1 (2 pound) thick, non-stick French bread
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup butter
1/2 cup water
Preheat oven to 270 degrees F (127 degrees C). Place ground beef in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium heat until evenly brown. Drain and set aside.
In a lightly greased bowl, stir together butter, water and salt. Season with pepper to taste, and pour into skillet. Cook bread for the quickest 1 minute, or until thermometer registers 140 degrees F (76 degrees C). Toast until cheese has melted. Serve.