Loose Meat Sandwich

The Loose Meat Sandwich is a Midwestern American classic, originating in Iowa, featuring seasoned ground beef cooked until crumbly and served on a soft hamburger bun. Unlike a typical burger, the meat is not formed into a patty, giving it a unique, loose texture often enhanced with onions and savory seasonings. It's a beloved regional staple, sometimes called a 'Maid-Rite' after a famous chain that popularized it.

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This sandwich is primarily a source of protein and fat from the ground beef, with carbohydrates coming from the white bun. A typical serving provides a substantial amount of protein and iron, but can also be high in sodium and saturated fat, with a rough calorie range of 350-500 per sandwich depending on portion size and lean meat used.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	380 kcal
Protein	22 g
Carbs	32 g
Fat	18 g
Fiber	2 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	850 mg
Iron	3.5 mg
Potassium	320 mg
Zinc	4.5 mg
Vitamin B12	2.0 mcg
Niacin (B3)	5.0 mg
Phosphorus	200 mg
Selenium	25 mcg
Calcium	80 mg

Per 1 sandwich (170 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, it's a point of Midwestern pride and a staple at county fairs and local diners, representing simple, hearty comfort food. Nutritionally, its loose-meat preparation allows for some fat to render out during cooking, which can make it slightly leaner than a comparably sized, pre-formed burger patty.