1 (8-inch) round loaf bread (Italian, Sourdough, French)
1 Tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1-1/2 pounds lean ground beef
1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
Pepper, to taste
6-8 slices deli-style American cheese
1/3 cup Thousand Island dressing or “Special Sauce" (*see note)

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:

Onions, caramelized or raw
Dill pickle slices
Lettuce leaves, sliced or torn
Tomato slices
Cooked bacon strips

Preheat the broiler.

Slicing horizontally through the middle of the bread, cut out a 1/2-inch-thick layer and reserve for other use, keeping the top and bottom layers. Brush the cut sides with olive oil; broil until golden.

In a large bowl, combine the beef with the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Place on a large plate and shape into a ball; flatten into a 9-inch patty.

Preheat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Transfer the burger to the skillet and cook until browned on the bottom, about 4-5 minutes. Using a large spatula, flip the burger and cook 4-5 minutes more. Add cheese slices; cover skillet to melt the cheese.

Spread the dressing or "Special Sauce" on the toasted bread bottom and top. Carefully slide the burger onto the bread bottom; add your toppings of choice and cover with the bread top.

Cut into wedges to serve.

Serve with a basket of French fries!

NOTES:

• There are oodles of "Special Sauce" and "Burger Sauce" recipes online as well as some great store-bought brands if you prefer that to Thousand Island dressing.

• You can also substitute ketchup and mustard for the Thousand Island/Burger Sauce, or use all three!

• This recipe can easily be customized to create a whole different burger. Occasionally, I enjoy one with both American cheese slices and Blue cheese crumbles, sauteed mushrooms and caramelized onions, and mayo and A1 steak sauce. (Yummy!)

• I think I will try GRILLING the burger, and maybe even the bread once the weather warms. A fun recipe to play around with for sure...

Submitted by: Carol