So after a huge Easter dinner on Sunday we needed something a bit simpler and yet still tasty.  I will use the leftover ham over the next few days but I needed a break from a ham dish today.

Trying to continue the theme of comfort foods I found a recipe on Pinterest for Long Boy “Burgers” from Sunshine and Bones.blogspot.com.  It sounded like a cross between a hamburger and meatloaf.  I had ground beef thawing in the refrigerator so I thought I would give this a try.  Besides, my children have been asking for hamburgers lately so I thought this was a good compromise.

Meatloaf and mashed potatoes are my ultimate comfort foods.  My son found a bag of diced potatoes in the basement freezer so I added a side of fried potatoes to the meal.

Verdict:

Both kids loved this meal.  The meat was definitely had the texture more of meatloaf than hamburgers.  It was flavorful and comforting.

When baking the rolls the first time be extra careful not to over bake them.  A few of ours burned on the bottom but they were still fine on top.  Watch them carefully!

I served this dinner with fried potatoes and green beans.

Ingredients:

• 4 (6-inch) sub rolls, split in half lengthwise
• 1/2 sleeve of saltines, finely crushed
• 1 small onion, diced finely
• 1/2 cup fat-free half and half
• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• 2 tablespoon A-1 sauce
• 2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds 90% lean ground beef
• 6 tablespoons barbecue sauce
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Bake rolls, cut side up, on wire rack inside rimmed baking sheet until golden and crisp, about 3-5 minutes.  Watch them carefully so they do not over brown or burn!
3. Combine saltines, onion, milk, ketchup, A-1 sauce, thyme, garlic powder, egg, and 1 teaspoon pepper in large bowl.
4. Add meat to bowl and knead gently until well combined.
5. Top toasted rolls evenly with meat mixture, spreading meat to the edges of rolls. Press down slightly as you put the meat on top of the rolls.
6. Brush top of meat mixture evenly with barbecue sauce and bake until meat registers 160 degrees, 20-22 minutes.
7. Remove pan from oven and top burgers with cheese.  Return pan to oven and continue to bake until cheese melts, 3-4 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes. Serve.