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Loose Meat Tavern Sandwiches

Loose Meat Tavern Sandwiches


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  • Author: Inez Rose
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

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

Scale

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 flavorโ€”leaner 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 optionโ€”add 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