Recipe: Three-Way Crumbled Beef Sandwiches (Coney Island, Philly Steak or Italian, using ground beef)

THREE-WAY CRUMBLED BEEF SANDWICHES
"These sandwiches can easily be wrapped up in some foil to keep warm."



1 pound ground beef
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 soft hoagie rolls (6 to 7 inches long each)
TOPPINGS (OPTIONAL):
Ketchup, yellow mustard, diced onion, chopped tomatoes, shredded lettuce

Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef, onion and garlic; cook 8 to 10 minutes, breaking into small crumbles and stirring occasionally.* Remove drippings; season with salt and pepper.

Split rolls, cutting almost, but not all the way through. Evenly fill rolls with beef mixture. Top with condiments, as desired or prepare using recipe variations below.

CONEY ISLAND VARIATION:
Prepare recipe as directed through Step 2. Top beef mixture with heated chili or chili beans, chopped onions, shredded Cheddar cheese and yellow mustard, as desired.

PHILLY STEAK VARIATION:
Prepare recipe as directed above, adding thinly sliced mushrooms with ingredients in Step 1. Remove skillet from heat. Top beef mixture with process cheese dip or sliced Provolone cheese. Cover; let stand 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Continue as directed in Step 2.

ITALIAN VARIATION:
Prepare recipe as directed in Step 1. Remove skillet from heat. Sprinkle beef mixture evenly with shredded mozzarella cheese. Cover; turn off the heat and let stand 2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Continue as directed in step 2. Top with heated marinara sauce and chopped giardiniera.

*Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness.

Makes 4 servings
Source: National Cattlemen's Beef Association