Monday, March 26, 2012

Cheeseburger Loaf

After two weeks of a whiny children ridden, mad-woman rushed, behind-numbing, wallet-breaking fun-filled Disney Vacation (plus a little family trip for a wedding), we are back and I'm so ready to get back in the swing of things! After looking, I see that my post stating that I wouldn't be posting for two weeks did NOT show...grrr...so I'm sorry for anyone that looked and was confused. Also, being fairly new, I didn't feel comfortable asking for guest posters for that long.

To kick things off I have a "new" recipe for you! This one we have used as a go-to recipe for years and the entire family loves it. It's very filling, time and cost-efficient (after a Disney trip, I'm all about that), and most importantly--delicious! I adapted this recipe from a Taste of Home magazine about 5 years ago. You can find the original recipe here. What I like about this recipe is that it is easily adaptable to suit your tastes and there are so many different things you can do with it.

Here's my version of The Cheeseburger Loaf:

1 1/2 lb ground meat of your choice (I'm using 82% ground beef in this one, but ground turkey is great in it)
1/2 can of condensed tomato soup
1/2 cup your favorite BBQ sauce
1/4 cup chopped onion
1/4 cup chopped green pepper
Salt and Pepper to suit your tastes
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tsp sugar
1 loaf of French bread (l lb) (unsliced)
Approximately 5 slices of your favorite cheese (using American here)


First, begin browning the meat and while it's going, work on chopping/mincing the green peppers and onions.  I, of course, do all the mincing by hand ;)

Some people like to add their veggies at different times, but I prefer once the meat is cooked about halfway through so that some of the fat has cooked off of it. By the time the meat is browned, the veggies are tender. 


Drain the fat and return meat and veggies to pan.
Add garlic powder,salt and pepper, sugar, tomato soup, and barbecue sauce.
On medium heat, bring the mixture to the point where it just starts to bubble up.
Allow to slowly simmer (low heat) for approximately 15 minutes. Sauce will bubble slightly and be thick.


While the mixture is simmering, turn your attention to the French bread. Using a bread knife, cut off the top third of the loaf.


Set the top aside and using a spoon, carefully scoop out the inside of the bottom side, leaving approximately 1/2 inch for the shell and creating a tunnel. (My family likes to snack on the scoopings as it cooks! Saving for breadcrumbs is also a good idea.)




Slather the top side with butter and place both pieces on a baking sheet. Fill the tunnel with the simmered mixture.


Top with slices of cheese.

Using the broil setting, place the loaf in the oven. Watch carefully and pull once the cheese is melted. It only takes a few minutes, so don't walk away!

Once it's done, place the top back on the loaf and slice in 1-2 inch sections and....

ENJOY!!

Sharing with:
”Debbie

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11 comments:

  1. Looks good! I hope Disney was fun.

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  2. Haha when I saw the title I was like ewww I'm not cooking that, but it looks damn tasty! :)

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    1. Ha! I must admit, I'm bad about not even looking at a recipe if the title sounds iffy :D I can see where the word "loaf" may throw some off!

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  3. This looks really good. I hope you enjoyed Disney. We are gearing up for our fourth trip this summer. I'm not shy...wanna guest post for me while I'm gone? If so, email me at foundmyfavorite@gmail.com

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    1. We bought into DVC this time around, Carrie, so I imagine we'll be spending almost every year there! And I'd love to guest post for you. I'll be in contact :)

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  4. Looks yummy! New GFC follower. Would love for you to come and link-up to the Creative Corner Hop. We open it every Monday and leave it open all week.

    Sandy
    Cherished Handmade Treasures

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  5. Looks absolutely delish. I am going to have to try when we get back from vacay. Thanks so much for sharing at Toot Your Horn Tuesday :) Can't wait to meet you too!!!

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  6. This looks delicious. I will have to give it a try for the family. I'm glad I found your blog at The Shady Porch party. I'm a new follower too, so I can keep in touch. I would love if you stopped by and followed back on LF and GFC. Nice to meet you, Lori

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  7. What a fun and tasty loaf of goodies. We would just love this recipe, it looks delicious! Hope you have a great week end and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

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  8. I think I am going to try this recipe out this week! Will it be a new one for you know who? I would hate for my version to have to compare with yours! Lol. You know what I mean ;)

    Oh, and since you will be going to Disney every year, if you ever want a certified teacher to come along as a babysitter, just let me know! Haha!!!

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  9. Thanks for linking to Must Try Monday! Welcome home. I hope you're still enjoying the magic!

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I love to hear from ya'll!! It's always nice to hear from friends, new and old. I love to chat back, and I usually like to through email, so make sure you are not a no-reply comment. It makes me sad :(