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Loose Meat Sandwich

Loose Meat Sandwich Recipe

  • Author: David Andersson
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 sandwiches 1x

Description

A loose meat sandwich is a unique style of American sandwich made from crumbled ground beef that is slow-simmered with onions, spices, and a savory broth mixture rather than bound together into a patty or drenched in a thick tomato sauce. The meat is broken down into fine, delicate pieces during the cooking process, absorbing seasonings like Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and paprika directly into the beef.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ lbs (680 g) ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ cup (120 ml) beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 6 hamburger buns
  • 2 tablespoons butter, for toasting buns

Optional toppings:

  • Sliced cheddar cheese
  • Pickles
  • Diced onions
  • Mustard
  • Ketchup

Instructions

  1. Cook the beef:
    Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until browned and finely crumbled.
  2. Add the aromatics:
    Add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened.
  3. Season the meat:
    Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, brown sugar, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  4. Simmer:
    Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 7–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated and the meat is moist but not watery.
  5. Toast the buns:
    Butter the cut sides of the hamburger buns and toast them in a skillet until lightly golden.
  6. Assemble:
    Spoon the hot loose meat mixture generously onto the toasted buns. Add cheese, pickles, onions, mustard, or ketchup as desired.
  7. Serve:
    Serve immediately with French fries, potato chips, coleslaw, or a simple salad.

Notes

  • Use lean ground beef for a less greasy sandwich.
  • Break the beef into very small crumbles for the classic loose-meat texture.
  • Adjust the mustard, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce to suit your taste.
  • For extra flavor, top with cheddar cheese, pickles, or sautéed onions.
  • Serve immediately on toasted buns for the best texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 sandwich
  • Calories: 450 kcal

Keywords: Maid-Rite Sandwich, Tavern Sandwich, Midwestern Loose Meat Bake, Loose Meat Burger

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Find it online: https://recipesmaria.com/loose-meat-sandwich-recipe/