11 Sandwiches That Prove the Midwest Knows Best

The Midwest has a way of making food feel like home. These sandwiches don’t try too hard; they’re simple, warm, and tied to family kitchens and small-town diners. Every bite feels like something familiar, like coming home after a long day and sitting down at the same table where generations before you have done the same.

Horseshoe Sandwich

Born in Springfield, Illinois, the Horseshoe is part sandwich, part indulgence. It’s layered with bread, meat, fries, and cheese sauce; a diner meal meant to fill you up and make you smile. Get the recipe here.

Runza

This Nebraska favorite folds ground beef, cabbage, and onions inside soft bread dough. It’s the kind of meal that sticks with you; warm, hearty, and quietly perfect. Get the recipe here.

Olive Burger

Michigan’s Olive Burger is quirky and beloved. With a tangy olive mayo spread on a juicy patty, it’s as much about regional pride as it is about comfort. Get the recipe here.

Loose Meat Sandwich

From Iowa diners, this unpretentious sandwich has stood the test of time. Crumbled beef, a soft bun, and a touch of mustard; proof that simplicity can taste like home. Get the recipe here.

Cudighi Sandwich

In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the Cudighi mixes Italian sausage with marinara and mozzarella on a hoagie roll. It’s hearty, nostalgic, and exactly what a snowy day calls for. Get the recipe here.

Fried Pork Tenderloin Sandwich

Indiana’s claim to sandwich fame, the Fried Pork Tenderloin is crisp, juicy, and bigger than the bun it comes on. It’s pure comfort, best enjoyed at a roadside diner. Get the recipe here.

Hot Beef Sandwich

Served open-faced with gravy and mashed potatoes, the Hot Beef Sandwich is Midwestern comfort defined. It’s slow, filling, and made for family gatherings. Get the recipe here.

Detroit Coney Dog

In Detroit, the Coney Dog isn’t just a hot dog. It’s a city tradition. A grilled dog topped with meat sauce, mustard, and onions, it’s pure Midwest energy in one bite. Get the recipe here.

Sloppy Joe

The Sloppy Joe has been a Midwest lunchroom favorite for decades. Sweet, tangy, and a little messy, it reminds everyone that food doesn’t have to be fancy to feel good. Get the recipe here.

Bison Burger

From the plains of Wyoming, the Bison Burger feels distinctly Midwestern; lean, flavorful, and grilled to perfection. It’s the kind of meal that fits right in at a family cookout. Get the recipe here.

North Shore Beef

Roast beef, sauce, and melted cheese on a soft roll; Massachusetts might claim it, but the Midwest made it a staple. It’s the kind of sandwich that feels right at any family table. Get the recipe here.