Long Boy Burgers: An Oven-Baked Delight

My grandmother, bless her heart, wasn’t much for grilling. Summer thunderstorms in Ohio were frequent visitors, and she refused to let a little rain keep her from making her famous burgers. Instead of firing up the charcoal, she’d whip up these “Long Boy” burgers in the oven. The aroma of the beef and cheese bubbling in the oven always filled the house, promising a hearty, comforting meal. They weren’t fancy, but they were always made with love, and that’s what made them so special.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Servings: 2-4
• Dietary Type: Not Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 2-4 submarine rolls (6-inch)
• 1 1/4 cups corn flakes, crushed
• 1/2 small onion, minced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 large egg, lightly beaten
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 lbs lean ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons ketchup, extra

Equipment Needed

• Rimmed baking sheet
• Wire rack
• Large bowl
• Mixing spoons

Instructions

1. Begin by adjusting your oven rack to the upper-middle position and preheating the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat will ensure the rolls get nice and crispy.

2. Split the submarine rolls in half lengthwise. This will create the perfect surface for topping with the flavorful meat mixture.

3. Place the split rolls, cut-side up, on a wire rack set inside a rimmed baking sheet. Bake them until they are golden and crisp, which should take approximately 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.

4. While the rolls are toasting, prepare the meat mixture. In a large bowl, combine the crushed corn flakes, minced onion, milk, 4 tablespoons of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, minced thyme, garlic powder, lightly beaten egg, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper.

5. Add the lean ground beef to the bowl with the other ingredients. Gently knead the mixture until everything is well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough burger.

6. Once the rolls are toasted, evenly top them with the meat mixture. Spread the meat all the way to the edges of the rolls to ensure every bite is flavorful.

7. Brush the top of the meat mixture evenly with the remaining 2 tablespoons of ketchup. This will create a slightly sweet and caramelized crust.

8. Bake until the meat registers 160 degrees Fahrenheit on an instant-read thermometer. This should take approximately 20-25 minutes, but cooking times may vary depending on your oven.

9. Remove the burgers from the oven and top them generously with the shredded cheddar cheese.

10. Return the burgers to the oven and continue baking until the cheese is melted and bubbly, which should take an additional 3-4 minutes.

11. Remove the Long Boy burgers from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender burger.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• For extra flavor, try sautéing the minced onion in a little butter before adding it to the meat mixture. This will mellow out the onion’s sharpness and add a hint of sweetness.
• If you don’t have fresh thyme on hand, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme.
• For a spicier burger, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meat mixture.
• To prevent the rolls from getting soggy, make sure to toast them well before adding the meat mixture.
• If you want to make these burgers ahead of time, you can prepare the meat mixture and spread it on the rolls, then store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake them. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Bake in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the burgers reach a safe internal temperature.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these Long Boy burgers hot, straight from the oven. They are delicious on their own or with your favorite burger toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and pickles. For sides, consider serving them with classic potato salad, coleslaw, or a simple green salad.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, wrap the burgers in foil and bake them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. You can also microwave them, but the rolls may become a bit soggy.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	626 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	343 g	55%
Total Fat	38.2 g	58%
Saturated Fat	19.9 g	99%
Cholesterol	220.7 mg	73%
Sodium	852 mg	35%
Total Carbohydrate	17.5 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	0.5 g	2%
Sugars	7.2 g	28%
Protein	51.8 g	103%

Variations & Substitutions

• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or provolone.
• Bread Alternatives: While traditionally made with submarine rolls, you can use other types of bread, such as French bread or even large hamburger buns.
• Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the lean ground beef.
• Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or some chopped jalapenos to the meat mixture for an extra kick.
• BBQ Long Boys: Substitute your favorite BBQ sauce for the ketchup brushed on top of the meat mixture.
• Gluten-Free: These are easily made gluten-free by using gluten-free sub rolls. Be sure to check that your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as well!

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-crushed cornflakes, or do I need to crush them myself?
A: You can use pre-crushed cornflakes to save time, but freshly crushed cornflakes tend to provide a better texture to the meat mixture.

Q: Is it necessary to toast the rolls before adding the meat mixture?
A: Yes, toasting the rolls is highly recommended. It prevents them from becoming soggy from the moisture in the meat mixture.

Q: Can I freeze these burgers for later?
A: Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Let them cool completely, then wrap them individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.

Q: What’s the best way to check if the burgers are cooked through?
A: Use an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the meat. The burgers should reach an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the meat mixture?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to add finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients.

Final Thoughts

These Long Boy burgers are more than just a recipe; they’re a taste of home, a reminder of simple pleasures, and a testament to the fact that delicious meals don’t always require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and create your own memories with it. Don’t be afraid to customize it to your liking, and please share your feedback – I’d love to hear how they turn out! Pair these hearty burgers with a crisp, cold beer or your favorite soda for a truly satisfying meal. Happy cooking!