Go Back

Loose Meat Tavern Sandwich

This dish features seasoned ground beef cooked until browned and juicy, served on soft buns for a simple, hearty sandwich. The meat has a savory flavor and crumbly texture, offering a nostalgic, no-fuss eating experience that emphasizes honest flavors and satisfying mouthfeel.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef 80-85% lean preferred
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ground
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika smoked or sweet, optional
  • 4 buns soft burger buns

Equipment

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Spatula
  • Buns
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a small splash of oil if desired. Once hot, add the chopped onion and cook, stirring frequently, until it turns translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
    1 small onion
  2. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Continue cooking until the meat is evenly browned and crumbles, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary to prevent sogginess.
    1 small onion
  3. Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and paprika evenly over the meat. Stir well to combine the seasonings thoroughly into the meat and cook for an additional minute to activate the flavors.
    1 small onion
  4. Remove the skillet from heat and spoon the seasoned meat mixture onto the bottom halves of the buns. Distribute evenly so each bun gets a hearty, crumbly portion of meat.
    1 small onion
  5. Top each with the remaining bun halves and gently press down to help the filling settle inside. Optionally, you can toast the buns briefly or serve as is for a soft, comforting bite.
    1 small onion
  6. Serve the loose meat sandwiches hot, with optional sides or condiments for added flavor. Enjoy the satisfying crumble and juicy meat with every bite.

Notes

Make sure to drain excess grease from the meat to keep the buns from getting soggy. Feel free to add pickles, mustard, or hot sauce for a personalized touch.