Louisiana Meat Boat
A hearty Louisiana-inspired meat boat featuring seasoned beef, melted cheese, and flavorful onion soup served in a fresh submarine bun, perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger meat in a skillet.
- Add the flour to the browned meat and stir well.
- Pour in the can of French onion soup and season with salt and pepper.
- Mix everything together and let it simmer until heated through.
- While the meat simmers, cut off the tops of the submarine buns and scoop out some bread from the bottoms.
- Spoon the hot meat mixture into the prepared buns.
- Optional: top with pickle relish if desired.
- Place cheese over the meat in each bun.
- Put the bun tops back on, wrap each in foil, and bake at 375°F until hot and cheese is melted.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding sautéed onions or bell peppers to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, you can substitute the hamburger meat with pre-cooked pulled pork or shredded chicken. Additionally, using whole wheat submarine buns can provide a healthier option. Don't forget to season the mixture generously; a dash of Worcestershire sauce can also elevate the taste.
Serving Suggestions
These Louisiana Meat Boats make a hearty meal and pair wonderfully with a side of crispy French fries or a fresh green salad. For added flavor, serve with a dollop of spicy mayo or barbecue sauce on the side. This dish also goes well with a side of Dr. Pepper Beans for a complete American-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the meat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Buns can be stored separately, and it's best to reassemble and bake them fresh for the best texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Louisiana Meat Boat contains roughly 122 calories, with 3g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1153mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be used as a leaner alternative to hamburger meat. If you're looking for something with more flavor, consider using Italian sausage. Just remember to adjust the seasoning accordingly, as sausage is often seasoned more heavily.
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy heat, add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the meat mixture while it simmers. Alternatively, you can sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving. For an extra kick, consider using pepper jack cheese instead of regular cheese.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture, fill the buns, and bake as instructed. This makes it a convenient option for meal prep or dinner parties.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).