Meat Loaf Burgers

1 large onion, sliced
1 celery rib, chopped
2 pounds lean ground beef
1-1/2 teaspoons salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups tomato juice
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
6 hamburger buns, split

Place onion and celery in a 3-qt. slow cooker. Combine beef, 1 teaspoon salt and pepper; shape into six patties. Place over onion mixture. Combine tomato juice, garlic, ketchup, bay leaf, Italian seasoning and remaining salt.

Pour over the patties. Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours or until meat is tender. Discard bay leaf. Separate patties with a spatula if necessary; serve on buns. Makes 6 servings.