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A classic Iowa comfort food! This loose meat sandwich features perfectly seasoned, crumbly ground beef simmered in a savory broth and served on a soft, steamed hamburger bun. Simple, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and finely chopped onion. Cook for 6-8 minutes, using a potato masher or sturdy spoon to break the meat into very fine crumbles. Continue cooking until the beef is fully browned and the onion is translucent.
Carefully tilt the skillet and spoon out any excess grease. Drain thoroughly to ensure the final mixture isn't greasy.
Return the skillet to medium heat. Pour in the beef broth, then add the yellow mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
Bring the mixture to a steady simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it cook for 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally until most of the liquid has been absorbed by the meat. The mixture should be moist and juicy, not swimming in liquid or completely dry.
While the meat simmers, prepare the buns. For an authentic touch, lightly steam the buns for 30-60 seconds until soft and warm. You can do this in a steamer basket or by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds.
To assemble, use a large spoon to pile a generous amount of the loose meat mixture onto the bottom half of each warm bun. Top with dill pickle slices and an extra squirt of mustard if desired. Place the top bun on and serve immediately with a spoon to catch the delicious fallout.
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A classic Iowa comfort food! This loose meat sandwich features perfectly seasoned, crumbly ground beef simmered in a savory broth and served on a soft, steamed hamburger bun. Simple, satisfying, and ready in under 30 minutes.
This midwest recipe takes 25 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 619.13 calories per serving with 50.65g of protein, it's a beginner-friendly recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
After the meat is cooked, turn off the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar or American cheese until melted and creamy.
Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce along with the other seasonings in step 3 for a kick of heat.
A close cousin from Sioux City, Iowa. Omit the mustard and Worcestershire sauce from the recipe for a simpler, beef-forward flavor.
Ground beef is a complete protein, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs for muscle repair, growth, and overall function.
This recipe provides a significant amount of heme iron from the beef, which is easily absorbed by the body and is crucial for preventing anemia and maintaining energy levels.
Beef is a primary source of Vitamin B12, an essential nutrient for nerve function and the formation of DNA and red blood cells.
A Maid-Rite is a loose meat sandwich originating in Iowa. It consists of finely crumbled, seasoned ground beef served on a soft, often steamed, hamburger bun. It's traditionally topped with mustard and pickles.
The main difference is the sauce. A Sloppy Joe has a thick, sweet, tomato-based sauce, while a Maid-Rite is seasoned with a savory, broth-based mixture that is absorbed by the meat, resulting in a 'drier' or 'looser' texture.
A single Maid-Rite sandwich made with this recipe (using 85/15 ground beef) contains approximately 540-580 calories. The exact number can vary based on the leanness of your beef and the type of bun used.
While delicious, a traditional Maid-Rite is a comfort food and is moderately high in calories and saturated fat. To make it healthier, you can use extra-lean ground beef (93/7) or ground turkey, choose a whole wheat bun, and serve it with a side salad.
Store the leftover loose meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if it seems dry.
The classic and most authentic toppings are simply yellow mustard and dill pickle slices. Some people also enjoy adding chopped raw onion or a slice of American cheese.