Loose Meat Sandwiches are something very personal to me. I know most people don't want to read the whole life story of the blogger to get a recipe. But suffer through this one with me if you would!
Jump to:
My Grandpa and I spent a lot of time together as a kid, creating so many great memories. One of my most frequent and best memories was him taking me to Tastee Inn and Out in Lincoln, NE. 'Tastee's,' as we called it, offered loose meat sandwiches, onion chips, and a special dip for said chips. I've been making this Tastee Copycat Recipe at least once a year since 2008, when I left Nebraska.
Even in the late '80s, as you approached the Tastee Inn on N. 48th Street in Lincoln, you felt like a time traveler going back to the 50s. The drive-thru was a bit quirky, allowing the driver to place the order, but as you pulled around, the passenger would receive the grease-soaked bag of sandwiches, a bucket of onion chips, and small Styrofoam containers of dip. With no option for indoor dining, the drive-thru was the only option.
My Grandpa would jokingly ask as we pulled up to the 1950s drive-in style speaker, "You want a six-pack, Jerm?". Of Course, much like my answer would be to this day, "YES...PLEASE!"
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Loose meat sandwiches are quick, easy, and inexpensive to make. They're great when feeding a hungry crowd or needing something easy for a few days worth of meals. Not to mention, they're so good and not overly filling.
The sauce typically uses ketchup, mustard, Water, salt, and pepper. Each recipe will have a couple of extras that may or may not be noticeable in the finished product.
Also, don't forget the Tastee copycat deep-fried onion chips for your side!
History of a Midwest Classic
Despite growing up in a neighboring state, it wasn't until I researched the history of loose meat sandwiches that I learned these nostalgic handhelds are an Iowa staple.
The first Maid-Rite restaurant was opened in 1926 by Muscatine, Iowan butcher Fred Angell.
According to the Maid-Rite website, Fred was perfecting a mixture for this sandwich in his off time. He offered one to a delivery man who responded by saying, "This sandwich is made right." and a tradition was born.
It wasn't until 1955 that the first Tastee Inn & Out opened its doors. This was the first fast food-style restaurant to hit Sioux City, Iowa, and was opened by Vincent and Marie Calligan. Check out their full story on their website!
Despite having the same name, I have yet to find any correlating stories between the location in Lincoln, NE, and Sioux City, IA. I would love to learn more about this, and as I do, I will keep this post updated.
Loose Meat Sandwiches had a moment of pop culture fame when Rosanne and her sister Jackie opened the 'Lanford Lunch Box' in Rosanne. Read the full history of the fictitious restaurant by reading this full article from Fandom.
Loose Meat Sandwiches Today
If you're ever traveling through the heartland, I highly recommend stopping to take part in the history. Below is a list of restaurants still serving this Midwest classic.
Maid-Rite - With thirty-two locations spanning five states, you shouldn't have a hard time finding one! Especially in their home state of Iowa, consisting of twenty-one locations.
Tastee Inn & Out - The original location for this restaurant still stands in full operation in Sioux City, IA.
Canteen Lunch in the Alley - Located in Ottumwa, IA. This restaurant also features the classically made Loose Meat Sandwich.
Loosies - Loosies seems to get excellent reviews and is located in Cedar Rapids, IA.
The Tastee Trailer - The Tastee Trailer is located in Nebraska and serves Lincoln and Omaha. Check out their Facebook page to find out where they're set up when you're in town!
Ingredients
Meat: Some regular 80/20 Ground Beef will do fine for this recipe.
Vegetables: A yellow Onion is all you'll need.
Liquids: The liquids are important, and you'll need Water, Ketchup, Mustard, Creamy Horseradish, and Worcestershire Sauce.
Herbs and Spices: Nothing more than some Kosher Salt, Ground Black Pepper, is necessary. (see: Expert Tips)
See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a large stockpot over medium heat, begin by browning the ground beef, breaking it into sections, and immediately stirring to break up the meat.
Step 2: Add the minced onions to the ground beef, stirring to fully combine.
Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the other ingredients to form a sauce.
Step 4: Pour the mixture over the cooking meat. Mix it all together and bring it to a boil, continuously stirring to ensure all the meat cooks down.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes.
Expert Tips
- I recommend using 80/20 beef as there is a higher fat content, helping break down the meat further to the fine texture of a classic loose meat sandwich.
- Don't get fancy with the buns here. The cheaper regular small hamburger buns are perfect.
- For a classic Tastees Loose Meat Sandwich, garnish the sandwich with two swirls of mustard and three pickles before serving.
- If you're serving the Tastee onion chips, whip up some of this Tastee Onion Chip Dip as well!
- When cooking for a crowd, transfer the meat mixture to a slow cooker and set it to low, or warm and set up a loose meat sandwich bar.
- To serve, using a slotted spoon, scoop out the meat, pressing it against the side of the pot to release extra juice, and place the scoop on a hamburger bun. Top with a couple of swirls of mustard and a few dill pickle chips.
Recipe FAQs
A loose meat sandwich has many names, including Tastee, Maid-rite, Tavern, Steamer, and Nu-Way sandwiches. No matter what you call them, they're all very similar in recipes—made of ground beef steamed and simmered down with finely diced onion and a 'sauce.'
The biggest difference between a Sloppy Joe and a Loose Meat Sandwich is that the sauce isn't tomato-based or 'saucy' like a sloppy joe and is cooked into the meat, which becomes a very fine texture.
Loose meat sandwiches are called by many different names depending on where in the Midwest you're from. These names include a Tastee, Nu-way, Steamer, Maid-Rite, and Tavern Sandwich.
The most well-known loose meat sandwich from Iowa is the Maid-Rite. However, Iowa is also home to the Tastee loose meat sandwich.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you made this Tastee Loose Meat Sandwich recipe or any other of my recipes, please leave a Star Rating and let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Don't forget to tag @chickenfriedkitchen on Instagram, Subscribe on YouTube, and Follow on Pinterest and Facebook! I'll see you there!
📖 Recipe
Loose Meat Sandwiches (Tastee Copycat Recipe)
Ingredients
- 4 ½ Lb Ground Beef, 80/20
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion, diced
- 1 Cup Water
- ¾ Cups Ketchup
- 2 tablespoon Yellow Mustard
- 1 tablespoon Creamy Horseradish
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
- In a large stockpot over medium heat begin by sautéing onion for about 10 minutes or until turning translucent.
- Next, add the ground beef breaking it into sections and immediately begin stirring to break up the meat.
- Now, in a mixing bowl, combine all of the other ingredients mixing well to form a 'sauce' and pour the mixture over the cooking meat. Mix it all together and bring to a boil continuously stirring to ensure all the beef cooks down.
- Reduce heat low, cover and simmer for about 30 minutes.
Video
Notes
- I recommend using 80/20 beef as there is a higher fat content, helping break down the meat further to the fine texture of a classic loose meat sandwich.
- Don't get fancy with the buns here. The cheaper regular small hamburger buns are perfect.
- For a classic Tastees Loose Meat Sandwich, garnish the sandwich with two swirls of mustard and three pickles before serving.
- If you're serving the Tastee onion chips, whip up some of this Tastee Onion Chip Dip as well!
Troy Lara says
I grew up in Sioux City and loved Tastee in and out. The drive through window was on the passenger side of the car which is funny to think back on. It was a weekly meal growing up!
Jeremy says
Hey Troy! Thanks for visiting and taking the time to leave a comment. I always thought it was so strange that the drive-through was on the passenger side. But in retrospect, it worked out well for me seeing as that's where I was sitting!
Rickie Keane says
Thanks for the trip down memory lane. I grew up in Lincoln, University Place, from age 2 to 35, we ate at Tastee regularly, even when I married and moved across town. My wife grew up on Ogallala, Ne, western side of the state. He loose meat restaurant was 'Maid-Rite'. After we moved to Texas, all of our trips back to Lincoln or Ogallala ALWAYS included a trip to Tastee or Maid-Rite. I've made loose meat sandwiches today but didn't add the wet ingredients. Definitely will make now.
The store in Lincoln does have dine-in. The orders would be sent to kitchen by way of a tube system. I did buy a Tastee In & Out t-shirt on our last trip to Lincoln before it closed and leveled. Great memories. Wife and I discovered a small diner in Mansfield, Tx that not only sold Maid-Rite sandwiches but also Godfathers Pizza. The last Godfathers Pizza I found was in Memphis, Tn about 25 years ago.
Jeremy says
Hey Rickie! Thank you so much for taking the time to read the Tastee Sandwich post and I appreciate you letting me know about the dine in option. I guys we just never went in! I'll be sure to add that in! I absolutely LOVED Godfathers so this is great to know and will be worth a trip to Mansfield. Thanks again and I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Larry B. says
I have always loved Tastee In and Out food my whole life, but my favorite sandwich from tastee is the tastee pups. To me there is nothing better.
Jeremy says
I have never had a Tastee Pup but I can imagine they are delicious! I'll try making one and see how it turns out!