For a super fast and easy weeknight meal, think "Sandwich Night." The comfort-food ritual coined by Boomers Demi Moore and Rob Lowe in 1986's About Last Night becomes something special when you serve these S-W-E-E-T homemade spoon burgers.
Inspired by an idea from the foodies at Southern Living, this family favorite's been endorsed by everyone from Bob to my multi-talented mom. (When she's not gardening, she's usually in the kitchen cooking up another great recipe.) Oh-so-delish, this flavor-packed medley is almost as easy as ready-made sandwich filling. It includes plenty of veggies: tomatoes, onions and green peppers. Ketchup (the KING of condiments in my book), brown sugar and hot sauce provide sweetness with the kick we Texans crave. And you can have hot, homemade goodness on the table in about 30 minutes.
For an easy side, I put Alexia Spicy Sweet Potato Fries in the oven while the ground beef browns. Chipotle seasoning perks up their taste, we get loads of vitamin A and there's only 130 calories a serving (about 30 fries). Bonus!
While simmering the filling, I wrap sesame seed hamburger buns in foil and pop them in the oven to warm for about 10 minutes. The foil keeps the bread nice and soft.
To assemble these simple spoon burgers, smear a little mustard (one with horseradish ups the zing) on the buns. Then spread either one or, if open-faced is more your style, both buns with filling and top with a sprinkling of cheddar cheese. Yum! Now, that's a Sandwich Night to remember!
Serve with:
Stir ground beef, onion and green pepper in a large skillet until beef is browned and crumbly. Add tomato soup and all other filling ingredients. Bring to a boil; then lower the heat and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring often.
Spread mustard on hot buns and top with filling. Add shredded cheddar cheese to taste.
Enjoy with sweet potato fries.
Afterwards, freeze any extra Joes and you're good to go for a repeat. Like us Boomers, the frozen sandwich filling just improves with a little age!
In the mood for comfort food? You might also enjoy:
Prepare your own Mexican quick fix with this Chipotle-inspired bowl. Carbs are moderated by filling the bowl with beans, extra veggies and chicken. No need for rice, since the beans count as carbs.
Tips:
If you love tomatoes, increase the quantity to 1/2 cup, but note that the carbohydrates will also increase.
If preparing this recipe for one person, cut all of the ingredients in half. Or simply prepare the full recipe up to the end of step 2 and store leftover chicken and vegetable-bean mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave on High for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through, and continue with step 3.
Health Bite: The iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, copper and zinc in black beans help to keep bones strong and healthy.
Follow us on Twitter: @BoomerBrief
and @CharlotteBoomer
Know someone battling cancer? Baylor Health Care System's Sammons Says... cancer blog is a great place to go for help. Here, you'll find information, resources, physicians, support groups and just about everything you need to help you navigate your way through this illness.
Senior Forums is a great place to get the news and share views on everything from hobbies and healthcare, to food, family & travel.
Matt Drudge gets the goods and his site ain't bad either.
You don't have to live in Dallas to enjoy D Magazine.
