If you’ve never had Loose Meat Sandwiches (maid-rites), you’re in for a treat! They’re messy, juicy, and totally flavor-packed. Sometimes called Iowa Maid Rite Sandwiches, they’re the ultimate easy lunch or dinner.
Made with tender ground beef, sautéed onion, and a splash of soy sauce and steak sauce, each bite is hearty, savory, and totally satisfying.
Sometimes I just want a hearty, burger-like sandwich but faster, and that’s when these come in handy. They’re quick, easy, and just as satisfying.
Picture a ground beef sandwich that’s a little like a sloppy joe, but instead of the sweet, tangy tomato sauce base, you get a rich, meaty, beefy flavor.
The savory combination of ingredients creates a simple yet deeply satisfying sandwich that hits the spot every time.
If you’re craving a classic burger, try these George Foreman Grill Burgers. Or, if you’re in the mood for a chicken sandwich, check out this Chicken Bacon Ranch Sandwich.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for busy nights. You can have dinner on the table in about 25 minutes.
- Super easy to make: just toss the loose ground beef in the skillet. No need to form patties, and the ground beef cooks faster this way.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser! Everyone loves them, and they’re especially a hit with the kids
Ingredient Photo
Ingredient Notes
- Ground Beef: This is one of the recipes where I skip the lean ground beef, an 85/15 blend works best for a juicy, flavorful sandwich. You can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer, but just know it won’t taste anything like the classic from the Maid-Rite restaurant.
- Onion: I typically use a yellow onion, but a white onion works just as well if that’s what you have on hand.
- Soy Sauce: Regular or low sodium — both are perfectly fine here.
- Steak Sauce: Whatever brand you have works! We like the store brand that’s similar to A-1. If you’re out of steak sauce, Worcestershire sauce makes a great substitute.
- Beef Bouillon: Either a bouillon cube or the paste works, just use what you have. You can use about a half cup of beef broth instead, but skip adding the water.
- Pepper: A bit of black pepper adds a nice little kick without overpowering the beefy flavor.
- Hamburger Buns: I usually grab the store brand to save a few bucks, but any buns you like will do the job.
Step-By-Step Instructions (with photos)
See recipe card below for complete directions with amounts.
Step 1: Cook the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is softened.
Step 2: Add the bouillon, water, soy sauce, steak sauce, and black pepper. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well combined and the liquid has mostly reduced.
How to Make a Maid Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
Folks from the Hawkeye State might tell you that the only way to eat them is with a squirt of yellow mustard and a few crisp dill pickles. And while that’s the classic, is there really a wrong way to enjoy one?
Lee likes to add a slice of American cheese, and I’ll admit, I’m a fan of a little ketchup on mine. The bottom line? Serve them however you like them, there are no rules when it comes to digging into something this tasty.
Storage and Reheating
- Store any leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- To reheat, microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between until heated through. You can also warm it on the stovetop in a skillet over medium heat, just add a splash of water or broth if it looks a little dry.
Frequently Asked Questions
A loose meat sandwich is made with seasoned ground beef but without a tomato sauce base, so it’s more savory and beefy in flavor. A sloppy joe includes tomato sauce or ketchup, and sometimes bell peppers and brown sugar, making it saucier and sweeter.
Absolutely! The beef mixture can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Just reheat it in a skillet or microwave when you’re ready to serve.
Yes, the cooked meat mixture freezes well! Cool it completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Try These Copycat Sandwiches Next!
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Loose Meat Sandwiches (maid rites)
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 85/15
- 1 small onion
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp steak sauce
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 cube beef bouillon
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 4 hamburger buns
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Instructions
- Cook the ground beef and onion in a skillet over medium heat until the meat is browned and the onion is softened.1 lb ground beef, 1 small onion
- Add the water, steak sauce, soy sauce, bouillon, and black pepper. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.1/2 cup water, 2 tbsp steak sauce, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 cube beef bouillon, 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well combined and the liquid has mostly reduced.
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