Loose Meat Sandwich

This Loose Meat Sandwich recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you’re craving an easy meal that the entire family will love! Perfect when you need a quick and easy meal on the table in under 30 minutes. This recipe is inspired by the famous maid-rite sandwiches from the Midwest. It’s made with simple ingredients in one skillet, and it’s budget-friendly and kid-approved!

Are you looking for more one-skillet meals? Try our Easy Rotel Pasta, Shredded Chicken Tacos, or Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet.

What are Loose Meat Sandwiches?

This is a delicious recipe that you might not have heard of before, depending on your location. The origins of the loose meat sandwich can be traced back to the iconic maid-rite sandwiches from Iowa, particularly in cities like Sioux City and Cedar Rapids. These sandwiches are a staple in small restaurants and burger joints across the Midwest, known for their simple, yet irresistible taste. This recipe is our favorite new way to eat a ground beef sandwich! Whether you call these sandwiches Maid Rite, or Loose Meat, I’m just excited for you to try this recipe!

You may be wondering, what exactly do loose meat sandwiches taste like? I like to tell people they taste like a Sloppy Joe. Unlike a Sloppy Joe, which is typically drenched in a tomato-based sauce, a loose meat sandwich focuses on the savory goodness of seasoned ground beef. Cooked in a large skillet, the ground beef is browned and then simmered with ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, and beef broth, creating a rich, flavorful meat mixture. This delicious concoction is then served on a soft hamburger bun and topped with dill pickles, a slice of cheese, or your favorite toppings.

Recipe Ingredients

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this amazing Maid Rite Recipe:

• 1 pound Ground beef
• Onion- I like to use yellow onions, but feel free to use white onions or onion powder instead.
• Garlic- I love fresh minced garlic, but garlic powder works just as well.
• Worcestershire sauce
• Yellow mustard
• Apple cider vinegar
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black Pepper
• Beef stock
• Hamburger buns- Or use a hot dog bun instead.
• Dill pickle slices, optional

INGREDIENT NOTES:

• Ground Beef: Use lean beef for a less greasy sandwich.
• Beef stock: Beef stock or broth,  adds depth, but chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted if needed.
• Mustard: Yellow mustard provides a tangy flavor, but Dijon or spicy brown mustard can be used for variation.

HOW TO MAKE LOOSE MEAT SANDWICH: STEP-BY-STEP

STEP 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef and onion until the beef is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain the excess grease off.

STEP 2: Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook an additional 30-45 seconds until the garlic is fragrant. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.

STEP 3: Pour in the beef broth and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, around 5-7 minutes.

STEP 4: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve the loose meat on hamburger buns.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator, in an airtight container. It can be kept for up to 3 days.

Reheating:  When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen if dry. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed.

Freezing: Place the meat mixture in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

Additions & Substitutions

ADDITIONS:

• Vegetables: Add finely chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or carrots when cooking the onions and garlic for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Spices: I keep it mild for my family, but add a splash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
• Cheese: Top the sandwiches with shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a slice of cheese for added richness.
• Pickles: Dill pickle slices or even a splash of pickle juice can enhance the tanginess of the sandwich.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Ground Beef: Use lean beef or ground turkey for a lighter option.
• Broth: Swap beef broth with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
• Mustard: Try Dijon mustard or spicy brown mustard for a different flavor.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Soy sauce can be used as an alternative

FAQs about this Maid-Rite Recipe:

Can I use a slow cooker to make the meat mixture?

Yes, you can cook the meat mixture in a slow cooker. Brown the meat and onions first, then transfer to the slow cooker with the remaining ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours

What if I want to use a different meat?

You can easily swap ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or pork. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked. Just note that traditional maid rites are made using ground beef.

What type of bread works best for these sandwiches?

While hamburger buns are traditional, you can use any soft roll or even a hot dog bun for a delicious twist.

What Can I Serve with this Maid-Rite Sandwich?

Serve this simple recipe like you’re at a burger joint, pair it with french fries, or potato chips. I like to eat mine with a side of coleslaw, or potato salad.

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Loose Meat Sandwich

Vicky Hadley~Little Chef Within

This Loose Meat Sandwich recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you’re craving an easy meal that the entire family will love! Perfect when you need a quick and easy meal on the table in under 30 minutes. This recipe is inspired by the famous maid-rite sandwiches from the Midwest. It’s made with simple ingredients in one skillet, and it’s budget-friendly and kid-approved!

5 from 8 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course 30 minutes meals, dinner, Sandwich

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 418 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 teaspoons yellow mustard
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/3 cup beef broth
• 4 hamburger buns

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef and onion until beef is no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain the excess grease off.
• Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook an additional 30-45 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
• Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, mustard, apple cider vinegar, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Pour in the beef broth and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, around 5-7 minutes.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
• Serve the loose meat on hamburger buns.

Notes

Pro Tip: Let the meat simmer in the seasoning and broth until most of the liquid evaporates. This ensures the flavors blend together perfectly, making the meat juicy and flavorful. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender.

Nutrition

Calories: 418kcalCarbohydrates: 23gProtein: 24gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 81mgSodium: 721mgPotassium: 415mgFiber: 1gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 128IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 94mgIron: 4mg

Keyword 30 minute meals, beef, copycat recipe, Dinner, easy, ground beef, lunch

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

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