Maid Rite Sandwiches | Copy Cat Recipes

What’s Up, Hungry People

Maid Rite sandwiches, affectionately known as ‘tavern sandwiches,’ are a unique sammie that embodies the essence of comfort food. These sandwiches feature loose ground beef, not unlike a sloppy joe but without the sauce, combined with the sweetness of onions and the tang of yellow mustard. Once you’ve had the pleasure of biting into a Maid Rite, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll be hankering for another.

Growing up, these sandwiches were a staple during visits to my grandparents in my mom’s hometown of Greenville, Ohio. The establishment is completely adorned with chewed bubblegum (and still was per our last visit in 2021!). While the health implications of such decor are debatable, it undeniably contributes to the unique charm and probable micro-biome of the original Greenville Maid Rites location.

@fictionalfeastfelicia getting maid rites made right in Greenville, Ohio! #maidrite #ohio #fyp ♬ A-O-K – Tai Verdes

Interestingly, the origin of the Maid Rite sandwich is a subject of friendly contention, with both Iowa and Illinois also claiming its birthright. Despite this, the gum-covered walls of Greenville hold a special place in my heart, alongside fond childhood memories of family visits.

The inception of Maid Rites dates back to the roaring ’20s and ’30s. While both Iowa and Ohio vie for the title of the sandwich’s homeland, the exact origins remain a delicious mystery. However, one thing remains clear to me: Greenville’s Maid Rites hold the title of the original in my heart.

What sets Maid Rite sandwiches apart is the cooking method for the meat. Traditionally, the beef is steamed – or in some variations, boiled – rather than cooked in its own grease. This technique has evolved, and I’ve since learned from my readers that beer is sometimes used in place of water for steaming or boiling the beef. My go-to recipe calls for water, but feel free to explore and make the recipe your own by adding your favorite light beer.

Then onions are softened until they are sweet then mixed into the loose meat with Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Typically they are topped with more mustard, pickles, and sometimes cheese to hold it all together.

Here’s What You Need

This is what I believe is needed to make the iconic Maid Rites (minus the gum!)

• Ground beef: Use 96% lean or as lean as you can get for the least amount of grease
• Water OR beer: Adds moisture; beer brings a unique flavor twist and is likely the original way the tavern sandwiches were boiled/steamed
• Onion: Adds sweetness and texture once softened.
• Brown sugar: Offers a hint of sweetness to balance the tangy mustard and the iconic flavor of the Maid Rite
• Worcestershire sauce: Infuses the meat with a deep, savory umami flavor.
• Yellow mustard: Gives the dish its characteristic tangy kick.
• American cheese (optional): Melts to hold the sandwich together!
• Toasted hamburger buns: Potato buns are the closest to the original but sesame buns will also work
• Sweet pickles: Adds a crunchy, sweet, and tangy contrast.

Let’s Cook

First up, let’s get that pan nice and hot, and bring your choice of liquid (water or beer) to a boil. Beer is the original cooking liquid according to some of my readers so feel free to add your favorite light beer instead of water to cook the meat. Crumble in the ground beef, and let’s give it a good stir. Keep breaking it up – no big clumps allowed here, we’re looking for a fine mince. Once it’s all browned and cooked through, drain off that excess grease.

Next, give your pan a quick wipe, then toss in those onions. We’re looking for soft and just starting to brown.

Bringing It All Together

Now, reintroduce the beef to the pan with its onion friends. Stir in the brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard. Mix it all up until all the flavors meld together, creating that classic Maid Rite taste.

Assembly and Serving

Grab those toasted buns and pile on the meat. Now’s the time to get fancy with your toppings – sweet pickles, a squirt of mustard, and if you’re feeling cheesy, a slice of American cheese.

Maid Rite Sandwich Making Tips

• Choosing the Right Meat: Opt for a leaner ground beef to reduce the amount of grease you’ll need to drain. A little fat is good for flavor, but too much can make the sandwich greasy.
• The Beer or Water Debate: Using beer instead of water can add an extra layer of flavor to the meat. Light beers work best as they don’t overpower the other ingredients. If you’re not a fan of beer or prefer a milder taste, stick with water.
• Perfecting the Onions: Cook the onions until they are just beginning to brown. This brings out their natural sweetness, complementing the savory beef and tangy mustard.
• Toasting the Buns: Don’t skip this step! Toasting the buns adds a crunch that contrasts nicely with the loose meat filling. It also prevents the buns from becoming soggy.
• Serving Suggestions: Best when paired with kettle cooked potato chips and a malted milkshake!

Common Questions About Maid Rite Sandwiches

• Can I use a different type of meat? Absolutely! Bison can be substituted for beef, though it will change the flavor a bit. Just be sure to adjust the seasonings since bison is a bit leaner and milder.
• Is beer necessary, or can I just use water? Beer adds a subtle flavor, but water works perfectly fine if you’d prefer to skip the alcohol. If you’re worried about overpowering the sandwich, stick to water or a light beer.
• What’s the best kind of onion to use? Sweet onions like Vidalia are a great option, but yellow onions work just as well. They both bring a nice contrast to the tangy mustard.
• Do I have to toast the buns? You don’t have to, but toasting gives a nice crunch and helps the bread hold up better against the juicy filling. It’s worth the extra minute!
• Can I freeze the cooked meat for later? Yes! You can freeze the meat mixture for up to 3 months. Just be sure to let it cool before freezing, and store it in an airtight container.
• Are there any good topping alternatives? You bet! Aside from the classic mustard and pickles, you could try adding ketchup, hot sauce, or even jalapeños for a little heat.
• What side dishes pair well with Maid Rites? Classic sides like kettle-cooked chips, fries, or a malted milkshake are always winners. Coleslaw or potato salad are also great choices if you want something a little more substantial.

So there you have it, Hungry People, your very own guide to whipping up some nostalgia with a generous topping of onions and mustard. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the Maid Rite scene, the beauty of cooking is making it your own, so feel free to play around with the beer or water debate or throw in your own twist with the toppings. So, next time you’re in the mood for a Maid Rite but can’t make it to the gum covered walls of Greenville, Ohio, this recipe is sure to keep your nostalgia well fed.

Enjoy, and until next time, keep those buns toasted!

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