Loose Meat Sandwich (Maid-Rite Copycat)

Loose meat sandwiches are a delicious, homemade version of the popular Maid-Rite ground beef sandwich. Now you can enjoy this classic Midwestern delight from anywhere with this easy copycat recipe in just a few easy minutes!

You know what is better than a 30 minute recipe?

One that comes together in half the time!

That’s right!

These loose meat sandwiches take just 15 short, effortless minutes to make before they are on your table.

What is a loose meat sandwich called?

Um, delicious!

Honestly it really depends on where in the Midwest you are enjoying this classic.

It can be called anything including:

• Steamer
• Nuway
• hamburger sandwich
• loose hamburger sandwich
• tavern sandwich

And of course, sometimes it is just called a Maid-Rite since the chain is so incredibly popular for these tasty sammies.

What’s the difference between a loose meat sandwich and a sloppy joe?

Loose meat sandwiches are like sloppy joes in that they are cooked ground beef sandwiches.

But unlike sloppy joes, loose meat sandwiches don’t have tomato based products as the base for the flavor.

Instead they taste more like a burger, but in ground beef form rather than patty form.

Ingredients

To make these you’ll need:

• Ground Beef– Use lean ground beef
• Water
• Seasonings– Yellow mustard, sugar, minced onion, and salt and pepper
• Burger buns– Halved

How to Make

These Maid-Rites are the easiest dinner ever!

You only need one pan and 15 minutes so they are perfect for busy days.

To make these, add the beef, water, mustard, sugar, and dried onion to a large skillet set over medium heat.

Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring and crumbling the beef as it cooks.

Let it keep simmering until the beef is completely cooked throughout.

Then, season the ground beef with salt and pepper, to taste.

Pile the meat onto soft hamburger buns, serve, and enjoy!

Storing Leftovers

You can store leftovers  in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Just reheat it in the microwave when you are ready to enjoy them.

Freezing

Loose meat freezes beautifully so these are perfect to make ahead!

Just prepare the beef as directed above and let it cool.

Once it cools, transfer it to a freezer safe bag or container and freeze it for up to 3 months.

When you are ready to eat these, defrost the meat in the fridge and then warm through in a skillet on the stove or in the microwave.

Tips and Tricks

• You can serve these plain like the original Maid-Rite sandwich or top with your favorite burger fixings. We like American cheese, ketchup, mayo, and sliced pickles.
• Make a double batch and freeze half! It doesn’t take any extra time and then you’ll have another night of dinner ready to go!
• You can also make these in a crockpot. Just brown ground beef in a skillet. Don’t drain off fat, and add to bowl of crockpot with remaining ingredients. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on low heat for 2 hours.
• For an extra bit of flavor, add a splash of worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, or steak sauce to the ground beef and water mixture when simmering.

Other Easy Ground Beef Recipes

Loose meat sandwiches are a favorite quick and easy dinner.

Make them today and enjoy!

Looking for other easy ground beef recipes?

Try these:

• Slow Cooker Philly Cheesesteak Sloppy Joes
• Navajo Tacos On Indian Fry Bread
• Sloppy Joe Tacos
• Mac & Cheese Goulash
• Cheeseburger Tater Tot Casserole

If you’ve tried this LOOSE MEAT SANDWICH, or any other recipe on the site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and whatever else we’ve got going on!