This famous Iowa State Fair guinea grinder recipe is piled high with ground beef, Italian sausage, and pizza sauce with melty mozzarella cheese. Plus, it freezes well!
Why this recipe works
If you’ve ever wandered the midway at the Iowa State Fair, you probably know the smell of a guinea grinder from a mile away. Ground beef and spicy Italian sausage simmered low and slow in pizza sauce, spooned into a split loaf of French bread or bomber buns, and buried under melted mozzarella. It’s hot, messy, and definitely requires quite a few napkins.
This Iowa State Fair grinder sandwich can be made in either a skillet or crockpot. The skillet version is the fastest way to get grinders on the table. Just brown the meat, stir in the sauce, and you’re ready to fill the bread. The slow cooker version is ideal when you’re feeding a crowd. Brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a skillet first, then transfer everything to the crockpot with the sauce and let it cook. If you’ve got guests coming, you can have the meat simmering long before anyone arrives. It stays warm and ready right in the crockpot.
Looking for more ground beef ideas? See our collection of 90 best ground beef recipes here.
Why is it called a Guinea Grinder?
Many Italians aren’t happy with the name “guinea grinder” as its origins date back to when Italian immigrants were called “guineas”. It’s considered a racial slur and some restaurants in Iowa have even changed the name of this sandwich to plain old “grinder”. The word grinder refers to the act of grinding your teeth back and forth to bite through the tough bread in the sandwich, which would also indicate they didn’t toast them early on.
I’ve chosen to keep the historical name, with full respect and no ill intent. Partly to honor the roots, and partly because it’s still the name most use when they’re hunting for the version they remember from the Iowa State Fair.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
SAUSAGE – Authentic fair grinders are made with Graziano Brothers Italian Sausage, which I highly recommend using! If you aren’t local to Des Moines, you can substitute with whichever brand of Italian sausage you prefer, either hot or mild will work.
BREAD – Instead of French rolls (or bomber/hoagie buns), two loaves of French bread cut in half serve the same purpose.
SAUCE – You can use your favorite brand of jarred pizza sauce or make a batch of homemade pizza sauce for this recipe.
How to Make Guinea Grinder Sandwiches
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- If sausage has casings remove them and crumble into pan with the ground beef. Brown both meats together until no longer pink. Drain fat.
- Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder and pepper flakes into the pizza sauce.
- Add the sauce mixture to the browned meat and stir to combine. Bring to a boil then simmer 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Open each French roll (cut in half if needed). Remove some of the bread from each side of the bun to create a “bowl” for the meat.
CHEF TIP – You remove the bread from the top bun to make room for the mounded meat.
- Fill the bowl of the bottom bun with meat mixture. The meat will mound.
- Cover the meat mixture with shredded Mozzarella cheese.
- Place the top of bun onto the sandwich and wrap the entire thing in foil. Repeat for all sandwiches. Bake for 15 minutes in the oven and serve.
Crockpot Guinea Grinders
You can heat the meat mixture in a crockpot until guests arrive. Put the browned meat and the seasoned sauce into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, stir once or twice during cooking. Then preheat the oven and assemble, wrap, and bake the sandwiches.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
A guinea grinder is a hot Italian sandwich popularized at the Iowa State Fair. It’s a mixture of ground beef and Italian sausage that’s simmered in pizza sauce, piled onto French bread, and topped with melty mozzarella. Don’t confuse it with an East Coast grinder, which is a cold deli sub. This right here is a Midwestern delicacy that’s served warm, somewhat similar to a sloppy joe with Italian flair.
Traditionally, Iowa grinders are made with Graziano Brothers Italian sausage. Graziano Brothers is a Des Moines Italian grocery store that’s famous for their Italian sausage. If you can’t get Graziano, any good quality hot or mild Italian sausage will work as well.
Yes, the meat mixture freezes really well! To freeze, allow the meat mixture to fully cool then transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and rewarm in a skillet over medium-low heat. In my experience, the meat mixture tastes a little saltier after freezing, so I would suggest stirring in a splash of water when reheating to rebalance the flavors.
Not technically. The two names are used interchangeably in Iowa where you’ll hear both “guinea grinder” and “Italian grinder”. Though outside of Iowa, an Italian grinder typically refers to a cold sub that’s layered with deli meats, cheese, and a grinder salad inside a toasted bun.
Serving Suggestions
Guinea grinders are often served with or without mozzarella cheese and sometimes with banana peppers, onions, or even mushrooms. I opted for the cheese but left off the peppers to keep it family-friendly for the kids. As with any recipe, you can tailor it to suit your own taste buds if needed.
Serve with onion rings, french fries, potato chips, or a pickle spear.
By the way, you’re in the right place if you’re looking for my original photos! Our photos have updated, but the recipe is the same. Does this photo look familiar?
More Ground Beef Recipes
- Ground Beef Casserole
- The Best Meatloaf Ever
- Baked Salisbury Steak with Gravy
- Sloppy Joe Cornbread Casserole
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Guinea Grinder: Iowa State Fair Food
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Pin It Rate ItIngredients
- 1 pound Italian sausage
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 30 ounces homemade pizza sauce or jar pizza sauce
- 6 French rolls
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- These are very hearty sandwiches. If you like you can stretch the meat even further and get one or two more sandwiches out of it.
- Traditionally, Iowa grinders are made with Graziano Brothers Italian sausage. Graziano Brothers is a Des Moines Italian grocery store that’s famous for their Italian sausage. If you can’t get Graziano, any good quality hot or mild Italian sausage will work as well.
- Instead of French rolls (or bomber/hoagie buns), two loaves of French bread cut in half serves the same purpose.
- You can use your favorite brand of jarred pizza sauce or make a batch of homemade pizza sauce for this recipe.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- If sausage has casings, remove them and crumble into pan with the ground beef. Brown both meats together until no longer pink. Drain fat.1 pound Italian sausage, 1 pound lean ground beef
- Mix the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and pepper flakes into the pizza sauce.1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 30 ounces homemade pizza sauce
- Add the sauce mixture to the browned meat and stir to combine. Bring to a boil then simmer 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Open each French roll (cut in half if needed). Remove some of the bread from each side of the bun to create a “bowl” for the meat.6 French rolls
- Fill the bowl of the bottom bun with meat mixture. The meat will mound.
- Cover the meat mixture with shredded Mozzarella cheese.2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- Place the top of bun onto the sandwich and wrap the entire thing in foil. Repeat for all sandwiches. Bake for 15 minutes in the oven and serve.
Crockpot Version
- If you prefer, you can heat the meat mixture in a crockpot until guests arrive. Put the browned meat and the seasoned sauce into the slow cooker and stir to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or on high for 1-2 hours, stir once or twice during cooking. Then preheat the oven and assemble, wrap, and bake the sandwiches.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, allow the meat mixture to fully cool then transfer it to an airtight container. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and rewarm in a skillet over medium-low heat. In my experience, the meat mixture tastes a little saltier after freezing, so I would suggest stirring in a splash of water when reheating to rebalance the flavors.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
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Clark Cook says
I have been making these for years.I grew up in clear lake Iowa. I moved out east 10 years ago and have been bringing these to work now and then. People even love them out here.I work with a few Italians.I get to poke a little fun with them every time i make them and they snag a tooth on one. Best eats out there :-)
Anonymous says
I also use the meat&sauce, add onions and jalapeno slices, and use it on pizza. Add mozz. and it is amazing!!!
Amanda says
Oh thanks for that info on the restaurants! I'm in southeast WI and they certainly don't have them here either. of course you can't find a good Italian Beef in New York either, they don't even know what it is! LOL Regional food, gotta love it!
Anonymous says
I originally from Des Moines and grew up with these sandwiches. In fact a family I grew up with owns the stand at the Iowa State Fair. It is impossible to find one of these sandwiches in Chicago. They have never heard of a guinea grinder sandwich. I haven't found a good recipe yet, but yours seems to have the right ingredients, so I will try it. There are still some good places in Des Moines that you can get them. Chucks on 6th Ave, The La Pizza House on SE 14th, but the best I've had is at The Tavern on 5th St. in West Des Moines.
Amanda says
Glad you are still enjoying them at home too!
Kirstie says
I am so shocked to find this recipe on this blog! Idk why, but I thought mine was the only family to make these anymore(;
My mom used to make these for me(she's from Iowa) and we all loved them, now I make them for my husband and I and it's one of our favorite meals!
so glad to see this on here!
(:
DeedlesDish says
LOVE this post! As an Iowa native, you officially made me hungry for home! Can't wait to try and thanks for sharing.
Amanda says
h yes, lots of Formaro's in Iowa! :)
@Loy – so glad you liked them! I agree, a nice alternative for sloppy joes too!
Loy says
I am back to say that I made these and found them very good. My husband approved. I have adapted the method to Taco and Sloppy Joe fillings and am posting about that on my blog on Sunday. I have 3 of the Guinea Grinders in my freezer to test out freezing them and reheating. Thanks for a great idea.
Amanda says
@Amber – So glad you liked them!
Lizzy says
Your hubby's family is from Iowa???? I grew up in Ames and went to the U of IA in Iowa City. Where is he from? Great sandwich!
Jen H says
Hello Amanda! I love this recipe! My ex husband is from Iowa and many years ago they put together one of those family cookbooks. After we divorced, I asked if he wanted this cookbook back and he said no. There is a recipe in there called "Hot Italian Sandwiches" and it is very, very similar to the one you posted. The only difference is they used all italian sausage and added basil!
Still a delicious sandwich either way! Thanks for sharing so many great recipes!
Heather says
Love it. Being from the midwest too and we adore grinders. Will have to try this recipe out with your pizza sauce recipe.
Pegasuslegend says
What an awesome idea like a sloppy joe my boys are going to love them thanks AMANDA!
Loy says
These look wonderful. Do you think that if the bread was buttered first, that these could be put together and heated individually from the frozen state? I am including them in my Friday Finds this week. Thanks for posting.
Kelly says
Wow these look awesome. I think this might go on my menu plan next week, thanks!
andie jaye says
now that's some real fair food right there!!! can't wait until we make the trip in a few weeks!! you've got some super yummy recipes on here! movin' on to the pizza on the grill next! yummy!
Amber says
Hi there!! Made these lastnight with a dinner roll type bun, came out very delish!! I didn't roll them individually with the foil, so the first batch had a harder bun, but the second batch was soft and good, the kiddo's enjoyed them alot!! Thanks!!
[email protected] says
Oh, I am drooling looking at your photo–I just want to take a big bite out of the sandwich! My three "kids" are home from college, so it's the perfect time to make this indulgent meal. (And I'll skip counting calories that day when I make it.) Your posting reminds me that I need to get my mom's meatballs posted on my site–already have the sauce and bread crumb components up there. I'm fairly new to the blogosphere–when I get my 60 recipes posted, count me in for the secret recipe club! I'm getting close. :-)
Jersey Girl Cooks says
Looks like a delicious sandwich!