Maid-Rite Sliders

Maid-Rite Sliders Recipe

Maid-Rite sandwiches are a beloved Midwestern classic, originally from the Maid-Rite chain, known for their loose, seasoned ground beef served on soft buns. These sliders are a delicious, fun, and easy version of the classic sandwich, perfect for parties, tailgates, or a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 is ideal for flavor)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 small slider buns or dinner rolls
• 4 slices American cheese (optional)
• Pickles (optional, for serving)
• Mustard and ketchup (optional, for serving)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Beef

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spoon or spatula. Cook until fully browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the onions (optional): If you’re using onions, add them to the skillet with the beef about halfway through cooking. Sauté until they soften and become translucent.
3. Season the beef: Drain any excess fat from the pan if necessary. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of water (about ¼ cup) to help create a slightly saucy, loose mixture. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to combine the flavors.

Step 2: Assemble the Sliders

1. Prepare the buns: Split the slider buns in half. If you like, you can toast the buns lightly under the broiler or in a toaster oven for extra flavor and texture.
2. Fill the buns: Spoon the seasoned ground beef mixture onto the bottom half of each slider bun. Be generous with the meat filling!
3. Add cheese (optional): If you like cheese, place a slice of American cheese on top of the hot meat mixture. The heat from the meat will melt the cheese, making it gooey and delicious.

Step 3: Serve

1. Top with the bun: Place the top half of the slider bun on each sandwich.
2. Optional toppings: Add pickles, extra ketchup, or mustard to taste. These additions are great for balancing out the rich, savory flavor of the beef.
3. Serve warm: Serve the sliders immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is melted.

Tips:

• Meat Options: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, though beef will give you the classic flavor.
• Flavor Boosts: For extra flavor, you can stir in a little hot sauce, BBQ sauce, or some grated cheese directly into the beef mixture while cooking.
• Make-Ahead: You can cook the beef mixture ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. The meat will hold up well in the fridge for a couple of days.
• Serving Size: If you’re making these for a crowd, you can make the filling in large batches and serve them on larger buns or even hoagie rolls for more of a full-sized sandwich.

These Maid-Rite Sliders are juicy, flavorful, and super satisfying—perfect for any casual gathering or family meal. Enjoy the nostalgia of this Midwestern classic with a fun slider twist!