French Bread Pizza Burgers

1 large loaf (1 pound) French bread

1 lb. extra lean ground beef or ground round

1 t. dried Italian seasoning

1/2 t. garlic salt

1/4 t. ground black pepper

3 T. finely chopped onion

1 can (4 oz.) mushroom stems and pieces, drained and chopped

1/2 C. pizza sauce

1 can (2 1/4 oz.) sliced ripe olives, drained

8 slices (8 ounces) mozzarella cheese

2 roma or plum tomatoes, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil

Additional pizza sauce for dipping (optional)

Cut French bread in half lengthwise. Set aside.

In mixing bowl, combine beef, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, pepper, onion, mushrooms and the 1/2 cup pizza sauce

Divide meat mixture in half and spread over each length of French bread. Be careful to spread meat right up to crusts to prevent bread from burning under broiler. Place on broiling pan and broil 6 inches from heat; meat should be browned and completely cooked. Test doneness with fork to make sure beef is cooked through to top of bread. Return to broiler if any pink remains. Total cooking time will be about 5 to 8 minutes.

Sprinkle meat with olives. Cut squares of cheese in half to form triangles and arrange decoratively over top of olives. Arrange tomato slices over cheese. Place loaves back under broiler until cheese melts and lightly browns, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove from broiler and sprinkle with fresh basil. Cut each loaf into 4 pieces for individual sandwiches or 2-inch slices for appetizers. Serve with additional pizza sauce, if desired.

Makes about 8 servings