A Sandwich By Any Other Name

March 14, 2018
A Sandwich By Any Other Name - If you don't think a ground beef sandwich can be delicious, one bite of this simple, savory Iowa classic will definitely change your mind

Friends, I know it’s March, and mid-March at that; technically almost Spring …

A Sandwich By Any Other Name - If you don't think a ground beef sandwich can be delicious, one bite of this simple, savory Iowa classic will definitely change your mind A Sandwich By Any Other Name - If you don't think a ground beef sandwich can be delicious, one bite of this simple, savory Iowa classic will definitely change your mind

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So I probably shouldn’t be writing about comfort food such as a Maid-Rite.  But tomorrow is going to be sixty degrees outside, and anyway, a Loose Meat SandwichWith yellow mustardAnd picklesAnd lots of ketchup.

It's never the wrong season for that; is it?  I hope not

— — —

Last week we (or as my husband would say, I) got a wild hair.  A house just down the street was on the market.  The one with the beautiful new kitchen, and the hardwood floors, and the open floor plan, and lots of natural light, and only a little patch of grass to mow.  We wouldn't have to leave our friends and neighbors we love

Maybe we should take a look?

So we went to scout it out, and of course, I decided it was the one for me.  Then we came home, looked at ours, and realized nothing about it was ready to be sold.  So we embarked on a ten-day cleaning/painting/de-cluttering/de-cobwebbing project.  It was more than a little tiring, as you can imagine

A Sandwich By Any Other Name - If you don't think a ground beef sandwich can be delicious, one bite of this simple, savory Iowa classic will definitely change your mind A Sandwich By Any Other Name - If you don't think a ground beef sandwich can be delicious, one bite of this simple, savory Iowa classic will definitely change your mind

It went a little something like this

Start by painting the room you've been wanting to tackle, but never mustered the energy.  Realize the kitty walked across the opened paint can lid, and down the hall toward the living room.  Clean it up the best you can.  Stretch the rug across the rest

Return to your task.  Bang the ladder on your toe as you maneuver it to get the very last spot on the very last wall

Feel both triumphant and defeated.  Take a shower.  Apply a bathrobe and an ice pack.  Drink a tall glass of kombucha

Now, attempt dinner without falling. Not because of your black and blue toe, but because you spruced up the kitchen cabinets with furniture polish the day before.  When you did, there was more fallout than you realized, leaving the floor with the traction properties of black ice

Feel your way along the countertops until you reach the sofa.  Fall asleep

De-clutter.  While doing so, realize you should get rid of the cobwebs on the ceiling with your new duster.  Begin right away.  Stop after just a few minutes.  Carefully (this time) maneuver the ladder to stand on and begin removing cottony duster bits from your ceiling and light fixtures

De-clutter some more

Repeat the de-cluttering process for three days. More, as needed

Avoid de-cluttering, dusting, painting, or doing anything else you are supposed to be doing.  Stare into the middle distance

Take out your cast iron skillet, brown some hamburger and eat it with an unconscionable amount of mustard and ketchup.  Around two in the afternoon, notice that life has provided you with a spotless and west-ward facing window on a beautifully sunny afternoon. In other words, picture taking utopia

A Sandwich By Any Other Name - If you don't think a ground beef sandwich can be delicious, one bite of this simple, savory Iowa classic will definitely change your mind

We didn't get the house.  (Which is just fine)

Above all else, I love my husband extra because he never complains and quite honestly, all-in-all it was a pretty great week. When it was over, we snuck little bottles of bubbly and some chocolate into my bag and went to the movies.  We played a game or two of Scrabble and listened to old Willie Nelson

Needless to say, with my cleaning out of the way, I feel a very fine Spring coming on

— —

But let me tell you about the loose meat sandwich. A simple affair, really, of steamed ground beef topped with mustard, pickles, and onions. Always served on a soft white hamburger bun

They're staples at potlucks, fund-raising suppers, sleep-overs, school lunch menus, and are on the menu at nearly every cafe and dive-bar in the state. Some might even go so far as saying you're not a central-Iowan unless you've eaten a Maid-Rite (named after the Maid-Rite chain that made the sandwich famous)

You might even know them by a few of their aliases: a Tavern, Steamers, Big T, Tastee, Charlie Boy

Whatever you do, don't try to eat one on the fly. With loose pebbles of beef falling out of the bun with every bite, eating one requires hunkering down over a table, often with a spoon, to ensure you won't miss any of the good stuff

“Whatever you call it, loosemeats is similar to sloppy Joe: ground beef that is cooked loose – unpattied – and seasoned and drained but sauceless. Compared to a hamburger it does have a scattered character, and yet the pebbly beef can hold together nearly as well as sticky rice when gathered up with an ice cream scoop and positioned on the bottom half of a burger bun. It is customarily dressed with pickle, mustard, and a slice of cheese – a remix of the cheeseburger with fragmented harmony. It is a food spoken of with singular/plural ambivalence. Usually, one sandwich is a loosemeats; a batch in the kitchen or a bowlful without the bun are loosemeats”   ~ Road Food

A few notes about the recipe

I wouldn't use any ground beef leaner than 85% as your sandwich will be too dry

Traditionally the hamburger buns are steamed. Therefore, I like to save the bag the buns came in, and after I assemble my sandwich part-way, I'll put it back in the bun bag to steam for a minute or two. Then I'll take it back out and add the rest of my meat and pickles

If you're someone who likes to make changes to recipes, by all means. But promise you'll make the original recipe at least once?

Enjoy!

xoxo

(ps:   Taylor's Maid-Rite in Marshalltown, Iowa will ship frozen Maid-Rites anywhere in the country)

— — —

~ Adapted from Cook's Illustrated All-Time Best Takeout Recipes

A Sandwich By Any Other Name

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • ¼ cup water + more if the meat seems too dry
  • 1 Tbsp yellow mustard + extra for serving
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pepper
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 4 soft white hamburger buns (or any of your choice, especially if you're gluten-free)
  • sliced dill pickles

Instructions

  • In a skillet over medium heat, add the beef.
  • Break up the ground beef in the skillet as it cooks. (This is very important because you'll want the meat to be cooked into small crumbles)
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, stirring frequently, until the meat is no longer pink
  • Add water (if needed), mustard, salt, and pepper. Simmer a few more minutes until the mustard is incorporated
  • Stir in the onion, cover, and remove from the heat
  • Spread extra mustard on the bottoms of the buns, before using a slotted spoon to mound the beef over top
  • Cap with pickles and bun tops
Serves: 4
Nutrition + Show
Rating:
Calories 406
Total Fat 18.2g
Saturated Fat 6.6g
Carbohydrates 24.4g
Fiber 1.4g
Sugars 4.4g
Protein 34.1g
Print This Recipe

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117 Comments

  • Reply Alli Smith March 14, 2018 at 5:31 am

    5 stars
    You may not have the new-to-you house, but at least you got the spring cleaning out of the way – motivation at its finest. Maybe I need to go look at a new house to get a little motivation. Oh, and the sandwich looks divine.

  • Reply Rosemary Palmer March 14, 2018 at 6:12 am

    It’s funny how when you do one project, it leads to many. I’m repainting my dining room and when I took down my blinds, they looked too dingy and not white, so now new blinds too.

    Sandwich sounds easy and can be taken in so many directions.

  • Reply Robin March 14, 2018 at 6:25 am

    That sounds like an awesome sandwich, although I am quite certain that more of it would end up on my lap than in my mouth LOL. I can’t wait to make these for my fam!

  • Reply Candy March 14, 2018 at 6:25 am

    Making a maid rite or a loose meat sandwich whichever you call this sandwich is always a winner. Everyone can put what topping they want on their bun. It is kinda messy so bring out the napkins.

  • Reply Kim March 14, 2018 at 7:15 am

    5 stars
    That looks like a great sandwich for the snow days we have been having here. It’s like a sloppy Joe without the sauce and it looks so yummy.

  • Reply AJ March 14, 2018 at 7:47 am

    We love meat sandwiches around here! This one looks really great- always a winner in our house. And we just moved..so in the process of unpacking now..I swear there is always decluttering that needs to be done. Some of the things we brought with us I’m like, really? WHY do we even need this? LOL!

  • Reply Jeanette March 14, 2018 at 8:11 am

    Cleaning my house is definitely something high on my list right now. My problem is I would continue to lose my foot over and over again because I’m a klutz LOL. I like the idea of just sitting back and drinking wine I would take out the middleman and skip the whole decluttering and going straight to the wine LOL.

  • Reply Joanna March 14, 2018 at 9:12 am

    I love looking at houses on the market. I tend to stick to browsing photos online, and then feeling horrible about my own house. I look around and see clutter, etc. Then I declutter, paint, etc. It’s a vicious cycle. Anyway….this sandwich sounds simple, and perfect for those busy night!

  • Reply Jenn March 14, 2018 at 11:55 am

    5 stars
    I have a recipe for a sandwich very similar to this one. I have been making it for my family for years, and it is always a hit. The kids love it as well as the adults. We enjoy it year round too. I’m not crazy about the yellow mustard but for my husband, it is a must. When I think of it, it brings back some fun family memories of laughing around the table.

  • Reply Ann F. Snook-Moreau March 14, 2018 at 2:08 pm

    5 stars
    My mom used to make something like this but mixed ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce into the meat. I also experienced a similar cleaning and organizing frenzy last August when I randomly decided I wanted to move into a new apartment. My hubby and I had to do everything super fast because we were leaving for our honeymoon and moving just days after getting back!

  • Reply Jenn March 14, 2018 at 3:50 pm

    5 stars
    What an amazing and simple recipe!! I always have ground beef on hand but always make the same thing. This is something new I can try. To me , it isn’t a sloppy Joe. Those are messier with gravy

  • Reply Rebecca March 14, 2018 at 4:03 pm

    We’ve been decluttering a lot recently, and it has been so therapeutic! So completely agree there. The recipe looks so good too 🙂

  • Reply Joanna Bayford March 14, 2018 at 4:58 pm

    5 stars
    I reallg need to get our flat cleaned and decluttered i keep putting it off though! Oh that’s one delicious sounding sandwich!

  • Reply Censie Sawyer March 14, 2018 at 6:16 pm

    Spring cleaning time might be my favorite time! We have lived in our house for over 10 years so we have a ton to go through. I have BIG goals this year! ha!

  • Reply Lisa March 14, 2018 at 6:21 pm

    I have never had a Maid-Rite sandwich before. I’ve heard them called loose meat but I never knew it was just browned hamburger.

  • Reply Monica Y March 14, 2018 at 6:28 pm

    5 stars
    10 day cleaning? That must have been amazing. I want to deep clean the house too. I need to declutter, I feel I keep “collecting” things.
    I love the recipe and it looks so easy to make. I think I will try it for our next movie night. I always love reading your stories. Great storyteller.

  • Reply Rebecca LeVander March 14, 2018 at 7:14 pm

    5 stars
    The last time we moved, I left a load of clothes in the dryer. I spent weeks wondering where in the world I’d put my favorite jeans before I thought about going back to look for them. The house was vacant, but wouldn’t that have been awkward with a new homeowner? “How are you guys liking the new house? I think you’re wearing my jeans.”

  • Reply Karen Morse March 14, 2018 at 8:12 pm

    5 stars
    A lovely recipe to try, without a doubt. Especially if you’re feeling like giving yourself a treat for all the stress that came through during the week. This is definitely something that I’ll make! I’m sorry about the house, maybe it isn’t the one, maybe another one will come by and you’ll love it even more.

  • Reply Sara Welch March 14, 2018 at 8:49 pm

    5 stars
    Oh baby these looks really great! My kids would eat this up with me.

  • Reply Kita Bryant March 14, 2018 at 8:50 pm

    5 stars
    I am so ready to get the cleaning going on. These sandwiches are great for the breaks!

  • Reply Jhilmil Bhansali March 15, 2018 at 12:23 am

    5 stars
    So I too feel scattered the same as we plan to change our house which has better natural light than our current ones. Basically, we need more space, but this house hunting has taken lots n lots of energy out of me. This simple sandwich looks great to eat with a small glass of mojito for me.

  • Reply Rhian Westbury March 15, 2018 at 2:33 am

    That’s a shame that you didn’t get the house, but at least you managed to do all the little bits around your house which you’d been meaning to do x

  • Reply Dalene March 15, 2018 at 6:21 am

    5 stars
    Yummy! Sandwiches are my breakfast favorites as well. With ground beef, this sandwich by another name surely looks delicious!

  • Reply Emma White March 15, 2018 at 6:22 am

    oh my that looks amazing and so simple but really am going to give this a try for myself for sure

  • Reply Carol March 15, 2018 at 6:36 am

    5 stars
    I’m sure you’ll find an even better house that you’ll love and adore. There will always be days when nothing seems to go right and some comfort food will definitely make things feel better. I think this one’s a must try. It looks so good and it’s not at all difficult to make!

  • Reply Melissa Dixon March 15, 2018 at 7:13 am

    I had never heard of a Maid-Rite until I moved to Iowa and it seems the locals love them! It is kinda like some of my favorites from childhood in Jersey I guess. Sometimes growing up with something can make you crave it for life, it just tastes like home. I have never tried one still but maybe I need to, I guess it is more than just a sloppy joe, I need to try the mustard, that sounds interesting.

  • Reply Eliza March 15, 2018 at 7:30 am

    Cleaning, rearranging stuff at home makes me think clearer and fueled my sense to do other needed task too. Thanks for the tips about the sandwich, a very nice alternative, healthier than usual patty.

  • Reply Anosa Malanga March 15, 2018 at 8:02 am

    Can’t wait to try this recipe! We have a freezer full of meat and I always run out of ideas of what to make with it all. Have a great week and keep your chin up ?

  • Reply Saidah March 15, 2018 at 4:48 pm

    I love cooking, food. blogs and lovely writing, so I’m not so sure why it took me so long to discover your site. But now that I have, I feel like I’ve found something I was missing. Thank you for sharing your stories with such honesty and heart and humor (the three cardinal “H”s!). I can’t wait to read about your next adventures in food, friendship, family and cooking… you know, all the things that make life wonderful.

  • Reply Jeanelle March 15, 2018 at 7:49 pm

    What a week for you! (By the way, I’ve done the furniture polish on the floor thing– don’t wear socks.) Recipe sounds mouth-watering and reminds me of visiting my grandma in the Midwest every summer when I was growing up.

  • Reply Emily March 15, 2018 at 8:17 pm

    5 stars
    Awww. This is the type of Veggies post that I love. xo

  • Reply Angie March 15, 2018 at 10:49 pm

    5 stars
    You’re a hoot! Keep it going! I love “stare into the middle distance.” I could picture/feel it perfectly. xx

  • Reply Tasheena March 16, 2018 at 12:03 am

    I really appreciate your lovely blog. Thank-you! 🙂

  • Reply Lyosha March 16, 2018 at 2:00 am

    5 stars
    This post is wonderful! Your description of the week is too cute – but then to end with a loose meat sandwich – who would have thought? I’m really excited to try them myself!

  • Reply Keira March 16, 2018 at 4:25 am

    5 stars
    I haven’t started spring cleaning yet, but I do plan on doing it next week, once I am sure that every member of my family will pitch in their efforts and not make it a one-woman job like they did to me last year. Oh, BTW, I love that sandwich! That would be perfect to have for an early dinner if it would only be me and my husband at home.

  • Reply Becca Talbot March 16, 2018 at 4:46 am

    5 stars
    I love the story that went with this recipe – it makes it so much more than just a mince meat sandwich! 🙂 gutted you didn’t get the house, but on the plus, you’ve got a nice clean house now, which makes it “new” 🙂 x

  • Reply Annreeba March 16, 2018 at 5:51 am

    4 stars
    God Love You! Isn’t moving (and Spring cleaning) a trial??

  • Reply Emily Leary March 16, 2018 at 6:44 am

    We seem to declutter quite often in our house and end up asking ourselves, how is it that we keep amassing all these things which we know we won’t miss when they’re finally sorted? That sandwich looks amazing by the way!

  • Reply Heather March 16, 2018 at 7:41 am

    This looks delicious. What a great way to serve a favorite sandwich! Getting your home ready to sell is such a huge task! Last year we went from considering listing our house, to making an offer on something else and getting ours listed and sold in a week. Worst week ever! But what a daunting task to get tackled – I bet your house looks amazing now!

  • Reply Rachel March 16, 2018 at 8:22 am

    5 stars
    That’s the stuff memories are made of… ? Glad you found a simple, lovely recipe to counter the after-effects of a 10-day cleaning binge!

  • Reply Kristi Ann March 16, 2018 at 8:47 am

    5 stars
    Oh my, the Swiffering of the ceiling is great! I’ve figured out regular broom works pretty well. This sandwich give me hope. After the snow in Chicago today… I really need spring.

  • Reply Katie March 16, 2018 at 9:12 am

    I know exactly how you feel. I always try and scrub my walls with Brillo pads and end up getting little blue specks everywhere. The sad thing is it takes the blue specks to remind me that there will be blue specks…ridiculous. On a different note, Yay for spring, and yay for yummy (and messy) sandwiches!

  • Reply Joan Cajic March 16, 2018 at 1:31 pm

    Oh yum was craving a meaty sandwich yesterday and I’m so glad the weekend is here for my grocery shopping. This looks like a very good meal to try for the weekend.

  • Reply David Allen Elliott March 16, 2018 at 2:03 pm

    5 stars
    Sorry you didn’t get the house that you were looking at. But at least you got to do some work on the one you are in now, even if it did come with a stubbed toe and other various ailments as a result of the process. And it’s great your husband participated in all of this while not complaining. You have found a good man indeed. As for the sandwich it does really look delicious. I wonder if I could do something with the mustard for me. I would like it, but my daughter wouldn’t be as thrilled. Although there is nothing wrong with making it for myself. 😉 . Hope you are having an amazing weekend.

  • Reply Abby March 16, 2018 at 2:20 pm

    5 stars
    Too funny! Several years ago my children “discovered” the joy of Pledging the floor. I had to be very careful after that!

    Hmmm, these sandwiches look incredible! ~ Brenda

  • Reply Beth March 16, 2018 at 2:31 pm

    I can totally relate to the furniture polish incident. I’ve thought about writing them a letter asking if they’d put a warning on the can or something. I nearly killed myself a few times. The funny thing is that I forget so I almost fall and then not even five minutes later I almost fall again. Thanks for your writing – it makes my heart happy.

  • Reply Mary Burris March 16, 2018 at 3:42 pm

    Sorry to hear you didn’t get that new home. But on the bright side, you’ve tackled some chores around your own home that will help you feel as though your home is new again to you. That sandwich looks wonderful!

  • Reply Mellissa Williams March 16, 2018 at 3:42 pm

    5 stars
    Sorry you did not get the house! This sandwich looks incredible – I would never think to serve the meat loose, I am definitely going to try this.

  • Reply Tanvi Rastogi March 16, 2018 at 3:50 pm

    It looks rather simple to make … perfect for when short on time … I might have to switch the meat with a veg. crumble or something but a great idea. And as always I love the pictures.

  • Reply Linda Hobbis March 16, 2018 at 4:14 pm

    5 stars
    Never had a loose meat sandwich before – it’s a bit like a deconstructed burger, isn’t it? Looks like it would really hit the spot after some cleaning.

  • Reply Cassie S March 16, 2018 at 4:27 pm

    5 stars
    I cannot get over how perfect all of your food pictures are. They truly always make me so hungry lol This sandwich is to die for and I cannot wait to try this recipe. I love the simplicity of it. I also love the part where you and your husband snuck the chocolates and bubbly into the movie theater 😉

  • Reply Laura Dove March 16, 2018 at 4:41 pm

    5 stars
    Ooh this looks so good! It’s so cold here right now so I am all about the comfort food. I’ve never had a sandwich like this before but I suppose it’s only like a burger that isn’t moulded together, I bet the texture is lovely!

  • Reply Amber Myers March 16, 2018 at 6:59 pm

    5 stars
    You reminded me that I need to start Spring Cleaning. And declutter. Big time.

    I’m sorry you didn’t get the house!

    This sandwich looks incredible! What a perfect dinner.

  • Reply Sally March 16, 2018 at 7:36 pm

    5 stars
    Happy Spring cleaning! The only time of year where cleaning cobwebs off the ceiling seems fun (and totally necessary). If you need any pointers in that area, my husband prefers to use this odd, flat, cotton mop thing we have. I have to say this sandwich looks absolutely delicious! And your photos are amazing!

  • Reply Tahlia March 16, 2018 at 7:58 pm

    That sandwhich looks incredible! by the way these photos look great. Going to try this recipe as I need new ideas for lunches!

  • Reply Andrea March 16, 2018 at 8:39 pm

    I have to admit I am not a fan of sloppy joe, but this looks so good and I LOVE mustard so I am down since you said with an unheard amount of mustard. Makes me happy. BTW wild hair, funny. I actually love the wild hair look and since oil training my hair it has more texture.

  • Reply Sarah March 16, 2018 at 8:51 pm

    Oh my gosh, we’ve done the furniture polish thing before! No fun when you’re in a hurry and aren’t aware of it! A bruised behind is the last thing you’d ever want. x

  • Reply Annie March 16, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    Your spring cleaning list, with all its mishaps, made me smile. And then it made me very, very glad that I’m not moving, nor plan to move, for a very, very, very long time. Happy (almost) Spring!

  • Reply Agnes Vazhure March 16, 2018 at 9:42 pm

    Congratulations on making it through spring cleaning, and with a healthy dose of humor through it all. xo

  • Reply Calleigh K March 16, 2018 at 11:14 pm

    Ooft – that first part sounds all too familiar with the de-cluttering and the cleaning. My particular highlight was moving a full bag of rubbish to a new flat and I try not to think about how many hours we spent cleaning flats that weren’t clean when we moved in but had to be spotless for moving out… But that sandwich! I’ve been looking at this and wondering how it would taste and while I’m not keen on well-cooked burger meat, I am still curious.

  • Reply Melanie williams March 17, 2018 at 3:24 am

    We are doing a declutter too…I cant believe that we are in the month of March already x

  • Reply Jean March 17, 2018 at 6:35 am

    5 stars
    I’m sorry you didn’t get the house, but I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. That sandwich looks great, I could do with one right about now!

  • Reply Elizabeth O March 17, 2018 at 6:54 am

    5 stars
    I always enjoy how your blog posts have little stories in them. It sounds like a good declutter and spruce up was just what you needed to fall back in love with your home. The meal looks great. I am a veggie but your photographs are really stunning!

  • Reply Sarah Bailey March 17, 2018 at 8:10 am

    5 stars
    Hands up I love a good sandwich and these sound absolutely delicious. I am really trying to make new ideas dor myself and the other half as well of late.

  • Reply Dana Peller March 17, 2018 at 11:21 am

    5 stars
    I love a good sandwich, regardless of it’s name 🙂 I do think that reorganizing your home can really cause you to work up an appetite. Something like this is quick and easy to make, and hard to resist.

  • Reply Leanne March 17, 2018 at 12:06 pm

    5 stars
    I’m moving – not this weekend but the next. So I’ve been spending my days in a dirty empty new-to-us house painting the walls and slowly making it ours. I’m printing this and taping it to the wall as a guide for getting through. Dreamy…

  • Reply Preet March 17, 2018 at 1:56 pm

    5 stars
    Your post is so amazing, I really liked the way you had the little story inside the recipe post. The sandwich sounds so good and I am already preparing myself to do the decluttering before spring.

  • Reply Sage March 17, 2018 at 3:37 pm

    5 stars
    Ali, I simply adore your writing and your posts. You have this extraordinary gift of making me (and I’m sure all your readers) feel as if we know you, as if we’re friends and tomorrow we will walk into your kitchen to share some food and conversation. And I adore your recipes as well. My favorite being the delicious Drip Beef with thyme and onions. Love love love. Thank you for doing what you do and making me smile and especially for inspiring me to meld my two loves: writing and food.

  • Reply Sigrid March 17, 2018 at 9:39 pm

    Spring! Such a welcome respite from the cold. We don’t have four seasons where I am but I did experience spring in the US one time and it’s just lovely. I was just ready with my antihistamines.

    In our house, spring or not, I really need to de-clutter. It may not be a 10-day thing, but maybe, I would need at least 2 days to get stuff sorted out. Thinking about it makes my head spin. Hope I can get to doing in in the next couple of weeks because the clutter is also making me crazy!

    Anyway, now I am craving for burger!

  • Reply Elizabeth March 17, 2018 at 10:20 pm

    I liked “Stare into the middle distance.” Superb. This sandwich reminds me so much of a sloppy joe (my favorite) but without the sauce. Looks very yummy!

  • Reply Susana March 17, 2018 at 10:32 pm

    5 stars
    This sandwich looks soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo delicious!! I’m actually going to make it tonight for my husband when he comes back from a baseball trip. I’m forever always spring cleaning when I’m baking or making some sort of dinner. Great post!

  • Reply Sara Welch March 17, 2018 at 11:47 pm

    5 stars
    I don’t even want to THINK about what we have to get done for our house to be ready to go on the market. Good luck with all that work!

  • Reply Emma white March 18, 2018 at 2:02 am

    Oh see I love decorating and change the decor in each room almost yearly, it can be simple to a new shade of colour to a entire colour change, I also am in the process of decluttering, with 6 kids you can imagine how much of a challenge it is, but they will be helping. As for the sandwich that does look amazing and certainly good for energy to help you get things done

  • Reply Liz March 18, 2018 at 3:20 am

    I’ve had my eye on this recipe since you posted it and finally made it this evening. The sandwiches were by far the best part of our dinner. Your blog is so inspiring and beautiful. I started a food blog not too long ago. I hope maybe one day you will read it. Best wishes Ali, and thank you for the inspiration. ~ Liz

  • Reply Joanna March 18, 2018 at 3:49 am

    5 stars
    You might not got the house, but at least you got up to date with the works needed at yours. And in the near future, as you have already taken the first steps, why not making exactly as the one you wished to buy was? The sandwich looks delicious by the way, definitely great for a break between painting walls.

  • Reply Nati March 18, 2018 at 4:17 am

    It sounds like you had a lot going on last week! Well, too bad you didn’t get the house, I’m sure you’ll be soon finding your perfect home! (and the sandwich looks delicious!)

  • Reply Genny March 18, 2018 at 12:50 pm

    I made these this evening and they were a big hit. And then, thinking about that, I realized it was your recipe for Western Casserole I made two days ago to rave reviews. So thank you for two great recipes in one week!

  • Reply Sarah Camille March 18, 2018 at 2:32 pm

    This recipe sounds delicious and easy to make. I have had something similar with tomato sauce, but the mustard seems like a nice way to switch things up! 🙂

  • Reply Maggie March 18, 2018 at 6:49 pm

    I love how you weave food and life. I love that your writing makes me want to cook more. Maybe it’s not even the item that you’re writing about, but it sends me to the kitchen. Your blog is definitely my favorite. Thank you for your recipes and inspiration.

  • Reply Leo T. Ly March 19, 2018 at 7:53 am

    I love you his simply and quick recipe. I don’t have a lot of time to prepare meals nowadays, so with a little ketchup and mustard being added to the sandwich, it’s great to go.

  • Reply Jessica Taylor March 19, 2018 at 8:53 am

    5 stars
    I love how easy this looks! I bet my kids would tear it up!

  • Reply Ada March 19, 2018 at 11:49 am

    I’ve never heard of this before but it sounds so yummy! I will have to check it out.

  • Reply Chi Mpundu March 19, 2018 at 1:03 pm

    5 stars
    I love how you include a glimpse into your life and a recipe. The recipe was easy and delicious. Will definitely be making it again.

  • Reply Yolanda March 19, 2018 at 1:29 pm

    This look simple enough to make but still delicious. I have never made a mince burger before so will give this a try the next time we get some burger buns.

  • Reply Emma Raphael March 19, 2018 at 4:44 pm

    Sorry you didn’t get the house. We are in the middle of buying a house right now, and it’s so stressful… This sounds like the perfect comfort food though, haven’t ever tried them before!

  • Reply Liz March 19, 2018 at 5:07 pm

    It’s dinnertime here right now and that looks super, super tasty. There’s a place in Ann Arbor called Blimpy Burger that also does a “loose meat” type of burger, and it’s SO good. Sorry you didn’t get the house but at least you did de-clutter your current house. 🙂

  • Reply Christopher Mitchell March 19, 2018 at 5:39 pm

    That sandwich is simple but looks absolutely DELICIOUS. I would not mind one, two, or eight of these at this very moment!

  • Reply Ana De- Jesus March 19, 2018 at 5:57 pm

    5 stars
    I am glad that you managed to get some spring cleaning done although sorry to hear about your bruise, I do hope it heals soon. While you might not have got the house at least you have each other and a loose ‘sandwich filling’ sounds pretty delicious to me.I have some vegan meat that I need to use up so a sandwich it is for me tonight as I am too tired to create anything else aha!

  • Reply Sue Reddel March 19, 2018 at 6:32 pm

    5 stars
    Spring cleaning. We’re in the midst of it ourselves. We’re contemplating moving and I keep saying, where did all this stuff come from? Not fun at all. Unlike this loose meat sandwich. We call them sloppy joe’s, who knows why? But they are a delicious comfort food.

  • Reply Kathleen March 19, 2018 at 10:16 pm

    5 stars
    I have to start Spring cleaning! Wait, Spring starts tomorrow so ok I’ll start tomorrow. Fingers cross. I also plan to paint as we are considering selling the house. Where do I even start. I think I’ll watch a movie first and play a scrabble or two like you. I need that sandwich every 2 hours once I really start on my chores.

  • Reply Kara March 20, 2018 at 4:38 am

    We are planning on decorating next month and I will be banning the cat from the house when we do it (and the kids). The loose meat sandwich sounds delicious

  • Reply Ali March 20, 2018 at 8:12 am

    I’ve never tried anything like this, it looks delicious, I’d like to try it with some veggie mince, do you think that would work?

  • Reply Lindsey March 20, 2018 at 9:51 am

    Alison, you should always be writing about comfort food now matter the season lady. besides it’s cold as balls here in London and this sandwich would certainly warm up our cockles.

  • Reply Annie March 20, 2018 at 11:32 am

    5 stars
    What an adventure! I am sorry for laughing but you did a great job with the itinerary. And yes it has happened to me too, cotton thingies on the ceiling….

  • Reply Razena March 20, 2018 at 2:46 pm

    5 stars
    I love the name of this sandwich! In South Africa we have something called Vetkoek with minced meat. The vetkoek is basically fried bread dough filled with a delicious minced meat filling that has similar ingredients to your loose meat. Except maybe a little bit more saucy.

  • Reply Jennifer L March 20, 2018 at 10:22 pm

    5 stars
    Oh I’m sorry you guys didn’t get the home, but Im sure they’ll be another even more fabulous one in the works. This sandwich gives me a sloppy joe feel without the sloopy lol. We’ve been having some colder weather in california so this hearty sandwich is right up my alley right now.

  • Reply Lindsay March 21, 2018 at 10:18 am

    5 stars
    Wow, this looks amazing. My husband and I are going to try this for sure. He mentioned he wants to make it for his crew at the fire station too! Thank you for sharing!!

  • Reply Jennifer Prince March 21, 2018 at 2:16 pm

    I’ve never had these with mustard! And sorry about the house – another one will come along for sure. I’m going to test this recipe out! 🙂

  • Reply Michele Dennis March 21, 2018 at 4:49 pm

    5 stars
    We are also in the midst of cleaning and decluttering, all while completely remodeling our garage and converting it into a game room. I love loose meat sandwiches and a simple ground beef and onion saute is my favorite (I’m not a fan of the mustard.) However, I don’t eat bread… But I’ve found a single romaine lettuce leaf “Boat” works perfectly!

  • Reply Catalina March 21, 2018 at 5:41 pm

    5 stars
    Yes to spring cleaning and decluttering! I love a clean and fresh house for the new season. Hope the bruise is all healed now. And as always, the recipe and imagery are stunning. My partner will totally love the idea, I am not into meat lately. I think I am broken :)) or is just the spring asthenia.

  • Reply Laura March 22, 2018 at 4:50 am

    Ooh this looks yummy and I bet the mustard gives it a nice kick. The only other time that I’ve had a loose meat sandwich was a sloppy joe in america. I should try making this one! xxx

  • Reply Tesha Cummings March 22, 2018 at 10:57 am

    They have a name and a fesstival for this sort of sandwich here. I think they add flour to it I didn’t see that in your recipe. I make this often its a hit in my house.

  • Reply Jem March 22, 2018 at 11:22 am

    Ali, these are SO good! I made them for dinner last night and am so happy. I also made your Carrot Cake recipe this weekend and it was the best we’ve ever had! Thanks, as always, for your wonderful recipes. xo

  • Reply Flora March 22, 2018 at 3:33 pm

    5 stars
    Scrabble, Willie Nelson and that sandwich – how could one want more? I bet the cleaning was chaotic (love your description of the process, though!), but it must be so satisfying to look around and see everything in order. You’re definitely ready for springtime.

  • Reply Ashleigh Dougherty March 23, 2018 at 5:10 am

    I have never considered using minced meat in a sandwich before, but it does look like it really works! Will definitely give this a try 🙂

  • Reply Helen March 23, 2018 at 4:10 pm

    Sorry you didn’t get the house, at least you have your house all sparkly and new though. I completely understand the furniture polish on the floor problem. I’ve misted over my floor a couple of times with it whilst cleaning and it is so slippy it’s lethal .

  • Reply Louise March 25, 2018 at 6:23 pm

    5 stars
    Ooh, this sounds absolutely divine. I started de-cluttering recently, but I find myself getting super distracted and it never gets finished! Oops.

    Louise x

  • Reply Pusha March 26, 2018 at 10:51 pm

    4 stars
    Such an easy recipe. I may add more to garnishes to it as I love a ton of onions and pickles but will def be trying this! Great post

  • Reply Fatima A. March 27, 2018 at 3:19 am

    Lose meat sandwiches are one of my favorites. And yes, sprucing up your home can really be exhausting. Try doing that at 8 months pregnant as well. Ugh!

  • Reply Veronica March 27, 2018 at 10:18 am

    Ok, this recipe has been on my back burner since I discovered your blog. Amazing. We made this with Caesar salad on the side. My true test of a new recipe is when fiance wants to make it for someone else other than us. About halfway through his first meatball, he asked, “Who can we make this for?”

  • Reply Beth March 27, 2018 at 11:11 am

    Just beautiful writing. And it didn’t hurt that I’m reading it on a day when the sky is blue, and the sun is shining. Yes, it’s still twenty degrees outside, but with a little sun and a fire going, it doesn’t seem to matter.

    So with something lovely to read, a damn good cup of coffee, and a little sunshine, I’m convinced that at least for this minute all’s right with my world.

    I wish the same to everyone who visits this blog, and, of course, to you, Ali. xo

  • Reply Tammy March 27, 2018 at 8:41 pm

    This looks fairly easy to make and very filling at the same time. As a busy, Working Mom, I am always looking for easy meals like this one to make for my family.

  • Reply Lisa March 27, 2018 at 8:55 pm

    5 stars
    These looks delicious! I so want to eat one now. I am gonna make one later this week.

  • Reply Ave March 29, 2018 at 1:36 pm

    5 stars
    I’m sure you will find your dream home soon! The loose meat sandwich looks mouthwatering! Everything that has mustard and some pickles is yummy!

  • Reply Holly Jo April 4, 2018 at 9:30 am

    Ok, this recipe has been on my back burner since I discovered your blog. Amazing. We made this with Caesar salad on the side. My true test of a new recipe is when fiance wants to make it for someone else other than us. About halfway through his first sandwich, he asked, “Who can we make this for?”

  • Reply Iya - Louisa May 17, 2018 at 8:19 am

    5 stars
    This looks great and so easy to change to veggie with some soya mince! I cant wait to try this one out. Looks like great comfort food.

  • Reply Melanie June 13, 2018 at 2:51 pm

    5 stars
    Oh no, naughty kitty. If that was at ours it would have been the kids that did it. Sounds like an interesting recipe. I’d never have though to put mince in a bun. I need to experiment more.

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