ByDonna Elick
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Use ourMaid Rite recipeto create a loose meat sandwich that tastes just like the restaurant original! Each ground beef sandwich may look like a sloppy joe, but it tastes nothing like one. The flavor issomuch better, and with our recipe, you can make them at home!!
This loose meat sandwich recipe may seem simple, but trust me — there’s something special about these sandwiches. They’re easy to make and irresistibly scrumptious!
There’s nothing like homemade maid-rite sandwiches. That brown ground beef, in between soft hamburger buns, will dill pickle slices…so good!
This recipe is perfect for busy nights and a great way to bring a fun and unique flavor to your kitchen.
Maid Rite Recipe
If you live in the Midwest, you may already be familiar with Iowa’s famousMaid-Rite restaurantfranchise.
They’re best known for their loose meat sandwich — perfectly seasoned ground beef served on a warm, slightly sweet bun with pickles and diced onion.
My husband and his family grew up enjoying the Maid Rite sandwich, so I wanted to create a homemade version.
After a lot of trial and error, I came up with this crockpot loose meat sandwich recipe. Trust me, this one is a keeper!!
For a delicious twist on a ground beef sandwich, make a batch ofburger bombs.They’re made with frozen dinner roll dough — the perfect game-day food!
You can also cut down on some of the fat content of this loose ground beef recipe, and use lean ground beef, ground turkey, or even ground chicken.
All will create a great recipe that will pair perfectly with your favorite buns.
How to Make a Maid Rite Sandwich
At the restaurant, the ground beef is prepared in very large pots. But for this recipe, you’ll be using a crock pot.
RECIPE VIDEO
Watch the video in this post to see us make this Maid Rite recipe from start to finish!
- Slow cook the ground beef.
Combine all of the ingredients in a slow cooker, then cover and cook on High for 1 hour.
Remove the lid, then continue cooking for 2-3 hours, or until most of the liquid is gone.
- Assemble the sandwich.
The classic Maid Rite sandwich is served on a steamed bun. If you have a steamer, you can use that. Otherwise, warm or toast the buns.
Scoop the seasoned ground beef onto the bread.Use a slotted spoon, otherwise the liquid will make the buns too soggy.
- Add your favorite toppings.
At Maid-Rite, you can order a “Cheese-Rite,” which is the original loose meat sandwich topped with cheddar cheese, onion, and pickles.
Other popular toppings at the restaurant are jalapenos,BBQ sauce, andcheddar cheese sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Maid Rite recipe with any of your favorite cookout or picnic side dishes.
You can’t go wrong with a side of corn (which Iowa is also famous for) or a side ofFrench fries.
If you’re feeding a crowd, skip the fries and whip up somepotato saladorcrockpot baked beans with baconinstead.
Loose Meat Sandwich Recipe FAQ
What is the difference between a Sloppy Joe and a loose meat sandwich?
While both are made with seasoned ground beef,Sloppy Joesfeature a rich tomato-based sauce.
The meat mixture is slightly sweet and often enjoyed without additional toppings.
Loose meat sandwiches like Maid Rites, on the other hand, have no sauce at all. The meat has a bold beefy flavor, and the sandwich comes with pickles and diced onion on top.
Can I add other toppings for a fun twist?
You should totally add your favorite burger toppings! I’ll sometimes add a slice of American cheese, and extra dill pickle chips to mine, because why not? The more toppings means that you’re adding tons of flavor.
A slice of cheese might not be typical of the Maid Rite name, but that’s fine—it’s your recipe. You can also change up this copycat recipe by adding diced yellow or white onions, soy sauce or yellow mustard, or sweet pickles instead of dill pickles—the sky is the limit.
How do you reheat Maid Rite sandwiches?
Allow the meat to cool, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. I don’t recommend storing the assembled sandwiches, because the buns will become soggy.
Reheat the meat in the microwave or in a pot on the stovetop, adding a splash of liquid as needed to keep the meat moist.
Prep Ahead Instructions
This Maid Rite recipe is perfect for meal prep! Toss everything in the crockpot and let it cook for a few hours while you go about your day.
If needed, you could also cook the meat ahead of time and reheat it later. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Easy Crockpot Sandwich Recipes
Maid Rite Recipe Loose Meat Sandwiches + Video
Donna Elick
Use our Maid Rite recipe to create a loose meat sandwich that tastes just like the restaurant original! Maid Rites are a childhood favorite.
5 stars from 8 reviews
Tried this recipe?Please comment and review!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 4 hours hrs
Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
Course Main
Cuisine American
Method Slow Cooker
Servings 8
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onion
- 1 teaspoon low sodium beef base, or a bouillon cube
- 1 teaspoon low sodium chicken base, or a bouillon cube
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 3 pounds lean ground beef
For Serving
- 8 hamburger buns
Optional Toppings
- cheese
- pickles
- diced onion
- ketchup
Instructions
Set slow cooker to high. Add all ingredients except ground beef and stir to combine. Add beef and stir again; be sure beef is completely coated.
Cover slow cooker and cook for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to break up ground beef.
After 1 hour of cook time, remove lid and continue cooking on high for 2 ½ – 3 hours, until most of the liquid has cooked off. Continue to stir occasionally and break up any chunks of beef.
Using a slotted spoon, serve a heaping spoonful on a warm bun and load it up with your favorite toppings. We love cheese, ketchup and pickles!
Serve and enjoy!
Video
Donna’s Notes
- To make this recipe JUST like the Maid Rite restaurant does, steam the hamburger buns before you load them up with loose meat.
Nutrition
Serving: 1sandwich | Calories: 373cal | Carbohydrates: 26g | Protein: 41g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 106mg | Sodium: 574mg | Sugar: 7g | Fiber: 1g | Calcium: 88mg | Iron: 6mg
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Originally published April 2014, updated and republished June 2024
Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate linkyour price will remain the sameand The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it allows us to keep creating new recipes.
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