failing to cover after adding cheese can prevent it from melting properly. Cover for a few minutes to achieve that gooey texture.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing French Onion Sloppy Joes

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating French Onion Sloppy Joes

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a covered dish for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until hot. Be cautious not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat, stirring constantly until warm, adding a splash of beef broth if it seems dry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I customize my French Onion Sloppy Joes?

You can add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor and texture. Experiment with different cheeses like Swiss or cheddar.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Ground chicken works well and will still provide great flavor with the onion sauce.

How do I serve French Onion Sloppy Joes?

These Sloppy Joes are best served on soft brioche buns or slider buns, topped with melted cheese and fresh herbs if desired.

What side dishes pair well with French Onion Sloppy Joes?

Serve with crispy fries, coleslaw, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until you’re ready to cook.

Conclusion

French Onion Sloppy Joes combine savory flavors and cheesy goodness that everyone will love! They’re easy to customize based on your preferences—add various toppings or sides as you like. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy a delicious twist on a classic dish!

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