These Chopped Cheeseburgers (aka Maid Rite loose meat sandwiches) are a cross between a sloppy joe and a McDonald’s Big Mac. They’re super quick and easy, delicious, and quite awesome! Weeknight dinner lifesaver that your entire family will ask for regularly.
A chopped cheese is almost like a deconstructed hamburger. Who invented the Chopped Cheese? Many say that Hajji’s Deli (also known as Blue Sky Deli) invented the chopped cheese sandwich.
Chopped Cheeseburgers – Maid Rite Copycat
These chopped cheeseburgers are sort of like if a sloppy Joe and McDonald’s Big Mac got married. It’s essentially a Maid Rite, and truly the best of both worlds. They are so easy to make, incredibly yummy, and so much more than ordinary.
What is a Maid Rite?
A Maid Rite is a loose meat sandwich, which originated in an Iowa restaurant back in 1926. It’s now a franchise, with locations in Missouri and Kansas, as well. Depending on where you are in the Midwest, this sandwich is referred to as a loose hamburger sandwich, tavern sandwich, Nu-Way, Steamer, Big T, or simply a Maid Rite.
Maid Rite sandwiches don’t typically have a sauce, or cheese, and are not baked – these are just a few (delicious!) twists I’ve added. They are somewhat in the same vein as a sloppy joe, though – seasoned loose ground beef on a bun and wonderfully messy.
Call them a chopped cheeseburger, a loose meat sandwich, or a Maid Rite. We just call them absolutely delicious!
The original recipe is under lock and key, making everyone guess what exactly is in it, but the few ingredients that nobody argues with are ground beef, onion, salt, pepper, and a bun. From there, many variations exist.
Like all famous midwestern recipes, everyone has their own take on them and the Maid-Rite sandwich is no exception. Some cooks use mustard, while others add ketchup. Some cooks even include BBQ sauce. Sometimes pickles, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar are mixed into the meat. I’ve even heard of these sandwiches being made with beef broth or beer.
This particular version is my family’s favorite, which includes the following ingredients: (Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Meat mixture – lean ground beef, sweet onion, salt, pepper, dill pickle relish.
- Buns – any slider buns will do (round or square), expect Hawaiian and Pretzel.
- Condiments – mayonnaise, ketchup, and Sriracha hot sauce.
- Cheese – Kraft Singles American cheese. Yep, the fake cheese!
Why the Best Chopped Cheese in NYC Comes From a Food Truck — The Experts
FAQ
What’s the difference between chopped cheese and burger?
What is in chopped cheese?
Is a chopped cheese a cheesesteak?
Is a chopped cheese a Sloppy Joe?