Jumbos
Jumbos are hearty meatloaf-style patties with savory mushrooms, onions, and melted cheese, perfect for comforting family dinners or casual gatherings. They combine rich flavors with a tender texture.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the beaten eggs, cream of mushroom soup, milk, pepper, and poultry seasoning together in a bowl.
- Tear the bread into tiny crumbs and add to the mixture. Add the ground beef and blend well.
- Melt the shortening in a skillet over medium heat.
- Spread the meat mixture into the skillet and shape it into a patty or spread evenly.
- Separate the sliced onions into rings and spread over the meat mixture.
- Cover the skillet and cook for 20 minutes over medium heat.
- In a separate bowl, stir the undiluted Cheddar cheese soup and spoon it over the cooked meat and onions.
- Cover and heat through for about 5 minutes.
- Cut into wedges and serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added moisture and flavor, consider mixing in some grated cheese or chopped bell peppers to the meat mixture. If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, a homemade version with sautéed mushrooms and heavy cream works well. You can also substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. To enhance the flavor, try adding garlic powder or Worcestershire sauce to the meat mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Jumbos with a side of mashed potatoes or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal. This dish pairs beautifully with Scalloped Potato-Hamburger Casserole for a hearty dinner. For a complete experience, consider offering some crusty bread or rolls to soak up the delicious cheese sauce. A light dessert, like fruit salad, can round out the meal nicely.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the wedges in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Cover the skillet to retain moisture until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, covered, for about 1-2 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Jumbos contains roughly 1095 calories, with 17g protein, 176g carbohydrates, and 39g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (96% of the Daily Value), iron (43% of the Daily Value), and calcium (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 623mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or pork in place of ground beef. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as leaner meats may cook faster. The flavor will vary, but it can still be delicious with your choice of protein.
How do I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with cooked lentils or a meat substitute like tempeh or crumbled tofu. Use vegetable broth instead of cream of mushroom soup, or make your own with sautéed mushrooms and cream. This ensures a hearty texture and flavor without meat.
Can I freeze Jumbos for later?
Absolutely! You can freeze cooked Jumbos for up to 3 months. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).