maid rite loose meat sandwich recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best maid rite loose meat sandwich recipe

I’ve been making Maid Rite loose meat sandwiches for years, and they’re still a staple in our household. The recipe originated from the Maid Rite restaurant chain in Iowa, where it’s been a beloved favorite for over 70 years.

I love how easy it is to make, and how versatile it is – you can serve it on a bun, on a plate with some sides, or even as a topping for a salad. My kids have always loved helping me make the sandwiches, and they’re one of the first things they ask for when they come home from school.

The best part is that you can customize it to your liking – add some diced onions, pickles, or cheese to make it your own. My family and I have enjoyed this recipe countless times, and it never fails to hit the spot.

It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend picnic. Plus, it’s surprisingly healthy given how tasty it is – with lean ground beef, veggies, and no added preservatives or sugars.

I’ve even started making smaller portions for my kids’ lunches so they can enjoy this goodness all day long.

Maid Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

4.5 from 826 votes

A classic Midwestern loose meat sandwich featuring seasoned ground beef simmered in a savory broth, served on soft hamburger buns. This easy stovetop recipe delivers a juicy, flavorful filling that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Meat Filling

1 1/2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving

6 soft hamburger buns
Yellow mustard
Dill pickle slices
Finely diced white onion

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add the ground beef.
2Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, breaking the meat into small crumbles with a wooden spoon, until no pink remains and the meat is lightly browned.
3Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
4Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then lower the heat to medium-low.
5Let the meat simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed and the meat is tender and juicy.
6The mixture should look moist but not soupy.
7Toast the hamburger buns lightly if desired, then pile a generous amount of the loose meat onto each bun.
8Serve immediately with yellow mustard, pickle slices, and diced onion on top.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Measuring spoons
Liquid measuring cup

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 18g💛Saturated Fat: 7g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 720mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 6g🥩Protein: 26g

📝Notes

For a leaner version, use ground turkey or chicken and add 1 tablespoon of oil to prevent dryness. The filling can be made ahead and reheated gently on the stove with a splash of broth.

Watch Video Of How Maid Rite Loose Meat Sandwich Works

This Maid Rite loose meat sandwich recipe is always a good idea for any occasion because it is quick, affordable, and feeds a crowd without much effort. I love that I can make the meat mixture ahead of time and just reheat it when guests arrive, which makes hosting so much easier.

For storage, let the meat cool completely before putting it in a sealed container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to 4 days, and you can reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of water to bring back the moisture.

These sandwiches also freeze well, so I often double the batch and save half for later. When serving, I like to set out toppings like sliced pickles, diced onions, mustard, and cheese so everyone can build their own.

This recipe works perfectly for family gatherings, potlucks, or even a simple weeknight dinner. It is one of those dishes that everyone loves, and it never fails to bring people together.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Maid Rite Loose Meat Sandwich

1. What is the difference between a Maid Rite sandwich and a sloppy joe?

A Maid Rite sandwich uses seasoned ground beef that is crumbled and cooked without a thick tomato sauce. Sloppy joes typically have a sweet and tangy tomato-based sauce. The Maid Rite is more about the savory beef flavor with simple seasonings like onion, garlic, and beef broth.

2. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. Just be aware that the flavor will be milder, so you may want to add a bit more seasoning, like onion powder or Worcestershire sauce, to compensate. The texture will still be loose and tender.

3. How do I get the meat to be really fine and crumbly?

The key is to break the meat apart while it cooks. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to stir and break up the meat into small pieces as it browns. Cooking it over medium heat and adding a little liquid, like water or broth, helps keep it from clumping together.

4. What are the best buns to use for these sandwiches?

Soft hamburger buns are traditional and work best because they hold the meat without getting too soggy. You can also use brioche buns or even slider rolls for smaller portions. Toast the buns lightly if you want extra stability.

5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time or freeze it?

Absolutely. The cooked meat mixture stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat it in a skillet or microwave with a splash of water to restore moisture.

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