Description
Midwestern style tavern sandwiches featuring seasoned ground beef in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce, stuffed into warm French bread. Quick 30-minute comfort food using simple pantry staples.
Ingredients
1 loaf French bread (about 16 inches long)
1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
2 tbsp butter
3.5 oz (about ยฝ cup) white cooking wine or beef broth
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp onion powder
ยฝ tsp Worcestershire sauce
10.75 oz (1 can) condensed cheddar cheese soup
Dash of black pepper
ยฝ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350ยฐF and set rack to middle position.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter until foaming. Add ground beef, breaking into small crumbles with wooden spoon. Season with minced garlic, onion powder, and black pepper. Cook 6-8 minutes until thoroughly browned with no pink remaining.
3. Pour in white cooking wine while pan is hot. Scrape up browned bits from bottom with wooden spoon. Let bubble and reduce 1-2 minutes.
4. Tilt skillet and remove excess liquid and grease with large spoon, leaving about 1-2 tbsp liquid for moisture. Return to low heat.
5. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, condensed cheddar cheese soup, and shredded cheddar cheese. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, 2-3 minutes until cheese melts into smooth, creamy sauce.
6. Continue cooking over low heat 3-4 minutes more, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens. Cover skillet with lid and remove from heat.
7. Using serrated knife, cut French bread into four 4-inch sections. Slice each section in half vertically, leaving one edge connected like a hinge.
8. Fill each bread section generously with one-quarter of beef mixture, distributing evenly. Press down gently after filling.
9. Spray exterior of each sandwich with non-stick cooking spray. Wrap each tightly in aluminum foil, folding edges to seal. Place on cookie sheet.
10. Bake 10-15 minutes until sandwiches are heated through and bread feels hot. Let rest 1-2 minutes, then carefully unwrap and serve immediately.
Notes
Use 80/20 or 85/15 ground beef for best flavorโleaner beef makes dry filling.
Can prepare filling up to 2 days ahead and store refrigerated. Reheat gently with splash of milk before assembling.
For spicy version, add ยฝ tsp red pepper flakes or diced jalapeรฑos to beef mixture.
Ground turkey can substitute for lighter optionโadd extra tbsp butter and season more generously.
Store leftover filling separately from bread in refrigerator up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg