Keto French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes

Keto French Onion Beef Sloppy Joes

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
Total Time: 45–50 minutes

Rich, savory ground beef simmered with sweet caramelized onions, buttery cauliflower, and a flavorful French-onion sauce, then topped with plenty of melted cheese. Comfort food made keto and low-carb!

🛒 Ingredients

For the beef & onions:

• 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
• 2 medium yellow onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the sauce:

• ½ cup beef broth, preferably low-sodium
• 2 tbsp cream cheese
• 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp heavy cream
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp xanthan gum, optional, for a thicker sauce

For the cauliflower:

• 2 cups small cauliflower florets
• 1 tbsp butter
• ¼ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For topping:

• ¾ cup shredded Swiss or provolone cheese
• Fresh parsley or thyme, optional

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Caramelize the onions
   Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the sliced onions with a small pinch of salt.

Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions become soft, golden, and caramelized. If they start sticking, add 1–2 tablespoons of water or beef broth and continue cooking.

2. Brown the beef
   Push the onions to one side of the skillet. Add the ground beef and cook over medium-high heat, breaking it apart with a spoon.

Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease if necessary.

3. Add the seasonings
   Stir in garlic, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, thyme, Worcestershire sauce, and Dijon mustard.

Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Make it creamy and savory
   Pour in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese, sour cream, and heavy cream until smooth and creamy.

Simmer for 3–5 minutes.

If you want a thicker sloppy-joe consistency, sprinkle in a small amount of xanthan gum while stirring continuously. Let it thicken for another 1–2 minutes.

5. Prepare the cauliflower
   Steam or microwave the cauliflower until tender but not mushy.

Drain well, then toss with butter, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. Stir until the cheese melts.

6. Assemble
   Spoon the cheesy cauliflower onto plates or into keto buns/wraps.

Top generously with the French-onion beef mixture.

Sprinkle Swiss or provolone cheese over the top.

7. Melt the cheese
   For an extra-melty topping, place the assembled portions under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

🥑 Keto Serving Ideas

Serve the beef mixture:

• Over cheesy cauliflower
• Inside a low-carb/keto bun
• In a low-carb tortilla or wrap
• Over cauliflower mash
• With roasted broccoli or green beans

💡 Tips

• Don’t rush the onions: low and slow cooking gives them the best French-onion flavor.
• Use Swiss or provolone for the classic French-onion taste.
• For more protein, use lean ground beef and serve with extra Greek yogurt or cottage cheese on the side.
• Check your Worcestershire sauce and broth labels because some brands contain added sugar or carbs.

Approximate nutrition per serving (without a keto bun):
Calories: 480–520
Protein: 35–40 g
Net Carbs: 7–9 g
Fat: 30–34 g