Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
Add Preferred SourceOne of the Midwest’s best-kept secrets is the Maid-Rite loose meat sandwich, and if you know, you know! I love this sandwich, it’s meaty, humble, and delicious. Unlike a typical burger, the loose meat sandwich is a juicy, savory delight that’s easy to make and incredibly satisfying. The best part is that you can make them at home easily with just a handful of ingredients!
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Maid-Rite is a chain of restaurants where the shining star is the loose meat sandwich. What’s a loose meat sandwich? It’s kind of like a sloppy joe without the slop. It’s drier, and when served with pickles and onions, it’s delish.
It’s a regional favorite and while there are a million ways to make a loose meat sandwich, this Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich is pretty much spot-on. Top it however you like: with mustard, ketchup, pickles or onions. I like it simple with just some good tangy pickles.
Ingredients
- Ground beef – I like using 80/20 because it has enough fat to stay juicy while still breaking down into that classic loose, tender texture.
- Beef broth – Use low-sodium so you can control the seasoning as the meat cooks down.
- Worcestershire sauce – Stick with the real stuff here; a little goes a long way, so measure lightly.
- Mustard powder – Dry mustard is packed with much more flavor than prepared mustard. It’s the secret ingredient to loose meat sandwiches.
- Maggi sauce – Optional, but I use it when I want deeper savory flavor without adding more salt.
- Garlic powder – Use garlic powder, not garlic salt, or the mixture will end up too salty.
- Onion powder – I prefer onion powder over fresh here so the mixture stays soft and uniform.
- Bakery fresh buns – Soft buns work best; anything too crusty will fight the filling instead of holding it.
- Dill pickles – These go right on top of the sandwich, or swap in any other desired toppings.
How To Make Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwiches
Scroll down for the full recipe card with exact measurements and printable instructions.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and crumbly. Drain off all but about 1 tablespoon of the fat.
Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, Maggi Sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the meat is tender and juicy, about 10–15 minutes.
While the meat simmers, lightly toast the bakery-fresh buns in a skillet or under the broiler until just golden.
Spoon the loose meat onto the bottom halves of the buns, add dill pickles or desired toppings, and finish with the top buns. Serve hot.
Chef Jenn’sTips
- Using 80/20 ground beef ensures a good balance of flavor and moisture.
- Feel free to add your favorite toppings like cheese, onions, or ketchup for extra flavor.
Make It A Meal
Pair your Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich with classic sides like crispy french fries or fresh coleslaw. For a refreshing drink, a cold glass of iced tea or lemonade complements the savory sandwich beautifully. This meal is perfect for a casual lunch or dinner that everyone will love.
Storage
Store any leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth if needed to keep it moist. For longer storage, freeze the meat mixture in individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwich
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef I like using 80/20 for flavor and fat I like using 80/20 for flavor and fat
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon Maggi sauce optional but adds so much flavor and umami
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 4 bakery fresh buns
- dill pickles
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat.
- Stir in the beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, mustard powder, Maggi Sauce, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Simmer the mixture over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the meat is tender.
- Toast the bakery fresh buns in a separate pan or under the broiler until lightly browned.
- Spoon the loose meat mixture onto the bottom half of each toasted bun.
- Top with dill pickles or your favorite toppings and place the other half of the bun on top.
- Dig in!
Notes
Tried-And-True Tips
- Using 80/20 ground beef ensures a good balance of flavor and moisture.
- Feel free to add your favorite toppings like cheese, onions, or ketchup for extra flavor.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.
Hi Heather,
Looks good. Going to make it soon. I seem to have missed when the broth goes in. I assume it’s with the meat or with the other seasonings. sorry if I missed it.
I’ve updated it to make it more clear. Hope that helps! Happy cooking!
Hi. May I ask how to make Maggi sauce?
Thank you
I’m not sure you can make Maggi Sauce – at least I don’t know how. You can buy it in a grocery store near where you’d find the boxed/canned broth. You can also just omit it.
Happy cooking!
~Jenn
Maggi® Seasoning Sauce
6.7 fl ozUPC: 0002800011154
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This looks like the maid rite I had as a kid. Can’t get one in California Thank you.
Exactly! Yummo! ~Jenn