For those of us on the West Coast, Hardee’s is practically non-existent these days. But when I was a teenager, growing up in Ogden, Utah, Hardee’s was “the” place to hang with friends, cause teenage mayhem and eat till our bellies wanted to burst. Until I moved to San Diego in ’95, I’d never even heard of late night Taco Shops. Hardee’s was open 24 hours. Hardee’s was “Utah’s” taco shop for all the partyers and late night cravings.

20 plus years later and still in San Diego, I get Hardee’s cravings every now and again. And what do I crave the most? The Mushroom and Swiss burger. Oh yeah! But with no more Hardee’s around, what’s a hungry girl to do?

Re-create it, of course!!! So here you go…

Hardee’s Mushroom & Swiss:

1 1/2 lbs Ground Beef (80/20 fat ratio) – $3.47
20-25 button Mushroom, cleaned and sliced – $1.20
6 slices Processed, Sandwich style Swiss Cheese – $1.15
1/2 can Cream of Mushroom soup (save other 1/2 for chicken a la king) – $.35
6 Hamburger Buns – $1.50
2 Tbsp Milk – $.15
1 Tbsp unsalted Butter – pantry / fridge
1 tsp Fresh Ground Pepper – pantry
1/2 tsp Garlic Powder – pantry
1/2 tsp Salt – pantry
2 Tbsp Worcester Sauce – pantry
2 Tbsp Canola or Olive Oil – pantry

COST: $7.82

Heat oil in saute pan and bring to medium high heat. Toss in fresh mushrooms and cook for a few minutes till soft and tender.  When mushrooms are cooked, add 1 tablespoon Worcester sauce and 1 tablespoon butter.   Next, add 1/2 can mushroom soup, mix well and heat to simmer.  Last, add 2 tablespoons of milk, stir again, cover and set on very low temp till ready to plate your burgers.

Time to preheat your grill.  Medium to medium high on a gas grill should be fine.  You can do burgers on the stove, but grilling is best.

With beef at room temp, place in a mixing bowl and add pepper, salt, garlic, 1 Tbsp Worcester sauce and mix. Separate into 6 balls.  Form 1/4 lb patties and place on hot grill. Cook to desired doneness.

Once burgers are cooked, place slices of swiss cheese on each burger and shut grill for 15-30 seconds. When cheese is melted, place burger on bun, cover with Mushroom sauce and serve!

These are “melt in your mouth” good. No condiments needed!  I served with simple tater tots, toasted in the oven. Chips, pasta salad, french fries are all good choices as sides. Really, it’s all about the burgers in this meal.

I still miss Hardee’s and these aren’t perfect, but they sure did hit the spot and relieve that craving.  Even if they weren’t a 100% match, they were damn tasty.  Enjoy!

GRAND TOTAL: $7.82 ($9.32 with Tater Tots – $1.50 for 1/2 bag)