These classic Midwestern loose meat sandwiches simmer in a savory sauce made from spices, beef consomme, and Worcestershire sauce. They’re affordable, quick, and simple to prepare — a tasty sandwich with the charm of small-town Americana.
In the Midwest, loose meat sandwiches are a local favorite. Throughout Missouri you’ll find small, independent burger stands with devoted regulars, some of whom return for generations. If you haven’t tried a loose meat sandwich picked up at the walk-up window on a warm spring day, you’re missing a slice of regional culinary culture.
Today’s recipe is a copycat of our favorite loose meat sandwich from a beloved local spot, Burger Bar & DariMaid in Carrollton, Missouri. My husband’s family calls them “Juicy Burgers.” They’re so popular with our relatives that his grandmother arranges to get the mix and serves them to our extended family at gatherings throughout the year.
After several rounds of testing, I’m excited to share what my husband says is the closest copycat we’ve made. Traditional loose meat sandwiches can be very loose — the filling sometimes spills from the bun — so I developed a version where the meat simmers in a light sauce that helps it hold together while still staying tender and juicy.
This skillet meal is fast and satisfying. I like mine piled high with dill pickles, chopped onions, and plenty of ketchup.
You might also enjoy these quick and easy weeknight dinners:
- Easiest Instant Pot Beef and Noodles Ever
- Cajun Sausage Alfredo
- Italian Sloppy Joes
- Hamburger Macaroni Soup
- Chili Dog Pizza
Juicy Burgers — A Midwestern Loose Meat Sandwich Recipe
Print
Rate
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 tablespoon minced dried onion
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 Tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 10.5 oz can beef consomme
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
-
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with the minced dried onion, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, mustard powder, and paprika. Break the meat up as it browns so it cooks evenly.
-
Stir the flour into the cooked beef until it is fully incorporated and there are no visible dry lumps.
-
Add the beef consomme and Worcestershire sauce, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for several minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
-
Serve the seasoned beef on hamburger buns or hot dog buns. Top with dill pickles, chopped onions, and ketchup if you like.
Please leave a review or a photo — I’d love to hear your feedback!
Pin it for later!
Accidental Happy Baker participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases on Amazon.com at no additional cost to you.