A loose meat sandwich is flavorful ground beef, cooked loose instead of packed like a hamburger. Our recipe has a couple of secret ingredients that make it sweet and tangy!
We made these sandwiches for our Iowa state dinner, so our version is a take on the Maid-Rite sandwich recipe. Or at least based on what I read online. I've never actually been to Iowa, nor had a Maid-Rite sandwich. So I don't claim that this is a 100% replication. But I do claim that it is a tasty sandwich.
Depending on where you live, the loose meat sandwich is called different things. In Iowa, it is a Maid-Rite. In other midwest states, it is called a Nu-Way, steamer, Big T, loose hamburger, Tastee, or even a tavern sandwich. So many names, and some slightly different recipes, but they are all loose meat sandwiches. It is essentially a sloppy Joe without the sauce. It is still plenty messy, and plenty juicy!
Secret Ingredients
A loose meat sandwich is prepared by steaming the ground beef in flavorful liquids. This allows the beef to absorb great flavor. There is a rumor that Maid-Rite uses root beer in their sandwich. They will only admit to using a syrup that looks like root beer, but it is widely suspected to be a secret ingredient.
For our version of a loose-meat sandwich, we used two "secret" ingredients: Root beer and pickle juice! It sounds like a strange combination, right? But it worked! It gave great flavor to the meat, and made it sweet and tangy! Even my pickle-hating family members thought it was delicious!
Toppings
The best toppings for a loose meat sandwich is something highly debated. Some say a couple of pickles are the only appropriate topping. Others love to pile on cheese, ketchup, mustard, and raw onions!
I say make it how you like it! There is only one non-negotiable in my mind, and that is putting it on a toasted bun. It adds great flavor and texture, but most importantly, helps the sandwich from becoming a soggy mess.
I like 85% lean, 15% fat for this recipe. It makes a very juicy sandwich that is not dry.
Absolutely! This is a great recipe for a slow cooker! It will mellow some of the flavors, so I still recommend adding the salt and pepper at the end. You may also have a lot of liquid in the pan, so if your slow cooker has a saute function, saute with the lid off for a few minutes, before serving.
Loose meat sandwiches can easily be frozen. Portion into a freezer bag, pressing out excess air, and seal. They will keep in the freezer for about 3 months! When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and reheat on the stove with medium heat.
More Recipes
Recipe
Loose Meat Sandwich
Recipe by:Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- ⅓ cup finely diced or grated onion
- ¼ cup dill pickle juice
- 5 oz root beer
- 2 tablespoon Worcestershire
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 4 hamburger buns, split for serving
- 2 tablespoon butter
- Desired toppings: Cheese, ketchup, mustard, pickles
Instructions
- Crumble ground beef and minced onion together in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook until most of the outside is browned, but there is still some pink.
- Add pickle juice, root beer, garlic, and Worcestershire to the pan. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 20 minutes. The liquid should simmer, but not boil.Remove lid and continue cooking until most of the liquid is absorbed. Add salt and pepper and cook an additional minute, then serve.
- When ready to serve, butter your buns and place on a baking sheet, cut side up. Put baking sheet on the top rack of your oven, and broil on high for 1 minute, or until the buns are lightly toasted. Scoop meat onto the buns and add desired toppings.
Tera
This look really delicious! I just adore your states project.
Erin
That is so kind of you, thank you! I am glad to have you following along!