Classic American Delight: Midwest Loose Meats

4 stars
3.81 (18)
Classic American Delight: Midwest Loose Meats
Prep Time:
10 mins
Cook Time:
30 mins
Total Time:
40mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on October 25, 2023

If you've ever visited the American Midwest, you've probably come across the iconic Midwest Loose Meats sandwich. This simple yet delicious dish is made with seasoned ground beef served on a plain hamburger bun. It's commonly referred to as a 'sloppy joe' without the tomato sauce. The unique texture and flavor of the loose meat make it a favorite amongst locals. Now you can recreate this classic American delight in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 8 hamburger buns

Directions

  1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Continue cooking until the onions are translucent.
  3. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
  4. Pour the beef broth into the skillet and simmer the mixture for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced and the meat is tender.
  5. Serve the loose meat mixture on hamburger buns and enjoy!

Interesting Facts

  • The loose meat sandwich was popularized by the famous Maid-Rite diner chain in the 1920s.
  • The loose meat sandwich is often served with pickles, onions, and mustard for extra flavor and crunch.
  • While this recipe uses ground beef, you can also make loose meat sandwiches with ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian substitutes.
  • In Iowa, loose meat sandwiches are known as 'taverns' and are a staple in many small-town diners.