Hamburger Boat

It probably won't surprise you when I tell you I visit with my patients about life outside of the hospital. I'm certainly focused on my tasks, but I like my patients knowing they're more than a list to me. Anyway, as I was talking with a patient and his family this week they told me about a recipe they call Hamburger Boat. I wasn't sure what they were going to describe with a name like that, but when they shared it I was intrigued. So last night, I tried it. And it's delicious and crazy simple.

Hamburger Boat

1 loaf of French bread
Ground Hamburger (I bought 2 lbs)
1 small can tomato paste
1 small can tomato sauce
Mushrooms (if you like them)
Onion
Mozzarella cheese

Cut the French bread in half and then pull out most of the bread. Cook your hamburger and onion with the mushrooms, tomato paste, and tomato sauce. (I wouldn't add the tomato products until the meat is no longer red so you can make sure your hamburger is properly- and safely- cooked.)Once it's cooked and seasoned to your liking, spoon it into the French bread boats. The 2 lb amount was enough for both sides of bread. Then sprinkle Mozzarella cheese on the top and bake in an oven at 350 degrees until the cheese is melted. Pull out your trusty pizza cutter, slice it up, and serve. See? Easy and tasty.