Crumble the ground beef and onion into a large skillet over medium-high heat. Oh yes….those Canteen sandwiches were and probably are still the best around. The recipe also has celery, garlic, mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Recently I became interested in loose meat sandwich recipes when looking for a variation on sloppy joes that didn’t use ketchup. Printable Recipe Card with a Full List of Ingredients and Instructions is Located at the Bottom of the Post. Old-time loose meat sandwich (not to be confused with a sloppy joe), served with a spoon for anything that drops onto the wrapper. A new dairy queen came to town and had a tavern sandwich which we have not been able to have since we moved to California in 1957. My loose meat sandwiches were consumed at BBQ Days and at a local truck stop. He started actually selling them in 1920 in Missoula, MT. Howard lives in the iconic house and runs the Pitchfork Pie Stand from her living room on summer weekends. History of the Sandwich That is interesting, Mike. This sandwich may be the older brother of the sloppy joe and is simply crumbled hamburger with seasonings served on a bun, commonly with mustard and dill pickles. Mike, that sounds soooo good!! I have tried tons of recipes and this is by far the best! Thanks! Hi Eileen, A friend who went with me to the diner liked my sandwich better. During my quest I happened to be reading Iowa native and pie baker Beth Howard’s memoir, Making Piece, in which she mentions the Canteen Lunch in the Alley in her hometown of Ottumwa. Serve with pickles: Top with pickles for the … Jump to Recipe. No sauce – Loose Meat should never be confused with Sloppy Joe. Hope you find what you’re looking for! Add water to the beef mixture. Downey, California. The sandwich is well known throughout the Midwestern United States and is served not only in small, local establishments but also in some franchise locations such as Dairy Queen in some States. My wife showed me how her family in Romania would use and cook the bacon ends slowly in its own fat in a deep sauce pan until the desired crispness is reached. It is commonly known as a Loose Meat Sandwich, however, locals will often refer to it as a Made-Rite instead, after a popular restaurant chain, or simply as a Tavern Sandwich… My memory of this sandwich is also from a Dairy Queen; the one on Morningside Avenue in Sioux City. My mom worked at the Sears store in downtown Ottumwa and she would occasionally take me to lunch at the Canteen. everyoneeatsright.com/2012/07/21/a-classic-born-in-iowa-loose-meat-sandwich When I was a kid in council bluffs Iowa there was a dairy queen in the mall that had that same sandwich. Stir 1-cup mixture into beef. We then scoop the bacon on to a hamburger or other bun with the usual mayo, lettuce and tomato. And in a week’s time, I ate not one, but two loose meat sandwiches. It's a labor of love, even in those more difficult times. Ground beef – often finely ground, but in all cases with no chunk Don. I don’t remember fries, but maybe there were. So instead of sharing one of those recipes, I’ll share the simple, but not traditional Sloppy Joe recipe that my mom often made. We add our condiments at the table NO other flavors, The Canteen’s front door was in an ally and there was limited seating at a counter inside. I saw a picture on Flickr of a menu from a couple of years ago and it is a little more extensive than my memory, but not by much. History. loved going to the Canteen. These Loose Meat Sandwiches are the ones I talked about at the end of my video yesterday. Cover and cook on … The natural flavor of the beef with a touch of salt after it’s cooked with your favorite toppings is perfection. The place is retro-charming and might make a memorable lunch stop if you visit the American Gothic House in nearby Eldon. 1 cup chicken stock, eyeball it, 1/2 a 14-ounce can or box Anyone know anything about this? My Grandma Abbie served them in the truck stop cafe that she and my grandfather ran at the Hedrick Y and I loved them. In other midwest states, it is called a Nu-Way, steamer, Big T, loose hamburger, Tastee, or even a tavern sandwich. Add a can of Campbells Chicken Gumbo Soup. I am sad to say that I did not have time to eat at the Canteen on my recent visit. This is one of those recipes you just have to try. In 1926, Fred Angell began selling his version of the sandwich at the first Maid-Rite restaurant in Muscatine, Iowa, under the name "loose meat sandwich." I worked there in 1993 and it was our best selling sandwich. The Canteen is the BEST! Wow!! Never been able to find it since. however I have never had a Maid RiteLoose Meat sandwich….my wife and I took a trip from Indianapolis to the closest Maid Rite located in Ohio …. Of course, homemade is always best! If you start with 80/20 no other fats are needed. I’m going to go make some right away. (Lately I started saving the fat from my all-natural bacon and storing it in the freezer.) Thought I’d check out my birthplace now that I’m 63 ;). Add Seasonings: Add Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon your website, and read about the “Canteen Lunch” My mother lived in Ottumwa and met my father there in business college. No matter the alias, Loose Meat Sandwich can be identified by these characteristics: […] known as a steamer or a tavern sandwich, the loose meat sandwich is a fairly simple creation: crumbled hamburger with seasonings, served on […]. And while I have you here, I’ll just go ahead and tell you that I revisited another old favorite while I was in Iowa – the Pork Tenderloin Sandwich. The BBQ was tasty, but not the same as barbequed beef served in Texas. Thanks for the recipe. Wow, that’s great, thanks for the update! […] Here is a bit of history of the Maid-Rite loose meat sandwich […], In the late 50’s we lived in Battle Creed, Iowa. Combine in a 1-cup measuring cup: ketchup, prepared mustard, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. I tried one from a food truck at the Ottumwa Pro Balloon Races. Loose Meat Sandwich at Canteen Lunch It has since been a local institution known for their loose-meat sandwiches (originally called "scrambled hamburgers" in Iowa) and homemade pies. (Recipe adapted from “The Blue Mill Tavern Loosemeat Sandwich” at food.com.). The Canteen has been in the same location since 1936. My loose meat sandwiches were consumed at BBQ Days and at a local truck stop. When you’re done, you go to the register and say what you had and they total it up. Spoon mixture onto hamburger buns and serve. Add in the onion. Onion Loose-Meat Sandwiches With French onion soup, these sandwiches don't have the typical flavor of most sloppy joes. I turn off the burner & cover the pan and let it steam and cool. Born in Burlington…..parents moved when I ws2 months old. My memories of loose meat sandwich are most associated with the Canteen Lunch in the Alley, a little diner in Ottumwa, Iowa. Then the meat is removed and drained on paper towels like regular bacon. Canteen Lunch in the Alley 112 E 2nd Street Ottumwa, IA 52501 Family Recipe Friday – Loose Meat Sandwich. We don’t have steamers or tilted cook tops in our homes. Potato Chip Loose Meat Sandwiches are an easy dinner recipe that will satisfy your burger cravings. Serve with mustard and dill pickle. The loose meat sandwich is sometimes known as a steamer or tavern sandwich. In my post there are a few links to other versions (just before and just after my recipe) that you might try. (Here’s a recipe from The Sioux City Journal by Marcia Poole.) I’d love to know what’s in yours. They are making their own pies again too! Do you think this recipe is the one they would have used. Canteen’s sandwiches are wonderful, and the atmosphere is at least half the fun. Thanks for your thoughts. It more closely resembles a sloppy joe, without the tomato sauce. In a large skillet (cast iron if available) over medium heat, melt bacon fat and sprinkle in salt. Sometimes you can get loose meats with cheese on top. I found a replica recipe and adjusted it to my liking. I know that the DQ where I worked no longer sells them so I’m kinda stuck! Thanks for sharing your thoughts about canteen lunch in the alley. My version of the sandwich has bacon fat for added flavor, but you could use some other type of oil. The Canteen has been in the same location since 1936. Like you we save the bacon grease in the freezer for later use. Not  much on the menu other than the Canteen – their version of the loose meat sandwich, milk shakes, pie. I’ll have to go try the pork tenderloin. They are back making homemade pies. Beef and pork – not just corn and soybeans – are raised on those rolling green hills. There is a Culvers here. The name "tavern" for the sandwich is credited to David Heglin. Add ground beef and brown, breaking up with a wooden spoon or spatula into crumbles as it cooks. Do you make a loose meat sandwich? https://www.delish.com/.../a19577944/roseannes-loose-meat-sandwich-recipe When meat is browned, add the tomato juice, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, seasoned salt, browning sauce and cayenne pepper. It seems like I ate a lot of meat during my recent visit to Iowa. Coordinates Canteen Lunch in the Alley is a restaurant located in Ottumwa,The original five-stool Canteen Lunch was opened in 1927 in a different location, and moved to its current address in 1936. Canteen Lunch In The Alley: Best loose-meat sandwich ever. I moved in ’94 and haven’t had one since! Update for the Canteen lunch Alley in Ottumwa Iowa. It's a small restaurant with only 17 seats, well-known for its signature loose-meat sandwich and friendly atmosphere. There are some recipes on the internet for loose meat sandwiches, but I just don’t believe they would be the same. Canteen Lunch is a must-stop in Ottumwa, if you can find it! Roseanne’s then-husband in real life, Tom Arnold, is also from Ottumwa. Born and raised in Ottumwa nothing beats a Canteen. Thx! Of course I ate a BBQ sandwich during Hedrick Barbeque Days – I’m pretty sure that was mandatory. Donna Siemann That is so great! Sear the beef with onions: Break apart the beef into larger chunks and cook along with the onions. Add all remaining ingredients except buns to slow cooker. Some say it originated at Ye Olde Tavern in Sioux City in the 1920s, and others claim it was at Maid-Rite in Muscatine in the same decade. only to find it closed for the holiday weekend…. In Iowa, it is a Maid-Rite. Be sure to read through the entire post so that you don’t miss out on any important tips and tricks! Feel free to come back and share any links you might have that will help get the word out and set the record straight. Here are two versions with potential Iowa credibility: For gluten-free buns, try Udi’s Classic or Whole Grain hamburger buns. https://www.washingtonpost.com/recipes/iowa-loose-meat-sandwiches/15516 The tiny diner has no tables, only about a dozen stools at a counter, and serves only their version of the sandwich, called the Canteen, along with old-fashioned malts, soda, and any kind of pie you can think of (alas, not homemade, but their pies are made fresh by the local Hy-Vee grocery store). The tradition has been passed down in my family for 4 generations. Developing My Recipe Dressed in waxed or other food paper – bottom half covered, but top usually uncovered  Often accompanied by a spoon – to catch runaway loose meat Cook, stirring to break up lumps, until no longer pink. Carroll Dietz of Missoula, Montana, created the precursor to the tavern sandwich in 1920, referred to as a "steamed hamburger." Have any historic, cool taverns in that area please. Lower the heat and simmer 15 to 20 minutes or until most of the water is cooked away. In fact, my great-grandfather was the first to create it, before the ‘tavern sandwich’ even existed. I make a loose meat BLT using bacon ends. Depending on where you live, the loose meat sandwich is called different things. Hi Nan, Unfortunately, I’m not at all knowledgeable about the historic sites in Burlington. water and steam the meat until it is all cooked stirring to mix it up. You tell the waitress what you want on your sandwich and ten seconds later she hands it to you wrapped in paper. Purists say ketchup … The service is brisk and no-nonsense. But they were excellent! Lightly toast buns or warm in foil in the oven. “Loose meat sandwiches” are all different. Not as good as Grandma’s, but reminiscent. I have often tried to duplicate the recipe, but we used a pre-mixed, packaged powder that made all the difference. Oct 28, 2016 - LOOSE MEAT HAMBURGER. These sandwiches are loaded with… Now, before my first visit to the Canteen Lunch, I was told by a friend of mine from Ottumwa, John Stewart, who now lives in Florida, that I could easily eat three of these things. What is a Loose Meat Sandwich. Dear Ellen Thanks to modern technology, I’ve searched the internet for that recipe or the pre-packaged powder for sale, but no luck. Drain off the grease and return to the stove. "Yeah, last year has, you know, has affected a lot of, lots of small restaurants, um we were slow but steady," Pierce said. I buy ground round and add salt & pepper a little The loose meat sandwich is a specialty at Canteen Lunch in the Alley, and it comes with ketchup, mustard, pickle and onions. Like any Maid-Rite sandwich, the loose meat was falling off the sides of the bun. There are some recipes on the internet for loose meat sandwiches, but I just don’t believe they would be the same. Add the Worcester Guests can add a slice of cheese as well. Loose meat sandwich is an Iowa thing. See more ideas about loose meat sandwiches, maid rite, recipes. I read about Iowa Loose Meat sandwiches, did some research, weighed the recipes for their merits….. chose one and adopted it…. Never accompanied by mayo or lettuce or tomato. I was having a nostalgic moment, and remembering the loose meat sandwiches my mother used to make for me. My family grew up on a farm near Ottumwa and we Case in point I’m a mayonnaise girl but they don’t offer that at Canteen but the flavor profile is so good it’s not needed. This exact same kind of sandwich, depending on where you order it, is called a tavern (I actually did have a recipe for taverns in my cookbooks, but didn’t connect the dots) a Maid-Rite, a Canteen, a loose meat, and may have originally been called a steamed hamburger – you’ll see why when we get to the recipe. Stir together and let simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquids have evaporated (about 15 to 20 minutes). Quick and Easy Tavern sandwiches was what was needed after a busy day. Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing. Other add-ons are ketchup, onion, and cheese. It is a good sandwich, and it’s gone before you know it. My sisters and I rely on this recipe from Mom on days when there's little time to cook. - See 187 traveler reviews, 37 candid photos, and great deals for Ottumwa, IA, at Tripadvisor. Thanks for the tip! I also make these…’steamed hamburgers’ as we call them. Martha Staton emailed me when I shared a special email address with my subscribers and asked if I had the recipe to Maid-Rite or Alley Canteen … Another claim to fame is that this diner was the inspiration for the Lanford Lunch Box on the Roseanne TV show. See more ideas about loose meat sandwiches, meat sandwich, sandwiches. She called them Canteens. With my youthful pride in tatters, I went home and prepared this Iowa classic. . Cook, at a simmer, till water is all cooked out-between 15-20 minutes. A loose meat sandwich is cooked, seasoned ground beef on a steamed bun, typically with diced pickles and onions. When we ate there a couple of years ago the pies were from the local chain grocery store, so we skipped them and had awesome homemade pie at the American Gothic house. Drain off fat. Here is a site that suggests that documentation about Missoula as the source is not readily available (see asterisk). To make Loose Meat Sandwiches in a slow cooker, brown beef and add to slow cooker. HOW TO MAKE LOOSE MEAT SANDWICHES. May be in the company of pickles and mustard and sometimes catsup 1 1/4 pounds ground sirloin. Jan 23, 2015 - Explore GRACE BERTROCHE's board "LOOSE MEAT SANDWICH", followed by 556 people on Pinterest. We could not find any tenderloin sandwiches here in Phoenix until Culvers opened. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Add sugar, vinegar, and mustard and stir to combine. Add just enough water to cover the meat mixture. Regards. Very interesting! Thank you, Lori! This is my recipe for loose meat sandwiches that were made popular by the Roseanne show. mustard, vinegar, sugar, and just enough water to barely cover meat in the pan. Does the loose meat sandwich sound like something made up for laughs? My Dad grew up on these 50 years ago and now they are my favorite treat!!! Add salt and pepper to taste. Learn how your comment data is processed. Therefore, the place of origin unfortunately isn’t Iowa, but Montana. A classic born in Iowa: loose meat sandwich, Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free Slightly Indulgent Tuesday, Showcase cherries in a rustic French dessert, Food history: loose meat sandwiches - ErinNudi.com, http://www.food.com/recipe/the-blue-mill-tavern-loosemeat-sandwich-87075, 1/2 cup finely diced celery (1 or 2 stalks). Cook over medium to medium high heat until slightly caramelized and some of the bits are dark brown. I know in my heart that this is the place where she got the recipe. just like the Canteen does it today. Of course I had to make the 90-minute drive to try the sandwich. The city wanted to build a parking garage on the site where the Canteen stands, but amid protests from loyal customers, the Canteen was left standing and the garage was built around it. So many names, and some slightly different recipes, but they are all a loose meat sandwich. I am sad to say that I did not have time to eat at the Canteen on my recent visit. Hamburger bun Brown a pound of ground beef, breaking up into small pieces as it cooks. Little evidence of grease – Loose Meat frequents a steam bath to lose unwanted fat Made by local bakery that consists of a mother daughter and grandmom team. Deselect All. What a treat! I had forgotten the name, but when we met again, I remembered my old friend Loose Meat Sandwich aka Maid-Rite aka Canteen. Donna, I’m sorry that I don’t know the answer to your question. The diner was started in the 1930s, and Howard had fond memories of their loose meat sandwich. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 turn of the pan. Shared at Simply Sugar & Gluten-Free Slightly Indulgent Tuesday. During my research I learned that the loose meat sandwich originated right here in Iowa, where I live. Thanks for sharing! Don't tell that to your friends from Iowa, or at least from the parts of Iowa … Dain off extra fat, if necessary. When meat is just cooked through, add the celery and garlic. If there is a Culvers restaurant close to you,they have a very good pork tenderloin sandwich. The atmosphere of literally rubbing elbows with total strangers is a great conversation starter. Cook, stirring occasionally, until heated through and liquid has cooked off. I’ll have to do some exploring there sometime–It’s just an hour or so from where I live. I’m going to try this recipe next: http://www.food.com/recipe/the-blue-mill-tavern-loosemeat-sandwich-87075. The loose meat or tavern sandwich is unlike a hamburger, because the meat is cooked loose rather than formed into a compact patty. We would sure like the recipe for that sandwich.