Beef Patties With Ketchup Gravy

In ‘Come Home to Supper’ by Christy Jordan

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 18  saltine crackers (1/2 sleeve)
• 1  large egg
• 2  lbs ground beef
• 2⁄3 cup ketchup
• 1  tablespoon  dried Italian seasoning
• 1  medium onion, chopped
• 1  bell pepper, chopped
• 2  cups  hot cooked rice, for serving

Directions

1. Crush the saltines and place them in a large bowl.
2. Add the egg and ground beef and mix well with your hands.
3. Form the beef mixture into four ½-inch thick patties.
4. Place the patties in a Dutch oven or slow cooker.
5. In a small bowl, stir together the ketchup, Italian seasoning, and 1/3 c water.
6. Pour the ketchup mixture over the beef in the pot and top with the onion and bell pepper.
7. If using Dutch oven—cover, place over medium heat, and cook 1 ½ hours.
8. If using slow cooker, cover and seal the pot and cook until the beef patties are tender and no longer pink in the center, 7-8 hours on LOW, 3-4 hours on HIGH.
9. Serve the patties over hot cooked rice with the gravy spooned on top.