Beef Patties with Mushroom Sauce

Seasoned ground beef patties topped with a mushroom cream sauce. Serve accompanied with rice or buttered noodles.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup dry bread crumbs
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt - divided use
Freshly ground pepper to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, sliced
1 teaspoon dried basil
5 tablespoons butter - divided use
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup half-and-half (light cream)
1/2 cup water
Dash of Tabasco sauce
1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Hot cooked rice or buttered noodles for accompaniment

Cooking Directions:

1. Combine beef, crumbs, milk, Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper and garlic powder; mix well. Shape into 4 oval patties. In large heavy skillet, cook to desired doneness. Remove to serving platter and keep warm.
2. Drain remaining grease from skillet and melt 2 tablespoons butter; add the mushrooms and basil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add remaining butter, when melted stir in flour and cook 1 minute. Gradually stir in cream, water, Tabasco sauce and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until thickened, about 2 minutes. Add more water, if needed, to make a thinner sauce.
3. Spoon sauce over patties, sprinkle with cheese and onions. Serve.

Makes 4 servings.