The Muscatine story is the correct one. The original restaurant has now been closed for a few years. The company is still promoting franchises, but with an all new concept and increased menu.

Here's how I make them and they seem to be the closest that I could come to the original.

MAID-RITES

3 lbs ground beef
1/2 medium onion, chopped fine
1 can beef consomme
hamburger buns (for serving)

Brown the beef with the onion until very crumbly. Drain a small amount of the grease off, but leave about half in the pot. Add the can of consomme and let simmer for as long as you like stirring occasionally.

To serve, use a slotted spoon and pile it on a hamburger bun.

VARIATION:

TO MAKE A CHEESE-RITE:
Smear Cheez-Whiz on the top half of the bun.

Serve with a spoon to get all the droppings

ENJOY