A Sandwich From My Backyard
I want to share a recipe from my home state. It is the Minnesota Ground Beef Sandwich. This is not a fancy meal. It is a warm, happy hug on a bun.
It reminds me of summer cookouts. The smell would drift across the yard. All the neighbors would know what was for supper. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
Why This Simple Meal Matters
This sandwich is more than just food. It is about feeding the people you love. It does not cost much money or time. That is a very good thing.
A full belly and a happy heart go together. A simple meal can make a hard day feel better. That is why this recipe matters. It is a little bit of comfort.
The Magic in the Pan
You start with some ground beef. Cook it in a pan until it is brown. Then you drain the extra fat away. This is the easy part.
Now for the magic. Stir in ketchup, mustard, and a can of cream of mushroom soup. The soup makes everything creamy and rich. *Fun fact: Cream of mushroom soup was a kitchen superstar in the 1950s. It made quick, creamy sauces for busy families.*
A Little Story for You
My grandson once tried to make this himself. He was so proud. He used a whole jar of pickles on top of his one sandwich. I still laugh at that.
He learned a good lesson that day. You can always fix a meal, even if you make a little mistake. What is the funniest cooking mistake you ever made?
The Best Part: Building Your Sandwich
Get a soft bun. Spoon that warm, saucy beef right on top. Now for the crunch! Add a handful of potato chips. Then add a few dill pickle slices.
The warm beef, cool pickle, and crunchy chip are perfect together. Every bite is a little party. Do you like your sandwiches crunchy or soft?
A Recipe for Sharing
This recipe is easy to share with a friend. It is also easy to double if you have extra mouths to feed. Sharing food is a way of sharing love.
That is another reason this meal matters. It brings people together around the table. What is your favorite simple meal to share with others?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ground beef | 1 pound | |
| Ketchup | 3/4 cup | |
| Mustard | 1 teaspoon | |
| Cream of mushroom soup | 1 can (10.5 ounces) | |
| Salt and pepper | to taste | |
| Potato chips | for topping | |
| Dill pickles | for topping |
My Minnesota Ground Beef Sandwich
This recipe is a cozy memory for me. I learned it from my neighbor, Agnes, years ago. Her kitchen always smelled so good. This sandwich is like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple and so very tasty. Let’s make some together.
Step 1: Grab your favorite skillet. Crumble the ground beef into it over medium heat. Cook it until it’s all brown, with no pink left. I like to stir it with my wooden spoon. (A hard-learned tip: drain the fat off into an old can, not the sink!). This keeps your pipes happy.
Step 2: Now for the magic. Stir in the ketchup, mustard, and that can of cream of mushroom soup. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It reminds me of family suppers. Reduce the heat to low. Let it bubble gently for about 30 minutes. This lets all the flavors become best friends.
Step 3: Give your mixture a little taste. Add a pinch of salt and pepper if it needs it. Everyone likes it a bit different. Now, spoon that warm, savory beef onto a soft bun. My grandson likes his bun toasted. Toasted or soft bun? Share below! Top it with crunchy potato chips and a cool dill pickle. The mix of warm and crunchy is the best part.
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 sandwiches
Category: Dinner, Lunch
Three Tasty Twists to Try
This recipe is wonderful as it is. But it’s also fun to play with. You can make it new every time. Here are a few ideas from my kitchen to yours.
The “A Little Kick” Twist: Add a few shakes of hot sauce to the beef mixture. It gives it a nice, warm zing.
The “Cozy Veggie” Twist: Sauté some chopped mushrooms with the beef. It makes the whole thing even more earthy and rich.
The “Cheesy Dream” Twist: Place a slice of cheddar cheese on the bottom bun. The warm beef will melt it perfectly. Which one would you try first? Comment below!
How to Serve Your Sandwich
This sandwich is a whole meal by itself. But a good side makes it even better. I love serving it with a simple side salad. A few carrot sticks are also perfect for crunching. For a real treat, try sweet potato fries.
What to drink? A cold glass of milk is a classic choice. It cuts through the richness so nicely. For the grown-ups, a frosty lager beer pairs wonderfully. Which would you choose tonight? I think I’d have the milk. It reminds me of being a kid.
Keeping Your Sandwich Filling Cozy
This beef filling is a friend to a busy cook. Let it cool completely before storing. Then tuck it into a container in your fridge. It will stay happy for three days.
You can also freeze it for a later meal. I use old yogurt containers for this. My first time, I put hot filling right in the freezer. The lid popped right off. What a mess.
Thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently in a pan with a splash of water. This keeps it from drying out. Batch cooking means a warm meal is always close by.
That is a wonderful feeling on a tired day. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for a Perfect Sandwich
Is your filling too runny? Let it simmer a bit longer with the lid off. The extra liquid will cook away. I remember when mine was more like a soup.
Is it too dry? Just stir in a little more ketchup or a spoonful of water. This makes it saucy again. Getting the texture right makes the sandwich so much better.
Taste it before you serve. Does it need a little something? A pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference. This is how you make a recipe your own.
That builds your cooking confidence. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Quick Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes. Use a gluten-free cream of mushroom soup and buns.
Q: How far ahead can I make it? A: The filling tastes even better the next day. Make it up to three days ahead.
Q: What if I do not have mushroom soup? A: Cream of celery or chicken soup works nicely too.
Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Absolutely. Use a bigger pot so everything fits.
Q: Any other topping ideas? A: Try crispy onion strings or a slice of cheese. Fun fact: The potato chip topping adds a wonderful crunch. Which tip will you try first?
From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home. It holds so many good memories for me. Nothing makes me happier than sharing these kitchen stories with you.
I would love to see your creation. Your version might give someone else a great idea. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!
Happy cooking!
—Elowen Thorn.
Minnesota Ground Beef Sandwich Recipe
Description
A classic and comforting sandwich featuring savory ground beef simmered in a creamy mushroom and ketchup sauce, served on a bun with crispy chips and pickles.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until the beef is no longer pink. Drain.
- Stir in the ketchup, mustard, and can of cream of mushroom soup.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes. Salt and pepper, to taste.
- Serve on a bun, topped with chips and pickles.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, you can use cream of chicken soup instead of mushroom. Feel free to add a slice of cheese on top of the beef mixture before serving.