Stuffed Artichokes

This is a really great appetizer. You can prepare the whole thing in advance, cover and refrigerate, until it's time to bake and serve.

• Ready In: 2 hrs
• Serves: 24
• Yields: 24 stuffed artichokes

Ingredients

• 2  lbs lean ground beef
• 7  ounces fresh mushrooms, chopped
• 1  large onion, diced finely
• 2  large eggs
• 1⁄2 cup celery, diced finely
• 1⁄2 cup tomato puree
• 1⁄2 cup water
• 1  teaspoon salt, to taste
• 1⁄2 teaspoon  freshly ground black pepper
• 1  teaspoon thyme
• 3  cloves garlic, minced
• 24  large  canned artichoke bottoms or 24  large  frozen artichoke bottoms
• 2  cups beef broth

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Combine all the ingredients except for the artichoke bottoms and the beef broth.
3. Divide and mound the meat mixture on the artichoke bottoms, about 4 tablespoons each.
4. In a well greased baking pan, place the filled artichokes, filled side up, in one layer.
5. Pour the broth over the whole thing.
6. Bake, lightly covered with foil, for 1 1/2 hours.
7. Uncover and bake another 10-15 minutes, until browned.
8. Serve hot.