When I think of comfort food that reminds me of small-town diners and family gatherings, Maid Rites instantly comes to mind. The savory, crumbled beef, perfectly seasoned and piled high on a soft bun, is the epitome of Midwest nostalgia.
The simplicity of the ingredients—ground beef, onions, and a few pantry staples—comes together to create a sandwich that is both humble and incredibly satisfying. I remember the first time I tried a Maid-Rite at a local diner while on a road trip through Iowa, and I was hooked. The warm, peppery aroma of the beef as it cooked was irresistible, and that first bite, with the soft bun soaking up the flavors, was pure bliss.
One thing that really sets this recipe apart is the unique texture of the meat—it’s crumbled, not formed into a patty, which allows every bite to be a little different. The secret to getting the crumbles just right is slow-cooking the beef over low heat. It might take a little extra time, but the result is so worth it.
Pairing these sandwiches with something tangy, like pink pickled onions, adds a fresh, zesty contrast to the richness of the beef, making it a meal you’ll want to come back to again and again.
This is comfort food at its finest.
Maid-Rites Recipe
Equipment
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Large skillet
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1 chopped onion
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tsp repared yellow mustard
- 16 hamburger buns warmed
- ¾ cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp distilled white vinegar
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef and onion.
- Cook, stirring, until the beef is browned and fully cooked.
- Drain off any excess grease.
- Mix in the ketchup, brown sugar, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, and salt.
- Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it cook for an additional 20 minutes.
- Serve on warm buns.
Notes
- Brioche buns work well for a softer, richer sandwich.
Nutrition | Value |
---|---|
Calories | 244 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 27 g |
Protein | 13 g |
Vitamin C | 2 mg |
Iron | 3 mg |
Sugar | 5 g |
Calcium | 71 mg |