These French Onion Ground Beef Melts are crispy, cheesy, savory, and made for dipping! Seasoned ground beef and tender onions are piled onto buttery toasted bread with plenty of melted mozzarella, then served with an easy homemade au jus.
It’s everything I love about a cozy French dip-style sandwich, but made with inexpensive ground beef instead of a pricey roast. This easy dinner comes together in about 35 minutes and makes 8 sandwiches!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Budget-friendly: Ground beef gives you that hearty French dip-inspired dinner without having to buy a roast.
- Quick and easy: You can have dinner on the table in about 35 minutes.
- Family-friendly: Beef, buttery toasted bread, and lots of melted cheese—what’s not to love?
- Perfect for dipping: The quick au jus takes these sandwiches to another level.
- Great for cold nights: This is such a cozy fall or winter dinner.
Ingredients
French Onion Beef
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 packet onion soup mix
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Melts
- 12 slices sandwich bread
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter, softened
Quick Au Jus
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Black pepper, to taste
How to Make French Onion Ground Beef Melts
1. Cook the Beef and Onions
Add the ground beef and sliced onion to a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking apart the beef as it cooks, until the ground beef is browned and the onions are tender. Drain any excess grease if needed.
2. Add the French Onion Flavor
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.
Stir in the onion soup mix, ½ cup beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper.
Reduce the heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has been absorbed. You want the beef to stay juicy without being so wet that it makes the bread soggy.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches
Butter one side of each slice of bread.
Place 6 slices of bread butter-side down. Divide half of the mozzarella between the slices.
Spoon the French onion beef mixture over the cheese, then add the remaining mozzarella.
Top each sandwich with another slice of bread, butter-side up.
4. Grill Until Golden
Wipe out the skillet and return it to medium-low heat.
Cook the sandwiches for about 3–4 minutes per side, gently pressing them with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted.
You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
5. Make the Au Jus
While the sandwiches cook, add 1½ cups beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper to a small saucepan.
Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
6. Serve
Cut each French onion ground beef melt in half and serve immediately with warm au jus for dipping.
Tips & Swaps
Use whatever bread you have. Regular sandwich bread keeps this recipe inexpensive, but Texas toast, Italian bread, or sourdough would all be delicious.
Switch up the cheese. Mozzarella gives you a great cheese pull, but provolone, Swiss, Monterey Jack, or a combination of cheeses will work.
Keep the filling juicy, not wet. Let the beef mixture simmer until most of the broth has reduced. This helps keep your sandwiches crispy.
Cook over medium-low heat. This gives the cheese enough time to melt before the bread gets too dark.
Want more onion flavor? Let the onions cook for a few extra minutes before adding the garlic and seasonings.
What to Serve With French Onion Ground Beef Melts
These sandwiches are pretty filling on their own, especially with the au jus. For an easy dinner, serve them with french fries, potato wedges, roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or even chips.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover beef filling separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
For the best texture, assemble and grill the sandwiches when you’re ready to eat them rather than storing already-cooked sandwiches.
Reheat the beef in a skillet or microwave, assemble the sandwich with cheese, and grill until hot and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the beef filling ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the French onion ground beef and refrigerate it in an airtight container. When you’re ready to eat, warm the filling and assemble the sandwiches fresh.
What cheese is best for French onion melts?
Mozzarella is inexpensive and melts beautifully, which is why I use it here. Provolone or Swiss would give the sandwiches an even more traditional French onion flavor.
Can I make these without au jus?
Absolutely. The sandwiches are delicious on their own, but the warm au jus makes them extra savory and gives you that French dip-inspired experience.
Can I use ground turkey instead?
Yes. Ground turkey will work, although ground beef gives the filling a richer flavor. If using turkey, you may want to add a little extra Worcestershire sauce.
French Onion Ground Beef Melts with Au Jus
Description
These French Onion Ground Beef Melts are loaded with savory beef, tender onions and melted cheese, then served with easy au jus for dipping.
Ingredients
French Onion Beef
Melts
Au Jus
Instructions
-
Add the ground beef and sliced onion to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking apart the beef as it cooks, until the beef is browned and the onions are tender. Drain excess grease if needed.
-
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the onion soup mix, ½ cup beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and black pepper. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3–5 minutes, until most of the liquid has reduced. Remove from the heat.
-
Butter one side of each slice of bread. Place 6 slices butter-side down. Divide half of the mozzarella between the slices, spoon the beef mixture over the cheese, then top with the remaining mozzarella. Add the remaining bread with the buttered sides facing up.
-
Heat a clean skillet over medium-low heat. Cook the sandwiches for 3–4 minutes per side, gently pressing with a spatula, until the bread is golden and crispy and the cheese is melted. Work in batches if needed.
-
Meanwhile, add 1½ cups beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper to a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes.
-
Cut the melts in half and serve immediately with warm au jus for dipping.
Note
- Regular sandwich bread keeps this recipe budget-friendly, but sourdough, Italian bread, or Texas toast can also be used.
- Mozzarella gives the sandwiches a great cheese pull. Provolone, Swiss, or Monterey Jack can also be substituted.
- Let the beef mixture simmer until most of the liquid has reduced so the sandwiches don't become soggy.
- Keep the skillet around medium-low when grilling the sandwiches so the bread doesn't brown before the cheese has time to melt.
- Store leftover beef filling separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
