Onion Boats
Juicy hamburger and savory onion soup are served on toasted French rolls, creating a comforting and flavorful open-faced sandwich perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown hamburger in a 10-inch skillet; drain off grease, leaving 2 tablespoons in the skillet.
- Stir flour into the hamburger.
- Add onion soup and 1 can of water to the hamburger; cook on low heat for 10 minutes.
- Cut the French bread rolls in half.
- Butter and toast the rolls.
- Spoon the onion and hamburger mixture over the toasted rolls.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms to the hamburger mixture. If you don’t have onion soup, using beef broth with sautéed onions can be a great substitute. For a healthier option, try using ground turkey or chicken instead of hamburger. This dish also works well with whole grain rolls for added nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
These onion boats make a hearty main dish and pair well with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For an extra touch, serve with a side of pickles or a tangy dipping sauce. They also complement American recipes like coleslaw or potato salad, creating a satisfying family dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the onion and hamburger mixture in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Toasted rolls can be reheated in the oven or toaster for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Onion Boats contains roughly 329 calories, with 14g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 817mg per serving (36% 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 make these onion boats ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the hamburger and onion mixture ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and assemble the onion boats right before serving. This is a great way to save time on busy weeknights while still enjoying a delicious meal.
What can I use instead of French bread rolls?
If you don’t have French bread rolls, you can use any type of bread, such as hoagie rolls, bagels, or even pita bread. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed, especially if you use thicker breads.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the hamburger with a plant-based ground meat alternative or cooked lentils for a vegetarian version. Use vegetable broth instead of onion soup to maintain the flavor while keeping it meat-free.
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).