B. J. Taverns

Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A hearty and flavorful hamburger topping with sweet and tangy notes from brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup, perfect for a casual cookout or family dinner.

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Ingredients

  • 1 lb. hamburger
  • medium onion, diced
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 1/3 c. mustard
  • 1/3 c. ketchup

Instructions

  1. Brown the hamburger and diced onions in a skillet.
  2. Drain excess fat and liquid from the cooked mixture.
  3. Add brown sugar, mustard, and ketchup to the skillet.
  4. Simmer the mixture until heated through and flavors meld.
  5. Serve the sauce on hamburger buns.

Tips & Substitutions

For added depth of flavor, consider using a mix of ground beef and ground pork. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar or add a splash of apple cider vinegar. For a spicy kick, incorporate some hot sauce or diced jalapeños. This dish can also be made using lean ground turkey for a lighter version, similar to other American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the B. J. Taverns on toasted hamburger buns for a satisfying meal. Pair with classic sides like coleslaw or potato chips for a perfect balance. This dish also goes well with a light salad, like Hodgepodge Salad, or even fries for a more indulgent option. Don't forget to have extra mustard and ketchup on hand for those who like a little extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover B. J. Taverns in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions, covered, in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of B. J. Taverns contains roughly 339 calories, with 2g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 2g fat.

339 kcal 17% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2g 4% DV
Total Fat 1.9g 2% DV
Carbs 81.3g 30% DV
Fiber 0.3g 1% DV
Sugar 76.3g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 209.3mg 9% DV
Potassium 173mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 4.3mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 29.8mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 1.9mg 2% DV
Calcium 84.6mg 7% DV
Iron 0.9mg 5% 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 ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the meat mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just reheat it before serving. This method saves time on busy days and allows the flavors to meld even more, making it a great choice for gatherings.

What can I substitute for the mustard?

If you're not a fan of mustard, you can replace it with barbecue sauce or even a tangy vinaigrette for a different flavor. This will alter the taste slightly, but can provide a delicious variation while still delivering a similar texture to the dish.

Can I freeze the B. J. Taverns?

Absolutely! The meat mixture freezes well. Just allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

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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