Sharing is caring!

CRUMBLED, COOKED GROUND BEEF, ONION, SEASONINGS AND A SPECIAL SAUCE HEAPED INTO A SOFT BUN WITH FRESH SLICED TOMATOES AND SHREDDED LETTUCE CREATE THE BEST LOOSE MEAT SANDWICH.

A delicious recipe perfect for camping, or a quick weeknight meal, these scrumptious cheesy loose meat sandwiches are loaded with flavor and your favorite toppings!

What’s a loose meat sandwich? It’s similar to a Sloppy Joe, but without the tomato base sauce.

I’ll be honest. I had never heard of a loose meat sandwich, until my daughter sent me a video of someone making them on their “Blackstone Grill”.

I did a little research, and found out these loose meat sandwiches originated in 1920 by Carroll Dietz of Missoula, Montana as a “steamed hamburger”.

In 1934, they were imitated by Abraham Kaled at Ye Olde Tavern in Sioux City, Iowa. Thus, the “Tavern Sandwich was born. Later the chain Maid-Rite, in Iowa, came up with its own version of the sandwich, and the favorite sandwich of Iowa was born!

What makes a loose meat sandwich different from other “burgers” or “sloppy Joe” sandwiches? It’s several things. Like I mentioned above it’s the lack of sauce. Especially tomato based sauces typically found in Sloppy Joes.

Tavern Sandwiches, Maid-Rites, or Loose Meat sandwiches, consists of ground beef cooked while constantly being stirred and mixed on a griddle, with finely minced onion, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar.

It’s messy and it’s delicious! I’ve updated my version by adding shredded cheese, additional seasonings, and a deliciously yummy spread for the buns! (Leave it to me to break the “rules”)

What You’ll Need to Make Loose Meat Sandwiches

• 2 lbs Ground Beef
• ½ cup minced onions
• 2 teaspoons Black Stone Whiskey Burger, or your favorite all seasoning blend
• 2½ cups shredded cheddar cheese blend
• 8 Hoagie Rolls
• 2 Tomatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick (optional)
• 3 cups shredded lettuce (optional)
• ½ cup Mayonnaise, not salad dressing. Put that Miracle Whip back in the refrigerator
• ¼ cup ketchup
• 2 teaspoons brown mustard
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• ½ teaspoon additional Black Stone Whiskey Burger seasoning

Start with the Loose Meat Sandwich Spread

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, brown mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and Whiskey Burger Seasoning. Mix until well combined. Chill until ready to use.

TIP: You can substitute the brown mustard for Spicy mustard, or yellow mustard.

How To Make Tavern Loose Meat Sandwiches

The beauty of this sandwich is that it can be made on a Black Stone griddle, or you can make them in a large skillet on your stove top, or an electric griddle. I made mine on a table-top Black Stone griddle, so my photos will reflect that. We were camping and this was a great camp meal.

Just remember there is more than one cooking method.

Preheat your griddle to medium high heat. Make sure your griddle is well seasoned. Coat griddle with 1-2 Tablespoons vegetable oil.

Place ground beef on preheated hot griddle, or a stove top skillet.

Using a large metal spatula chop the beef, continuing to stir and flip while browning the meat. Add onions and seasonings.

As the meat browns, if using a Black Stone griddle, push the grease to the back where the drainage cup is.

TIP for SKILLET: If you are browning in a skillet, continue to brown until the meat is cooked and then drain the fat.

While the meat is cooking, butter the inside of each half bun. You can use any Hoagie Roll, or hamburger bun you prefer. I bought cheddar cheese hoagies. They were perfect for this sandwich.

Place yer buns, buttered side down, on one half of the griddle. Grill until golden brown, remove and set aside.

TIP: I flipped my buns over and toasted the tops too! Made the cheese on the bun nice and crispy!

Once the meat is browned and drained, add 1 ½ cups of shredded cheese and stir in. This helps bind the meat together and creates a scrumptious cheesy meat base for your loose meat sandwich.

Cover the meat with a steam lid, or the lid of your griddle, and reduce heat to low.

Add another cup of shredded cheese on top of all the meat and wait for it to melt. (I’m a bit of a cheese hog! I love cheese!!!)

How to Assemble a Maid-Rite Sandwich

Take one sandwich roll, spread the top half of the roll with 1–2 Tablespoons of the Sandwich Spread. On the bottom half of the sandwich place a hearty serving of the loose meat with melted cheese. Just plop it on there. There’s no neat way to do this! Just go for it!

The next part is totally optional…it’s not carved in stone, but I loved the addition of garden fresh tomatoes and shredded lettuce. I know, I know… it’s not “traditional” to this sandwich…but I did mention I was a loose meat rebel.

Now…y’all are going to have to muster up all your “sandwich slapping skills” to get the top on the bottom. I recommend going slow and easy. Nudge the top right up against the bottom and slowly raise the top and fold it on over the bottom! Whew! Good Job friends.

Repeat with the remaining sub rolls to create 8 loose meat sandwiches.

TIP: You can cut this recipe in half an only make 4 sandwiches.

To serve…firmly press down on the sandwich and slice it in half.

Next…wish the recipient “Good Luck” and hand them the sandwich…and a spoon, cause there is no way some of that yummy filling isn’t going to fall out of that sandwich!

I serve these sandwiches with my Tortellini Olive Salad. It’s the perfect pairing!

Everything about these sandwiches, whether you call them “Tavern Sandwiches”, “Loose Meat Sandwiches”, or “Maid-Rite Sandwiches”….is unique!

They are perfect for outdoor camping, a big family BBQ gathering, or a quick easy at home dinner! One I know your family will enjoy!

Questions and Answers about Loose Meat Sandwiches

• What is an Iowa Tavern Sandwich? It is common to Iowa in the U.S., originally consisting of unseasoned ground beef or hamburger, on a bun, mixed with sautéed onion. It is sometimes topped with pickles, ketchup, and mustard.
• What is the difference between a Sloppy Joe and a Maid-Rite/Loose meat Sandwich? They are both made from ground beef and both served on a bun. However, a Sloppy Joe is made with a saucy, tomato base and a loose meat sandwich doesn’t really have any sauce.
• What percentage of ground beef to fat should I use for this recipe? I recommend 85% lean, 15% fat for best flavor. Fat is flavor baby!
• What type of Onion is best for this recipe? Yellow onions, white onions, or even shallots will work. I prefer the more mild flavor of a white onion. I’ve used both and both work.
• How long can I store any leftover beef? Up to 4 days. Tip: Leftover beef is great in chili or taco soup or even tacos. Make a second meal out of those leftovers.
• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? YES! Make the beef up to 3 days in advance, store in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warm, then pile inside buns.
• Are there additional toppings I can use for my Maid-Rite Sandwich? Without a doubt you can use anything you would use on a traditional hamburger…dill pickles, red onion, tomato slices, BBQ sauce, mayonnaise, ketchup, and/or mustard.

Favorite Sandwich Recipes My Family Loves

• Instant Pot Braised Short Rib Sandwiches
• Copy Cat Disneyland Classic Deli Sandwiches
• Air Fryer Toasted Turkey Sandwich
• Super Easy Homemade Sloppy Joe’s
• Hot Turkey Cranberry Sandwiches
• Roast Beef Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
• Shrimp Po Boy Sandwiches
• Instant Pot Braised BBQ Short Rib Sandwich
• Simple Old Fashioned Bologna Salad Sandwiches by Julia’s Simply Southern

Happy Nesting!

Sharing is caring!