These hearty meat loaf sandwiches are delightful for potluck dinners. Served on hamburger buns, the beefy patties get extra flavor when topped with the seasoned tomato sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 large onion, sliced
• 1 celery rib, chopped
• 2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2 cups tomato juice
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon italian seasoning
• 1 bay leaf
• 6 hamburger buns, split

Directions

1. Place onion and celery in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Combine the beef, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper; mixing lightly but thoroughly; shape into 6 patties. Place over onion mixture. Combine the tomato juice, garlic, ketchup, Italian seasoning, bay leaf and remaining salt. Pour over the patties.
2. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours or until meat is no longer pink. Discard bay leaf. Separate patties with a spatula if necessary; serve on buns.