Tavern Sandwiches
A classic Midwestern loose meat sandwich featuring seasoned ground beef simmered until tender. Unlike a Sloppy Joe, this version is less saucy, allowing the savory flavor of the beef and simple spices to shine through. It's a quick and satisfying meal perfect for a weeknight dinner.
An original recipe by Forkin
- Total time
- 25 min
- Serves
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Per serving
- 542 kcal
Allergen information: may contain milk and mustard. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.
Mise en place
Ingredients
Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.
- 450 gground beef, 80/20 lean to fat ratio recommended
- 0.5 pcsmedium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tbspunsalted butter
- 0.25 cupketchup
- 0.5 tspchili powder
- 0.25 tspdry mustard
- 1 tspsalt
- 0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
- 4 pcshamburger bun, split
Equipment
large skillet · spatula · knife · cutting board
The method
Step by step
- 1
Melt the butter in a large skillet or pan over medium heat.
About 1 min
- 2
Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
About 4 min
Cook’s note: Stir occasionally to prevent the onion from browning too much.
- 3
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes.
About 7 min
Cook’s note: Breaking the meat into very small crumbles is key to the texture of a tavern sandwich.
- 4
Carefully drain off any excess fat from the skillet.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: You can tilt the pan and spoon out the fat, or pour the contents through a colander over a bowl and return the meat to the pan.
- 5
Return the skillet to low heat and stir in the ketchup, chili powder, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
About 1 min
- 6
Cover and simmer for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
About 10 min
Cook’s note: If the mixture looks dry, you can add a tablespoon of water.
- 7
While the meat simmers, toast the split hamburger buns until lightly golden.
About 2 min
Cook’s note: Toasting the buns helps prevent them from getting soggy.
- 8
Spoon the hot meat mixture onto the bottom buns, place the top buns on, and serve immediately.
About 1 min
Cook’s note: These are traditionally served plain, but pickles or extra mustard are common additions.
Per serving
Nutrition
- Calories
- 541.5kcal
- Protein
- 26.2g
- Carbs
- 46.7g
- Fat
- 28.4g
- Fibre
- 2.6g
- Sugar
- 7.3g
Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.
Keep it good
Store the cooked meat filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator, separate from the buns.
Reheat the meat filling in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.
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