Beef Stroganoff Sandwiches

I found this recipe a long time ago in a Close To Home magazine. At the time, I wasn't much interested in cooking, but in the photo the food looked good, and it said "simple, easy weeknight meal." That was enough for me to tear out the page and stick it in my recipe binder. Last year I was going through the binder and came across the recipe, and decided it was time to try it. It is on my menu at least once a month. The next time I make this, I'm going to try a taco seasoning and see if it works.

1 loaf French Bread (I use wheat - great texture)
1 lb ground beef
1/4 C Chopped onion
1 t Salt
1/2 t Garlic Powder
1/2 t Pepper
Butter    only real butter in my house
1 C Plain Yogurt (or sour cream, although you can't tell the difference!)
           Sometimes I have to add more if it seems a little dry.
1 Tomato, diced
1 Bell Pepper, diced
2 C shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350.
 
Cut the bread lengthwise, then cut in fourths.

I'm feeding three people, so I usually cut six equal pieces, about 3x3, and save the rest of the loaf for another night.

 Butter the bread, and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

 Brown ground beef and onion, drain excess fat. I have heard that adding a tablespoon of water to the skillet will help pull away the fat - I have not tried it yet. Add salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Remove from heat. Stir in yogurt.

 I always save a little bit for my four legged friend, Belle. She is also my taste tester.

 Spoon beef mixture onto the bread.

 Top with cheese, then add tomatoes and peppers. This is the tricky part, because it all wants to roll off. I push down on the bread to make it a little flat. The cheese is the best part.... Bake for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted, a little longer if you like crispier bread.

 You can see why I use parchment paper - the melted cheese that falls off onto the pan can be hard to get off the pan, but the parchment just goes right in the trash. I must thank Martha Stewart for that (and that's all!).

Enjoy! It's also good reheated, but not quite as crispy as fresh from the oven.