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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
18 reviews
5 comments
ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, chopped
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
12 ounces Coca-Cola
1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 tablespoon pre-ground black pepper (or to taste, use less if using fresh cracked)
8 hamburger buns
yellow mustard
pickles
directions
Brown the ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumbling the meat very fine as you cook it. 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 co*ke?
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.
nutrition data
176 calories, 12 grams fat, 6 grams carbohydrates, 10 grams protein per serving. This recipe is low in carbs.
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reviews & comments
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jorel1959 REVIEW:
July 17, 2021I 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!
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Bdoll60 REVIEW:
January 3, 2020Tastes great, simple and quick to make
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Guest Foodie March 31, 2019
All good exvept substitute the co*ke with the orginal sweeter that was used. That is rootbeer flavoring. UYou can purchase it online. The flavoring isnt expensive,the shipping is expensive.
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Ccp REVIEW:
February 16, 2017I think the pepper measurement was wrong it was way to hot. And the liquid never absorbed completely.
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Throb001 REVIEW:
October 22, 2016I use venison and this recipe, just add 1tbsp garlic and a beef bullion cube
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Guest Foodie October 27, 2013
Is one tablespoon pepper correct? I'm thinking 1 tsp?
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whippet REVIEW:
June 26, 2013Made 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?).
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Guest Foodie REVIEW:
March 24, 2013FANTASTIC!! Thank you for this recipe.
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Piedpipertm REVIEW:
May 27, 2012Made for the first time. Never had a loose meat sandwich will defiantly do again. The whole family loved them.
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Midwestern Girl REVIEW:
May 24, 2012Being 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!
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Guest Foodie REVIEW:
July 20, 2010Way toooo much pepper!!!!!!! Good,but hubby said it was not like heenjoyed at "Maid-Rite".
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ddooleyusa REVIEW:
April 22, 2010the onions do go on the buns thats the way it is done.
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cookingfun REVIEW:
December 28, 2009My family all enjoyed this loose meat sandwiches. I didn't need to add anything!
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Midwester REVIEW:
July 21, 2009This tastes just like I remembered! Loved maidrite when I used to live in the midwest.
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Scrooge Fan REVIEW:
March 30, 2009We have made these twice. I think they come very close to the real thing. This recipe is now one of my wife's favorites.
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jjsmom REVIEW:
January 19, 2009I 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!!
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Guest Foodie May 2, 2008
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.
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Iowa gal February 1, 2008
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!
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Guest Foodie January 31, 2008
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!
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MarjAZ REVIEW:
July 10, 2007The 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.
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MarjAZ REVIEW:
July 10, 2007It 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!
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khebel117 REVIEW:
January 5, 2005These 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.
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judil1313 REVIEW:
August 8, 2003These were ok, but not even close to the real "Maid-Rites."
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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