1925 Great Grandma Oven Barbecue
A hearty, smoky barbecue featuring tender shredded beef and pork, rich tomato and spice flavors, perfect for casual gatherings and comfort food lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place the boneless beef chuck and shredded pork loin in a covered roasting pan.
- Add chopped onions on top of the meat.
- Mix ketchup, sugar, mustard, chili powder, pickling spice, and water to create the sauce.
- Tie the pickling spice in a square cheesecloth and make a small spice bag.
- Pour the sauce over the meat and add additional water to cover.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 4 hours until the meat falls apart, adding more water if needed.
- Mix flour and water to make a thickening paste.
- Remove the spice bag from the meat.
- Shred the cooked meat with forks or tongs.
- Thicken the sauce with the flour-water mixture and cook a few minutes until thickened.
- Serve the shredded barbecue on hamburger buns with sweet relish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider marinating the beef and pork in the sauce overnight before cooking. If you prefer a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the sauce. You can substitute brown sugar for white sugar for a deeper sweetness, or use honey for a natural alternative. Additionally, for a quicker version, using a slow cooker instead of the oven can yield similar results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the shredded barbecue on toasted hamburger buns, topped with sweet relish for a tangy contrast. Pair it with classic sides like coleslaw or potato salad for a complete meal. This dish also goes well with cornbread or baked beans, making it perfect for gatherings. It’s an Easy Super Party Recipe, ideal for feeding a crowd.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover barbecue can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist. Alternatively, it can be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of 1925 Great Grandma Oven Barbecue contains roughly 920 calories, with 59g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (118% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (70% of the Daily Value), and iron (40% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 661mg per serving (29% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other cuts of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute other cuts like brisket or even chicken for a lighter option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different meats may require different cooking times to become tender.
How do I adjust the recipe for a smaller group?
To serve fewer people, you can halve the quantities of meat and sauce ingredients. However, keep the baking time similar, checking for tenderness to ensure the meat is properly cooked and falls apart easily.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! The barbecue freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as mentioned for best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).