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Copycat Maid-Rite Loose Meat Sandwiches
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Maid-Rite is an iconic restaurant name in the midwest. Their loose meat sandwich is a favorite (that you can make at home with this highly rated recipe!)
serves/makes:
ready in:
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
18 reviews
5 comments
ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 can (12 ounce size) Coca-Cola
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon black pepper, or to taste
8 hamburger buns
yellow mustard, to taste
pickles, to taste
directions
Combine the ground beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring frequently and breaking up the beef, until the beef is cooked. The beef should be finely crumbled. Drain off any excess grease.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, cola, salt, and pepper. Mix well. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer. Cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes, stirring frequently until the liquid has cooked off. Alternately, you can cook this on low heat in the crock pot for 4 hours.
Serve the meat on buns with mustard and pickles and any other desired toppings.
recipe tips
For added flavor, saute the onions until caramelized before adding the ground beef.
Adjust the seasonings such as salt, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper to taste.
Use a ground beef with a higher fat content for a juicier and more flavorful sandwich.
Try different types of buns for the sandwich such as sesame seed, whole wheat, or brioche.
If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
Don't skimp on the pickles and mustard as they add acidity and tang to balance the richness of the meat.
common recipe questions
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef?
You can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef for a healthier version of the sandwich. You can also use plant-based "crumbles".
Can I use a different soda than Coke?
You can use any cola such as Pepsi or Dr Pepper. Just make sure to use regular, not diet. Diet cola can turn bitter when heated.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
You can prepare the meat mixture in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. It also freezes well for longer storage.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently before serving. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What else can I add to the sandwich?
Feel free to add additional toppings such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, onions, or any other condiments you prefer.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, instead of simmering on the stovetop, you can cook the meat mixture in a slow cooker on low for 3-4 hours.
tools needed
Large Skillet: For browning the ground beef and onions, as well as simmering the meat mixture until the liquid has cooked off.
Wooden Spoon: For crumbling the ground beef finely while cooking and stirring the mixture to ensure even cooking.
Measuring Spoons: To accurately measure the Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper for seasoning the meat mixture.
Serving Spoon: To easily transfer the cooked meat mixture onto the hamburger buns for serving.
Crock Pot (optional): If you choose to cook the meat mixture in a crock pot instead of on the stovetop, you'll need a crock pot for slow cooking the ingredients together.
what goes with it?
French Fries: the crispy saltiness of French fries will add a nice texture contrast to the soft meat filling of the sandwich. Plus, who doesn't love French fries as a sandwich side?
Cole Slaw: the cool and creamy texture of cole slaw is the perfect counterbalance to the warm and savory loose meat sandwich.
Onion Rings: the crunchy exterior and sweet onion interior of onion rings will provide a satisfying crunch to each bite of the sandwich.
Mac and Cheese: the rich and cheesy goodness of mac and cheese will add a comforting element to your meal.
beverage pairings
Wine Pairings
Zinfandel: Zinfandel's bold flavors of blackberry and plum can hold their own against the savory meatiness of this sandwich. Look for one with a bit of spice to bring out the flavors even more.
Gamay: A light-bodied red with bright berry notes, like a Gamay, can be a refreshing match with the simplicity of a Maid-Rite sandwich. It won't overwhelm the flavors, but will add a fruity touch that complements the savory component.
Chardonnay: If you're more of a white wine fan, a lightly oaked Chardonnay can provide a nice buttery counterpoint to the savory meat and onions. Look for one with a touch of citrus.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Dark Lager: The toasty, malty notes in a dark lager can play off the caramelized flavors of the meat and onions.
Rye Whiskey: The spicy kick of rye whiskey can stand up to the savory Worcestershire sauce and black pepper.
Dark 'n' Stormy: The sharp ginger beer and dark rum in a Dark 'n' Stormy can handle the bold flavors of this sandwich with ease.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Root Beer: A classic pairing with any sandwich, root beer's sweet and slightly herbal notes can complement the savory meat and onions in this Maid-Rite.
Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of iced tea can provide a clean, palate-cleansing break in between bites of your flavorful sandwich. Opt for a slightly sweetened version to bring out the richness of the meat.
Lemonade: The bright acidity and citrus flavors in a glass of lemonade can cut through the richness of the meat.
nutrition data
176 calories, 12 grams fat, 6 grams carbohydrates, 10 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.
Please note:
This is a copy cat recipe submitted to CDKitchen by a third-party. This recipe is not an original recipe unless specifically stated and is considered only to be an acceptable "clone" to the original for the home cook to attempt to duplicate. Please also note that many nationwide restaurant chains vary their menus and ingredients by region so the version provided may not be similar to what you may have tried before. All trademarks referenced are property of their respective owners.
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reviews & comments
July 17, 2021
I have been lookng for a copycat maid rite recipe that included Coca-Cola for years. As a young commercial food equipment service technician 30 years ago I was repairing the meat steam table at a maid rite store when I noticed a jug of Coca-Cola syrup on the bottom shelf of the steam table well out of public view I realized it was not close enough to be used at the soda fountain. This is the missing ingredient that most people do not see!
January 3, 2020
Tastes great, simple and quick to make
All good exvept substitute the Coke with the orginal sweeter that was used. That is rootbeer flavoring. U You can purchase it online. The flavoring isnt expensive,the shipping is expensive.
February 16, 2017
I think the pepper measurement was wrong it was way to hot. And the liquid never absorbed completely.
October 22, 2016
I use venison and this recipe, just add 1tbsp garlic and a beef bullion cube
Is one tablespoon pepper correct? I'm thinking 1 tsp?
June 26, 2013
Made this in the crock for a work party. Everyone thought it was incredible! I did cut down the pepper (which should probably be 1 teaspoon, not one tablespoon?).
March 24, 2013
FANTASTIC!! Thank you for this recipe.
May 27, 2012
Made for the first time. Never had a loose meat sandwich will defiantly do again. The whole family loved them.
May 24, 2012
Being from the midwest (Iowa), I have loved these sandwiches all my life. I didn't want relocating to NC to get in the way of my Maid-Rites. So since there are 0 places to get this sandwich, I make them myself, something I never did in IA. Great recipe. Kids and NC native-husband loves these!! Thanks!
July 20, 2010
Way toooo much pepper!!!!!!! Good, but hubby said it was not like he enjoyed at "Maid-Rite".
April 22, 2010
the onions do go on the buns thats the way it is done.
December 28, 2009
My family all enjoyed this loose meat sandwiches. I didn't need to add anything!
July 21, 2009
This tastes just like I remembered! Loved maidrite when I used to live in the midwest.
March 30, 2009
We have made these twice. I think they come very close to the real thing. This recipe is now one of my wife's favorites.
January 19, 2009
I worked at an original Maid Rite back in the 70's.This is the original recipe,EXCEPT-you do not add onions to the beef.An original is MEAT ONLY!You add the onions and other condiments on the bun!!
I have grown up eating at the original maid rite for 34 years in muscatine iowa. The original maid rite calls for root beer in the meat.
Anyone who has had an original Maid-Rite KNOWS you don't put ketchup on a Maid-Rite! That is almost sinful! Mustard and Chopped onions only!
Actually, I used to work in a real Maid-Rite. You use soy granuals(found at a health food store) and kitchen bouquet mixed w/water. Just brown the ground beef, drain, then add about 1/4 C. granuals and kitchen bouquet mixture to moisten. Don't forget the pepper!
July 10, 2007
The original Maid-Rite Sandwich never contained anything but 100% ground beef (the whole beef), salt, and optional ingredients were mustard, pickle, onion. I know because I grew up in Marshalltown, Iowa, the home of the second franchise ever.
July 10, 2007
It is refreshing to see a "real" clone of the famous Maid-Rite Sandwich. Having been born and raised in Marshalltown, Iowa, home of the second franchise, I know what a Maid-Rite really is! And some of the abominable recipes that people have come up with raise my shackles! Congratulations on keeping it pure and simple!
January 5, 2005
These were very good. I will definitely make them again, but it says that it takes 30 minutes to make. With browning the meat slowly and then cooking off the broth it was almost an hour. But worth it.
August 8, 2003
These were ok, but not even close to the real "Maid-Rites."