Best 3 The Blue Mill Tavern Loosemeat Sandwich Recipes

The Blue Mill Tavern loosemeat sandwich is a legendary culinary creation, captivating taste buds with its symphony of flavors and textures. Originating from the historic Blue Mill Tavern in Iowa, this sandwich has garnered a devoted following, drawing food enthusiasts from far and wide. Its tantalizing blend of savory ground beef, crispy onions, and tangy sauce, sandwiched between fluffy buns, creates an unforgettable taste experience. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or simply seeking a satisfying meal, embarking on a culinary journey to discover the best recipe for this iconic sandwich is an adventure worth taking.

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THE BLUE MILL TAVERN LOOSEMEAT SANDWICH

The Blue Mill Tavern Loosemeat Sandwich image

I've chosen to submit this recipe because the recipes found on this website for loosemeats, and on other websites, are not the original recipe. The loosemeat was created in 1924 at Ye Old Tavern-now Gus' Family Restaurant on 14th and Jackson St. in Sioux City, Iowa. Nowadays you will find the original sandwich served at Bob's Drive Inn on Hwy 75, LeMars, Iowa just a mile or so out of Sioux City, at The Tastee Inn and Out, on Gordon Drive and at Miles Inn on Leech Ave. among others. If you see a recipe for loosemeats that contains tomato juice-run! A loosemeat is a sloppy joe without the slop-so stay away from anything tomato-ey please! These little sandwiches are great for football parties, slumber parties, with a cold beer on a sunny summer day, or just anytime you want a real taste of Americana cooking that takes just a few minutes with very little cleanup. These are typical Iowa tavern fare. I loved these sandwiches so much when I was a kid and one day I ran into my Grandma's tavern and asked for my usual "tavern". They always came served with a thin sheet of restaurant paper under them. I was so eager I ate my sandwich half way gone before I realized I was eating the paper too:-) After cooking these in the kitchen they were transferred to a portable steamer. This is the original recipe for the little dudes that were served in the Midwest. I cannot account for changes or differences in flavor for other regions of the country, east or west. I learned to make my Grandma's version when I came to spend summers with her in Sioux City between 1958-65. She's the reason I've become a diehard foodie, a "from scratch" cook. My Grandma was a fearless woman who wasn't afraid to tread in unfamiliar waters. In so many ways food brings people together. I had no idea these little sandwiches would be so loved and bring such happiness to people. I've been so touched by the messages I've received from folks who've tried this recipe and then shared their memories w/me! Thanks!! And thank you Recipezaar for creating a place for us to come together and share with each other!

Provided by plantfreek

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 30m

Yield 4-5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef round or 1 lb ground sirloin
1 tablespoon fat like lard (if meat is round or sirloin) or 1 tablespoon Crisco (if meat is round or sirloin)
2 teaspoons salt, just enough to lightly cover bottom of your skillet
1 onion, chopped fine
1 tablespoon prepared yellow mustard
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 tablespoon sugar
water, to cover
salt and pepper, to taste

Steps:

Get out a cast iron skillet-they are the best for loosemeats-or other kind if you have no iron skillet.
Melt fat over medium heat and lightly salt bottom of skillet.
Break ground beef up in skillet and start crumbling it with the back of a wooden spoon-this is very important-the meat must end up being cooked up into small crumbles.
Add chopped onion while browning meat.
Keep working with the back of spoon to break up meat.
When meat is browned, drain off any fat and return meat to skillet.
Add mustard, vinegar, sugar, and just enough water to barely cover meat in the pan.
Cook, at a simmer, till water is all cooked out-between 15-20 minutes.
Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Heat your hamburger buns-they're traditionally steamed for loosemeats-I like mine toasted lightly-do it the way you like it.
When buns are warm, put yellow mustard on them and add some dill pickle slices-I put on lots!
*If you start changing this recipe and using things like olive oil for the fat and Dijon or honey mustard for the yellow mustard, you will not get the traditional yummy taste of a loosemeat sandwich.
Likewise, don't add any liquid smoke or Worcestershire sauce.
Make them just like this the first time so you can sample the simplicity of this famous Midwestern treat.
If you want to start making changes after that by all means do so but I'd like you to taste the original recipe at least once.
Serve with homemade potato salad and chips or with my Easy Cheesy Potato recipe.

LOOSEMEAT SANDWICHES

Loosemeat Sandwiches image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 25m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil, 1 turn of the pan
1 1/4 pounds ground sirloin
1 cup chicken stock, eyeball it, 1/2 a 14-ounce can or box
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper
4 burger buns, spilt, or kaiser rolls, split
1/2 yellow skinned onion, finely chopped

Steps:

Heat a medium skillet over medium high heat. Add oil and meat to the pan and brown the meat, breaking it up with the back of a wooden spoon as it cooks. Add chicken stock to the meat. Season the meat with paprika, Worcestershire, salt and pepper. When the liquid comes to a bubble, reduce heat to simmer. Cook meat 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Pile meat into buns or rolls and top with raw finely chopped onions.

TAVERNS

Taverns image

Taverns are similar to sloppy joes, just not as "tomato-y;" I have made these for many church and work pot-lucks by increasing the quantities. For Zaar I cut the recipe down to 4 servings. I have had this recipe for many years and really don't have a clue where I first came across it. Works great in the Crock Pot.

Provided by kittycatmom

Categories < 60 Mins

Time 45m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
3/4 cup ketchup
3/4 cup water
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 teaspoon chili powder
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/8 cup vinegar, slightly less than
salt and pepper

Steps:

In a medium skillet, brown ground beef until no longer pink, drain fat.
Over medium heat add additional ingredients to ground beef.
Simmer a minimum of 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve on buns.

Tips:

Using high-quality ground beef is essential for a delicious loosemeat sandwich. Look for ground chuck or sirloin that is 80% lean or higher.
Season the ground beef generously with salt and pepper before cooking. This will help to enhance the flavor of the meat.
Cook the ground beef over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it is browned and cooked through. Do not overcook the meat, or it will become dry and tough.
Use a soft, fluffy bun for the sandwich. This will help to absorb the juices from the meat and make the sandwich more enjoyable to eat.
Top the sandwich with your favorite condiments. Some popular choices include ketchup, mustard, relish, and pickles.

Conclusion:

The loosemeat sandwich is a classic American comfort food that is easy to make and delicious to eat. By following these tips, you can make a loosemeat sandwich that is sure to please everyone at your table. Whether you are looking for a quick and easy lunch or a hearty dinner, the loosemeat sandwich is a great option.