Loose Meat Sandwiches are a simple and flavorful Midwest favorite made with seasoned ground beef piled high on a soft hamburger bun. This homemade version of the classic Maid-Rite sandwich is an easy dinner recipe that brings comfort food straight to your kitchen.
This version of the classic maid-rite sandwich is flavored with mustard, pickle juice, and a touch of brown sugar, giving it that nostalgic Midwest taste without the sauce. It's similar to a sloppy joe, but with a cleaner bite. And, if you're craving another hearty sandwich, try my Cheesesteak Sandwich next!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love Loose Meat Sandwiches
Midwestern classic at home: Get that Maid-Rite sandwich experience without leaving your kitchen.
Quick weeknight option: Cooks up in about 30 minutes with easy pantry ingredients.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for parties or family dinners, just set it out with toppings and let everyone build their own sandwich.
Key Ingredients
Lean Ground Beef: an 85/15 or 90/10 ratio gives enough fat for flavor without being too greasy.
Yellow Onion: adds flavor and slight sweetness.
Yellow Mustard: Gives the meat its classic tang.
Brown Sugar: Balances the savory flavors with just a hint of sweet.
Hot Sauce: Optional, but adds a kick to the meat mixture.
Coconut Aminos: A soy sauce alternative with less salt and more depth.
Garlic Dill Pickles & Pickle Juice: Essential for flavor and topping.
Hamburger Buns: Use a soft yet sturdy bun, or try it with homemade hamburger buns for a personal touch.
Substitution Ideas
- Worcestershire sauce in place of pickle juice for a smoky twist.
- Soy sauce can be used instead of coconut aminos.
- Maple syrup or honey for brown sugar if needed.
Variations
- Add crispy bacon and cheddar cheese for extra flavor.
- Swap in ground venison for part of the beef.
- Use mustard based BBQ sauce instead of yellow mustard for a deeper zing.
Top Tips
- Use a meat chopper (affiliate link) to get the beef really fine for that authentic texture.
- Keep a fork handy. Loose meat sandwiches can be messy!
- Want it low carb? Serve the meat mixture in a lettuce wrap on on a keto friendly bun.
Storage
Refrigerate: in an air-tight container up to 4 days.
Freeze: in freezer-safe containers up to 3 months.
Reheat: in a skillet over low heat with a little bit of water added, until warmed through or heat in a microwave-safe bowl in the microwave until warm.
Serve With...
Serve these Loose Meat Sandwiches on Homemade Hamburger Buns with one or two of the side dishes below:
- Air Fryer Frozen Fries
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Oven Roasted Red Potatoes and Asparagus
- Air Fryer Fingerling Potatoes
Related Recipes
- Homemade Taco Meat
- Caprese Venison Burgers
- Grilled Reuben Burger
- Steakhouse Burger
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Loose Meat Sandwiches
Equipment
- Meat choper
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds lean ground beef
- ¼ cup minced onion
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- ½ tablespoon mustard
- 1 teaspoon hot chili sauce , optional
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoons coconut aminos
- 1 tablespoon dill pickle juice optional
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 6 Hamburger Buns
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and saute for 2 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, chopping the meat up into small pieces.
- Cook the ground beef mixture, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes, or until the meat is no longer pink.
- Add the hot chili sauce and sweetener. Stir and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Add the garlic powder, coconut aminos, dill pickle juice, salt and pepper. Cook and stir for 5 minutes, or until liquid has absorbed.
- Serve over buns with desired toppings.
Linda Kilbride says
I was born and raised in Muscatine, Iowa, home of the Maid-Rites. which was started in the early 1920s by the Angel Brothers Their recipe is very simple, with only four ingredients.
Shelby Law Ruttan says
Hi Linda, this recipe wasn't made specifically to replicate theirs. I made it with my own twist and flavors we love. Thanks for stopping by!