Crock Pot Maid-Rites

Maid-rites are an Iowa tradition.

Yes, loose meat sandwiches, no matter how simple they are, are delicious!

I asked my Facebook fans yesterday what meal they wanted to see next.  Out of about 5 choices these maid-rites were the winner!

I completely understand if you are looking at this pile of meat and wondering what the big deal is, or rather why I would even blog about this sandwich.

I get it.  They do not make the most beautiful sandwich, but let me tell you the flavor is all there.  Many of us in the Midwest grew up on these sandwiches, especially if you are from Iowa.  We invented the darn things.  If you grew up in the 90's watching the TV show Roseanne you'll also remember that Roseanne and Jackie owned a loose meat sandwich restaurant.

Yep, their idea came from us Iowans.

These sandwiches are easy and family friendly {I haven't met a kid who doesn't like them} and they can feed a crowd!  I have a zillion childhood memories of eating these at fundraisers, potlucks and family gatherings.

Seriously, once you have the meat cooked and seasoned, you can throw it in a crock pot and let it simmer away all day long.  Bring along some hamburger buns and condiments and you've got a meal.

There are many, many, many versions of this recipe floating around the internet and frankly I make them a bit different each time, but I've found this one has the closest flavor of a true "Maid-Rite", like the ones you have at the popular Midwestern chain.

And by the way, if you throw a slice of cheese on the darn thing, it becomes a "Cheese-Rite".

I know.  We are so original.

Make these for your family today!