In 1973, I followed my eventual wife when she returned to her childhood home in Houston, Texas. It was a huge city even in those days, full of all manner of entertainment, parks, and of course, notable restaurants. On the Interstate 10 West feeder road just outside of the Loop, was a colorful and delightfully tasty spot called The Mason Jar. As a testament to its attractions, it is still going strong today.
One of my favorite menu items was served at lunch. Basically, it was a hot grilled ground beef salad, but the simple ingredients used just seemed to fit together so well that it was greater than the sum of its parts. Once cooking became my passion, I came up with what I hoped is a respectable version of the Mason Jar’s “Chopped Lunch”. I doubt very seriously that it is spot on as we moved away from Houston in 1976 and memory has a way getting things less than 100% correct! Even so, this is a simple and amazingly delicious way to enjoy an open-faced hamburger.
- ½ Pound Ground Beef Sirloin formed into a Patty, If good quality just salt and pepper
- 1 Half of English Muffin, Toasted and Buttered
- 2 Cups Fresh, Crisp Lettuce Torn into Pieces as for Salad (Romaine, Green Leaf, etc.)
- 1 Cup Ripe Red Tomato Chunks as for Salad or Cherry Tomatoes Cut in Half; thoroughly salt and pepper
- ½ Cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 2 Baby Carrots Cut into Match Stick-sized Pieces
- 3" Piece of Celery Cut Length-wise into 3 Strips
- Salad Dressing of Choice
- Toast English Muffin, then butter. Place on serving plate.
- Grill ground beef outdoors or on an indoor grill (such as a George Foreman) to desired donessness. Place on buttered muffin.
- Arrange the lettuce over the bun and meat, then, top with tomatoes. Spread the cheese over all. Stack the carrots and celery towards the edge of the plate and spoon a teaspoon of dressing over them. Of course dressing may be added to the lettuce if you like.
Credits: Thanks to Grilling24x7.com for the burger on the grill picture. The one of the finished dish is mine … cannot believe I left a piece of lettuce in the center. Just too hungry to notice, I guess!
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