Open-Faced Hamburgers

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Open-faced hamburgers feature seasoned ground beef spread on bread, baked until cooked and toasted, then topped with melted cheese—perfect for a quick, flavorful meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. ground chuck
  • 2 Tbsp. evaporated milk
  • 2 Tbsp. catsup
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • 1/4 c. finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 tsp. smoke flavor
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. salt

Instructions

  1. Mix ground chuck, evaporated milk, catsup, onion powder, garlic powder, chopped onion, smoke flavor, pepper, and salt together well.
  2. Using a fork, spread the meat mixture on slices of bread, Subway buns, or hamburger buns out to all edges.
  3. Place the prepared bread on a baking sheet.
  4. Bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 10 to 12 minutes or until the meat is cooked through.
  5. Remove from oven and cover with slices of cheese.
  6. Return to the oven for a minute or two until the cheese melts.
  7. Serve immediately.

Tips & Substitutions

To enhance the flavor, consider adding Worcestershire sauce or fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the meat mixture. If you're out of evaporated milk, regular milk or cream can work as a substitute. For a spicier kick, mix in some hot sauce or diced jalapeños. Ensure even cooking by spreading the meat mixture uniformly across the bread.

Serving Suggestions

These open-faced hamburgers can be topped with fresh lettuce, tomato slices, or pickles for added crunch and flavor. They pair beautifully with crispy fries or a side salad for a complete meal. For a delicious dessert afterward, consider serving Homemade Peach Ice Cream to round out the dining experience.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the open-faced hamburgers on a baking sheet and warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This preserves the texture and keeps the bread from getting soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Open-Faced Hamburgers contains roughly 135 calories, with 6g protein, 26g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (107% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

135 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 5.8g 12% DV
Total Fat 2.2g 3% DV
Carbs 26.3g 10% DV
Fiber 6.6g 23% DV
Sugar 4g 8% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 315.2mg 14% DV
Potassium 563.6mg 12% DV
Cholesterol 0.9mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 20.8mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 96mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 62.8mg 5% DV
Iron 1.8mg 10% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

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?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly based on the meat's fat content and moisture levels.

What type of bread works best for open-faced hamburgers?

Any sturdy bread works well, but thick slices of Italian or sourdough bread are ideal as they hold up well under the meat mixture. You can also use sliced baguettes for a unique twist.

Can I prepare the meat mixture in advance?

Absolutely! You can mix the ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before spreading it on the bread to ensure even cooking.

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).

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