Barbecued Beef On Buns
Juicy shredded beef simmered in a tangy, sweet, and smoky barbecue sauce, perfect for sandwiches and casual gatherings, offering bold flavors and tender texture.
Ingredients
- 3 lb. boneless beef chuck roast ⓘ
- 1 medium onion
- 1/2 cup celery
- water ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups catsup ⓘ
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons dry or regular mustard ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons salt ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt ⓘ
- few drops hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- hamburger buns ⓘ
Instructions
- Place beef, onion, and celery in a Dutch oven; add water to almost cover the meat.
- Bring to a boil; reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 2 1/2 to 3 hours or until the meat is tender.
- Remove meat; strain and reserve the cooking liquid.
- Trim and shred the meat.
- Return the shredded meat to the Dutch oven.
- Add 2 cups of the strained cooking liquid.
- Save the remaining cooking liquid for later use.
- Skim and discard the fat from the mixture.
- Add catsup, brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, salt, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, paprika, garlic salt, and hot pepper sauce.
- Cover and simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- If the mixture becomes too thick, add additional reserved cooking liquid.
- Serve on hamburger buns.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the beef in the barbecue sauce overnight before cooking. If you're short on time, you can use pre-cooked shredded beef or even a store-bought barbecue sauce. Adding a splash of apple cider vinegar can enhance the tanginess. This dish pairs wonderfully with coleslaw for added crunch and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecued beef on toasted hamburger buns for a satisfying meal. Consider adding toppings like pickles, sliced jalapeños, or coleslaw for extra texture and flavor. This dish also goes well with sides like potato salad or baked beans. For a twist, try it with the recipe for Beef-Stuffed Cabbage.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecued beef 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 reserved cooking liquid to maintain moisture. Alternatively, microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Barbecued Beef On Buns contains roughly 93 calories, with 1g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 2g 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 use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, while boneless beef chuck roast is ideal for its tenderness, you can substitute with brisket or round roast. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the cut you choose.
What can I do with leftover barbecue beef?
Leftover barbecue beef can be used in various ways. Try making a Quick Barbecue Beef Bake or adding it to quesadillas for a delicious twist. You can also freeze it for up to three months for easy future meals.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, add more hot pepper sauce or include diced jalapeños in the mixture. You could also experiment with spicier chili powder or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
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).