12 Midwest Sandwiches That Deliver Big Value

In the Midwest, sandwiches aren’t about flash; they’re about feeding you well and making every dollar count. These twelve classics prove that “big value” doesn’t mean cutting corners. It means big portions, comforting ingredients, and the kind of food that sticks with you for all the right reasons.

Loose Meat Sandwich

Iowa’s loose meat sandwich gives you all the comfort of a burger without the show. It’s seasoned ground beef, a warm bun, and that perfect diner balance of simple and satisfying. Get the recipe here.

Hot Beef Sandwich

Mashed potatoes, thick-cut bread, and tender beef smothered in gravy; this one’s less a sandwich and more a warm blanket in meal form. A full dinner for the price of lunch. Get the recipe here.

Fried Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Indiana’s favorite sandwich doesn’t hold back. A giant, crispy pork cutlet that dwarfs the bun; it’s crunchy, filling, and a meal that laughs at the idea of “small bites.” Get the recipe here.

Runza

This Nebraska staple is a self-contained masterpiece. Stuffed with beef, onions, and cabbage, it’s the ultimate value meal; warm, handheld, and built to travel anywhere. Get the recipe here.

Horseshoe Sandwich

Springfield, Illinois’ Horseshoe doesn’t do moderation. Texas toast, fries, and a cascade of cheese sauce; it’s indulgent, generous, and exactly what a diner special should be. Get the recipe here.

Detroit Coney Dog

The Motor City knows how to serve a deal. A chili-smothered hot dog with onions and mustard; fast, cheap, and unforgettable. You’ll want two before you leave. Get the recipe here.

Olive Burger

A Michigan diner staple, the Olive Burger takes creamy, briny topping and turns it into pure comfort. It’s humble, hearty, and delivers maximum payoff for minimum cost. Get the recipe here.

Cudighi Sandwich

From Michigan’s Upper Peninsula comes a sweet-and-spicy sausage sandwich that delivers serious bang for your buck. It’s local pride served between two rolls. Get the recipe here.

Fish Fry Sandwich

Wisconsin’s take on fried fish turns Friday nights into a weekly event. Crispy, tender, and layered with tartar sauce, it’s proof that the simplest meals last longest. Get the recipe here.

Hot Beef Sandwich

Served open-faced and loaded with gravy, this Dakotas classic stretches every dollar into pure satisfaction. Fork required, nap optional. Get the recipe here.

Beef on Weck

Okay, it’s from New York, but it fits the Midwestern spirit perfectly. Roast beef, horseradish, and a salty roll; it’s filling, affordable, and built for anyone who appreciates real value. Get the recipe here.

Sloppy Joe

The Sloppy Joe might be America’s best deal: one pan, one bun, total nostalgia. Sweet, saucy, and satisfying, it’s every Midwestern potluck’s MVP. Get the recipe here.