Iowa Loose Meat Sandwiches
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup water or beef broth
1 tbsp yellow mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
4 hamburger buns
Optional toppings:
Pickles
Mustard
Chopped onions
American cheese
Instructions
Add ground beef and chopped onion to a skillet over medium heat.
Break the meat apart very finely as it cooks. The texture should be crumbly, not chunky.
Stir in water or broth, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper.
Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes until most of the liquid cooks off but the meat stays juicy.
Spoon the meat onto soft hamburger buns.
Top with pickles, mustard, onions, or cheese if you like.
Tips
The finer the beef texture, the more authentic it tastes.
Some Iowa diners steam the buns before serving.
Serve with fries, potato chips, or macaroni salad.
