These Open Face Burgers resemble homemade sloppy joes but taste more like a traditional cheeseburger! They’re perfect for a quick dinner recipe on busy weeknights and loved by kids and adults alike!
If you’re looking for a quick ground beef dinner, a creative way to use leftover hamburger buns, or simply a new family-friendly meal to add to your rotation, these open face burgers are worth trying.
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They’re also a fantastic way to stretch ingredients and make a hearty meal without spending much money. In today’s world, finding dinners that are both affordable and family-approved can feel like a challenge, which makes recipes like this even more valuable.
Whether you’re trying to use up ingredients already in your kitchen, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or searching for a comforting meal the whole family will enjoy, these open face burgers check all the boxes. They’re simple, affordable, customizable, and most importantly, they’re a recipe that everyone at the table is happy to eat. What more could you ask for from a weeknight dinner?
Why You’ll Love These Open Face Burgers
I’ll be honest with you; I almost didn’t post this recipe because the photos aren’t too appetizing. I mean, aside from the fact that photography is a weak point with me, it’s just not a photogenic food!
But I decided to go ahead and share this open-faced burger recipe anyway for a couple of reasons:
- They’re perfect for an easy, cheap, and quick dinner.
- It’s a great way to use up leftovers.
- The ground beef mixture can be made ahead of time and frozen for easy freezer meals.
- It’s a great way to sneak veggies in, thanks to its endless variations.
- They’re the nostalgic vibe of sloppy joes with all the flavors of a tasty cheeseburger.
- No need to fire up the grill with this stovetop recipe
Whether you call them open face burgers or cheeseburger sloppy joes, we’ll just let your family call them whatever they want after they get hooked on them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the great things about these open face burgers is that they use simple ingredients that many families already have in their kitchen. There’s nothing fancy required, yet the finished dish delivers all the comforting flavors of a classic cheeseburger. Here’s what you’ll need to have dinner ready in no time:
- Ground Beef
- Onion
- Cornstarch
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Cheddar Cheese
- Burger Buns
- Worcestershire Sauce
- Oregano
- Salt and Pepper
Measurements for each ingredient, along with instructions for making Open Face Burgers, are in the printable recipe card below.
Printable Open Face Burgers Recipe Card
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp onion, diced
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 2 plum tomatoes, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 4 hamburger buns (8 halves in total, top and bottom)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef and diced onion, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease.
- Sprinkle the cornstarch over the cooked meat and stir to coat.
- Add the diced tomatoes, garlic, Worestershire sauce, oregano and salt. Stir well to combine and cook for about 5 minutes or until it thickens slightly, stirring occasionally.
- Add ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese and stir to combine. Cook for another minute or so until the cheese is melted.
- Split the hamburger buns in half. Place the split buns on a cookie sheet with the cut side up. Divide the meat among the 8 halves of the buns. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the tops.
- Set the oven to broil, and broil for about 3-4 minutes or until the cheese is melted and golden. Serve immediately.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Open Face Burgers
There are a few tips and tricks, even in a recipe as simple as this, that will take your open face burgers from good to great.
Do Not Overcook
First, avoid overcooking the ground beef. Ground beef can quickly become dry and crumbly if cooked too long. Cook it just until browned and no longer pink, then remove it from the heat. The residual heat will continue cooking it slightly while you prepare the buns and toppings.
Drain Excess Grease
Another helpful tip is to drain excess grease after browning the beef. While some fat adds flavor, too much can make the finished burgers messy and heavy. Draining excess grease helps keep the recipe balanced and prevents the buns from becoming overly saturated and soggy.
Broil It!
When it comes to cheese, add it while the beef is still hot, then place the assembled burgers under the broiler for a minute or two to get the top bubbly and golden.
Get Creative With Toppings
Finally, don’t underestimate the value of toppings. Fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, caramelized onions, and flavorful sauces can elevate this simple dinner into something that feels restaurant-worthy. Since open-face burgers are so customizable, they’re the perfect opportunity to get creative and use ingredients you already have on hand.
Ingredients Substitutions
If you’re missing an ingredient or need to accommodate dietary preferences, there are plenty of easy substitutions available with these open face burgers. It’s one of the many reasons I love this recipe.
Ground Beef
Ground turkey is one of the most popular alternatives to ground beef. It creates a lighter version while still delivering plenty of flavor and protein. Ground chicken or extra-lean ground beef can also be used.
Tip: Just keep in mind that leaner meats tend to be less juicy, so adding a little extra seasoning can boost flavor.
Cheese
For the cheese, nearly any variety will work. Swiss cheese adds a slightly nutty flavor, mozzarella creates extra meltiness, pepper jack brings a little heat, and American cheese provides that classic diner-style cheeseburger taste.
Burger Buns
The buns can also be swapped depending on your needs. Whole wheat buns add extra fiber, while Texas toast creates a heartier meal. If you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, you can skip the bread altogether and serve the beef mixture over lettuce, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice.
The flexibility of this recipe makes it ideal for using ingredients you already have in your kitchen, helping reduce food waste while still creating a satisfying and flavorful meal.
Delicious Variations
Just like a regular burger can be topped and loaded as much or as little as you like, these open face burgers work the same way!
- Classic Bacon Cheeseburger: Simply add crispy bacon and extra cheddar cheese. The smoky flavor of bacon pairs perfectly with the seasoned ground beef, creating a more indulgent meal.
- Swiss Mushroom: Sauté sliced mushrooms and onions with the ground beef until golden brown, then top the beef mixture with Swiss cheese for a rich and savory combination.
- BBQ Lovers: Stir a little barbecue sauce into the cooked beef and finish with cheddar cheese and crispy onion strings.
- Pizza Burger: Add marinara sauce, mozzarella, and pepperoni before broiling. This is the perfect combo of two comfort food favorites!
- Vegetarian: Adapt this recipe by using plant-based ground meat alternatives.
Every variation starts with the same simple foundation but offers an entirely different flavor experience. That flexibility is one reason these open-faced cheeseburgers never get boring.
Serving Suggestions
These open face burgers are perfect on their own, but can also be paired with a few of my favorite serving suggestions to make this an even more complete meal. Try out some of these pairings and let us know in the comments which one you prefer!
- French Fries
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Salad
- Coleslaw
- Roasted Veggies
- Loaded Potato Wedges
Another fun way to serve up these open face burgers is to set up a toppings bar. This is especially perfect if you’re hosting or bringing these to a party. Place bowls of lettuce, tomatoes, onions, pickles, bacon, sauces, and cheeses on the table so everyone can customize their own burger.
How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers, allow the beef mixture to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Stored properly in the refrigerator, it should stay fresh for up to four days. For best results, store the beef separately from the buns to prevent them from becoming soggy.
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, reheating is simple. The microwave works well for quick meals, but reheating the beef in a skillet often produces better flavor and texture.
For longer storage, the beef mixture can be frozen. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to three months. To reheat the frozen beef, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
If you’re planning ahead, you can even prepare the meat mixture as part of your weekly meal prep. Having a ready-made filling waiting in the refrigerator can make busy weeknight dinners much faster and less stressful.
Open Face Burgers FAQs
For answers to all your burger questions, read on or leave a comment below.
What’s the Difference Between an Open Face Burger and a Traditional Burger?
An open face burger is served on a single bun rather than being sandwiched between two pieces of bread. This creates a knife-and-fork style meal while still delivering all the classic cheeseburger flavors you know and love.
Also, because the meat is cooked as a seasoned ground beef mixture rather than individual patties, open face burgers are often quicker to prepare and can be a great option for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Can I Freeze Open Face Burgers?
This recipe works great as a freezer-friendly meal or for meal prep because the cooked beef mixture freezes exceptionally well. Simply allow the beef to cool completely, then store it in an airtight freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to three months.
When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the mixture overnight in the refrigerator, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave, and serve it over freshly toasted buns with your favorite toppings.
Can I Make This Recipe Low-Carb?
To make this recipe low-carb, skip the bread buns and serve the beef mixture over lettuce, roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or even stuffed into bell peppers. You’ll still enjoy all the savory cheeseburger flavors while significantly reducing the carb content. You can also top it with cheese, pickles, onions, and your favorite low-carb burger condiments.
What Cheese Works Best?
Cheddar is the most popular choice because of its rich flavor and excellent melting qualities, but there are plenty of other delicious options. Swiss cheese adds a slightly nutty flavor, mozzarella creates an extra gooey texture, pepper jack provides a little heat, and provolone offers a mild, creamy finish.
If you’re looking for a classic diner-style cheeseburger experience, American cheese melts beautifully and pairs perfectly with the seasoned ground beef. The choice is yours!
Wrapping Up
With just a handful of simple ingredients, these open face burgers show how, with just a few minutes of cooking time, you can create a meal that’s hearty, satisfying, and packed with classic cheeseburger flavor. Whether you’re feeding a busy family, looking for an affordable weeknight dinner, or simply trying to use up ingredients you already have on hand, this recipe delivers all the flavor without the fuss.
One of the best things about this dish is how easy it is to make your own. Try swapping the cheddar for Swiss, pepper jack, or mozzarella. Add sautéed mushrooms and onions for extra flavor, or top your burgers with crispy bacon for an indulgent twist. You can even use ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. The possibilities are nearly endless, which means this recipe never has to feel repetitive.
I always love hearing how readers customize recipes, so if you make these open face burgers, be sure to leave a comment and share your favorite variations. Did you add extra toppings? Try a different cheese? Turn them into a family favorite? Your ideas might inspire other readers to put their own spin on the recipe.
I hope these open face burgers become a regular part of your dinner rotation and help make busy weeknights just a little bit easier and a lot more delicious. Happy cooking!
More Easy Ground Beef Recipes
Looking for more new ways to use ground beef? Check out these simple and delicious recipes!
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