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LOOSE MEAT SANDWICHES are a staple in our house! Such an easy and fun twist on burgers inspired by the Maid Rite recipe! The beef gets cooked in a savory sauce so that it has tons of flavor.
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I’m sorry. Loose meat sandwiches? I hate that name. We actually call these sandwiches Maid Rite Burgers after a burger joint in town that makes loose meat sandwiches.
Do you have a Maid Rite near you? Ever tried one of their burgers? So good!
But, whatever you call these, just know that they are utterly delicious. So much more fun than a traditional cheeseburger and there’s no worrying about firing up the grill.
These are similar to a sloppy joe, but without the sauce. (Speaking of which, our homemade sloppy joe sauce is phenomenal.)
I grew up eating these Maid Rite sandwiches and I’m raising my kids on them too!
Ingredient list:
Ground Beef – We usually cook with lean beef, but use whatever you have on hand.
Hamburger Buns – these are also good on Hawaiian rolls!
Worcestershire Sauce – Adds tons of savory flavor to the beef.
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Beef Broth
Toppings – We usually stick with dill pickles and mustard, but any burger toppings would work here. You do you!
How to make Maid Rite Burgers (aka loose meat sandwiches):
Beef: There isn’t a whole lot of work involved in making loose meat sandwiches, but they are full of flavor! Start by browning the beef in a skillet, breaking it up as it cooks into smaller pieces.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder and continue cooking until the meat has browned.
Broth: When the meat has browned go ahead and pour in the beef broth and bring to a boil. This is going to add a whole new level of flavor to the meat! Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated. The meat will be so tender and flavorful, but give it a taste and add salt if you think it needs it.
Assemble: When the meat has finished cooking you are almost done! Spoon the beef onto some buns and top with mustard and pickles or whatever your favorite topping is!
Tip: It’s worth the extra effort to butter and grill the hamburger buns on a griddle or skillet first before serving!
Leftover Hack!
Turn your leftovers into a burger burrito! Warm up a large flour tortilla, fill with meat, pile on french fries, drizzle with ketchup and mustard, add some pickles, and roll it all up like a burrito! Our kids are obsessed with ‘burger-ittos!’
What Readers are Saying!
“Last week I was going through my Pinterest saves looking for something easy to cook for dinner. I came upon this recipe and I have tried many versions but I never found a version that I liked. Until I made these!!! OMG! Pure Awesomeness! They were so yummy that hubby requested them this evening for dinner and I was informed to make enough for one of his friends because he has been bragging all week on these sandwiches so we are having company for dinner.” – Paula K
Recommended burger toppings:
- Cheese – Any variety you like works, but we’re partial to American on a burger.
- Pickles
- Ketchup and Mayo
- Ketchup and Mustard
- Salty, crunchy potato chips – Not a traditional burger topping, but this is how my kids eat their Maid Rite burgers and I have to admit that it’s delicious!
- Steak Sauce
More burger recipes for you to try:
Loose Meat Sandwiches
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 4 hamburger buns
- pickles for serving
- mustard for serving
Instructions
- Place ground beef and seasonings into a large skillet and brown meat, crumbling as it cooks, over medium heat until cooked through. Do not drain fat.
- Pour beef broth into pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes or until liquid has evaporated.
- Spoon beef onto buns and top with pickles and mustard.
Nutrition Information:
This recipe was originally published in August 2016. It was updated in February 2021.
Debbie Evans says
This meat had so much flavor! Perfect with some bread and butter pickles and a little bit of mustard! I’m thinking about making these for our youth group at church. I’d use 5 pounds of ground beef. I’m wondering if the seasonings should be backed down some and not use the full amount in recipe times 5. What do you think?
Karly says
Hi Debbie! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! I haven’t tried more than doubling this recipe and we just doubled everything. You could always add in extra spices after cooking if you cut them down and find it too bland.
Ann says
Thank you for this recipe. It is absolutely delicious I too am a maid right Iowa maid rite girl. This is a good recipe. Thank you for sharing.
Karly says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Chris says
I finally made the recipe after having it for some time. I have to say, it was beyond my expectations. Our last Maid Rite closed some years ago in La Crosse, WI. This was just as good. Thanks much for sharing. FYI, I made 3 lbs. of it since some of my buddies heard I was making it.
Karly says
Oh wow, love to hear that! Thanks, Chris!
B VC says
Wrong. Maid Rite uses hearts for their sandwiches! My cousin has as their wholesale provider. Gross but delicious in my opinion! I’m sure your recipe is good but it’s not correct. Our maid rite has been here since 1928- oldest in operation, I believe. Come to Quincy and get blown away by the original ??
Reese Fahey says
Made these along with the onions from your Animal Style copycat burger. Onions were done, just at the add beef broth stage. So, I tossed them in, mixed well with the loose meat crumbles for about 2 minutes, then added the beef broth. Not authentic, but still yummy!!! I did do everything else as stated in recipe. Love these!!!
Karly says
Ok, that sounds absolutely amazing! Yum!!
Art Haule says
Gonna try these. Yellow mustard? Brown? Dijon? Just to be authentic. Looks like yellow in the picture.
Karly says
Yellow. 🙂