All American Barbecue Sandwiches

Prep: 15 min Cook: 30 min Serves: 18 Cuisine: American

All American Barbecue Sandwiches are a hearty and flavorful dish featuring ground beef simmered in a tangy sauce. With the perfect balance of sweetness from the ketchup and sugar, and a kick from the mustard and Worcestershire sauce, these sandwiches are perfect for gatherings or a casual family dinner.

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Ingredients

  • 4 1/2 lb. ground beef
  • 1 1/2 c. chopped onion
  • 2 1/4 c. ketchup
  • 3 Tbsp. mustard
  • 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • 1 Tbsp. salt
  • 1 Tbsp. pepper
  • 18 hamburger buns

Instructions

  1. In a Dutch oven, cook beef and onion until meat is browned and onion is tender.
  2. Drain the excess fat.
  3. Combine ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
  4. Stir the sauce into the beef mixture and heat thoroughly.
  5. Serve the mixture on split hamburger buns.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding a few dashes of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture. If you're out of ground beef, ground turkey or chicken can serve as a lighter alternative. You can also try using barbecue sauce instead of ketchup for a different flavor profile. If you're short on time, pre-cooked beef can speed up the preparation process.

Serving Suggestions

These barbecue sandwiches are perfect for casual gatherings and pair well with classic sides like coleslaw or potato salad. For a complete meal, consider serving with baked beans or corn on the cob. To elevate the experience, offer a selection of pickles and hot sauce on the side. They also make a great dish for game day or backyard barbecues.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover barbecue mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until heated thoroughly. Serve on fresh buns for the best taste.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of All American Barbecue Sandwiches contains roughly 145 calories, with 2g protein, 27g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (37% of the Daily Value).

145 kcal 7% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2g 4% DV
Total Fat 1.3g 2% DV
Carbs 27.4g 10% DV
Fiber 2g 7% DV
Sugar 18g 36% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 459.1mg 20% DV
Potassium 273.1mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 1.7mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 18.7mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 32.9mg 37% DV
Calcium 46mg 4% DV
Iron 1.2mg 7% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

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 make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the beef mixture a day ahead. Just cool it down, store it in an airtight container, and refrigerate. Reheat before serving. This also allows the flavors to meld for a more delicious taste.

What type of ground beef should I use?

For the best flavor and texture, use ground beef with a fat content of around 80/20 or 85/15. This provides a good balance of juiciness and flavor without being overly greasy.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Absolutely! The barbecue mixture freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

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).

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