If you love French onion soup and steak sandwiches, then these Smoked French Onion Steak Sandwiches are about to be your new favorite thing to make. We're taking shaved ribeye, caramelized onions, and melty Gruyère, and putting it all sandwiched between soft, buttery Martin's Potato Rolls.
These steak sandwiches are perfect for game day, your next backyard BBQ, or anytime you need a killer sandwich.
WHAT YOU'LL NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
- Shaved Ribeye Steak – I'm using this shaved steak that cooks quickly and is really tender.
- Sweet Onion – We're going to caramelize the onions before adding them to the sandwiches.
- Butter – To caramelize the onions.
- Worcestershire Sauce – A little umami flavor really elevates the steak.
- Beef Base – I'm using Better than Bouillon to add some extra meaty flavor.
- BBQ Rub – I'm using Black & Tan by Fire & Smoke Society to season the steak.
- Martin’s Potato Rolls – Soft, slightly sweet, and the perfect bun for steak sandwiches.
- Gruyère Cheese – Melts beautifully for that signature French onion flavor.
HOW TO MAKE FRENCH ONION STEAK SANDWICHES
1. Caramelize the Onions
Melt the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until they're nice and caramelized. If the onions start to dry out, add a splash of water. Then stir in the beef base.
2. Cook the Steak
Add the shaved ribeye directly to the skillet with the onions. Season with BBQ rub and Worcestershire sauce. Cook the steak until it's done, and mixed with the onions. Then remove the pan from the heat.
3. Assemble the Sandwiches
Split the potato rolls and evenly distribute the steak and onion mixture over the buns. Top with a generous amount of shredded Gruyère cheese. Place the top buns over the filling.
4. Make the Buttery Topping
Melt the remaining butter and brush it over the tops of the buns. Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
5. Smoke the Sliders
Smoke the sandwiches on your smoker at 300°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the buns are golden brown.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Let the sliders rest for a couple of minutes, then dig in while they’re warm and gooey. These are guaranteed to disappear fast!
PRO TIPS FOR MAKING THIS RECIPE
- No Smoker? No problem—just bake them in the oven at 300°F for the same amount of time.
- Customize the Cheese – Gruyère gives the sliders a classic French onion vibe, but provolone or white cheddar would work just as well.
- Make Ahead Friendly – Caramelize the onions and cook the steak in advance, then assemble and smoke when ready to serve.
French Onion Steak Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1 sweet onion diced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 20 oz shaved ribeye steak
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp beef base
- 1 tsp BBQ rub
- 4 Martin’s potato sandwich rolls
- 8 oz Gruyère cheese shredded
- sesame seeds for topping
Instructions
- Melt 1.5 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 20-25 minutes. Stir in the beef base and mix well.
- Add the shaved ribeye steak directly to the skillet with the onions. Season with BBQ rub and Worcestershire sauce, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the steak is fully cooked. Remove from heat.
- Split the potato rolls and place the bottom halves in a greased foil pan or cast iron skillet. Evenly distribute the steak and onion mixture over the buns, then top with shredded cheese. Place the top buns over the filling.
- Melt the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of butter and brush it over the tops of the buns. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top if desired.
- Preheat the smoker to 300°F. Place the pan or skillet in the smoker and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the buns are golden brown.
- Remove the sliders from the smoker and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- No Smoker? No problem—just bake them in the oven at 300°F for the same amount of time.
- Customize the Cheese – Gruyère gives the sliders a classic French onion vibe, but provolone or white cheddar would work just as well.
- Make Ahead Friendly – Caramelize the onions and cook the steak in advance, then assemble and smoke when ready to serve.
