Barbecue Leftovers
A savory barbecue leftovers recipe featuring vegetables, ketchup, and brown sugar, perfect for casual family dinners or weeknight quick fixes with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Heat 4 tablespoons butter or margarine in a large skillet.
- Add chopped onion, celery, and green pepper; cook and stir for 5 minutes.
- Stir in ketchup, water, brown sugar, and vinegar; heat to boiling.
- Reduce heat; simmer covered for about 30 minutes, stirring once or twice.
- Serve over rice, noodles, mashed potatoes, or toast.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider mixing in some cooked barbecue meat if you have leftovers. You can substitute the green pepper with a red pepper or even add a jalapeño for some heat. If you'd like a smokier flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or liquid smoke. This dish is also perfect for using up leftover veggies from other meals.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this barbecue mixture over rice, noodles, or mashed potatoes for a hearty meal. It also works great on toast for a quick lunch or snack. Pair it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced dinner. This dish is versatile enough to accompany any of your favorite American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. It can also be frozen for up to three months; just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecue Leftovers contains roughly 218 calories, with 2g protein, 38g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 564mg per serving (25% 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 different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any vegetables you have on hand. Corn, zucchini, or even shredded carrots would work nicely. Just be sure to chop them into small pieces for even cooking. You can also consider using frozen vegetables if fresh ones aren't available.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
To add some heat, you can include diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce in the mixture. Additionally, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper into the sauce while it simmers. Adjust the spice level according to your taste preference for a delicious kick!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove or in the microwave before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious.
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).