Bar-B-Que
A savory slow-cooked barbecue beef or venison dish with rich tomato and spice flavors, perfect for casual gatherings and hearty appetites.
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 lb beef or venison ⓘ
- 2 stalks celery with leaves ⓘ
- 2 onions ⓘ
- 1 large green pepper ⓘ
- 1 large can tomato sauce
- 1 Tbsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp ground barbecue spices or 1 Tbsp barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup A.1. sauce ⓘ
- 1 shake ground hot pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup brown sugar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
Instructions
- Put meat in slow cooker around mid-morning.
- Cook slowly several hours, adding water if needed, until the meat starts to pull apart with a fork.
- Drain off some of the liquid.
- In the meantime, sauté celery, onions, and green pepper in a little butter.
- Add the remaining ingredients, mix well, and simmer.
- Add more hot pepper or barbecue sauce to taste.
- Shred the meat and mix it with the sauce, then simmer again for about 1 to 2 hours.
- Serve on hamburger buns.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more intense flavor, marinate the meat overnight in the barbecue sauce and vinegar. You can substitute the beef or venison with chicken or pork if desired. Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference. If you don't have A.1. sauce, use a mix of soy sauce and ketchup for a similar tang.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Bar-B-Que on toasted hamburger buns with pickles and coleslaw for added crunch. It pairs beautifully with Vegetable Soup Burgundy or a side of baked beans for a complete meal. For a more substantial dish, consider serving it over rice or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Bar-B-Que can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place it in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if necessary to prevent drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave, covered, for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bar-B-Que contains roughly 251 calories, with 6g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (39% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1140mg per serving (50% 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 a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute beef or venison with chicken, pork, or even turkey. Each meat will impart a different flavor, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Chicken will cook faster, while pork may need similar time as beef.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To increase the heat, add more ground hot pepper or a splash of hot sauce when mixing the remaining ingredients. You can also use a spicier barbecue sauce or add chopped jalapeños for an extra kick.
Can I make this dish in advance?
Absolutely! This Bar-B-Que can be prepared a day ahead. Simply cook it, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently before serving, as the flavors will meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the taste.
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).