Barbecued Beef Sandwiches

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

Juicy barbecued beef sandwiches featuring savory flavors of tomato, green pepper, and smoky barbecue sauce, perfect for casual gatherings and family dinners.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs. ground beef
  • 3/4 c. chopped onion
  • 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
  • 1/2 c. finely chopped green pepper
  • 1/4 cup ketchup
  • 1 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. barbecue sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. prepared mustard
  • 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/4 tsp. pepper

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet; drain excess fat.
  2. Add chopped onion and green pepper; cook for 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in tomato sauce, ketchup, salt, brown sugar, barbecue sauce, vinegar, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper.
  4. Cover and simmer for 1 hour to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Serve the beef mixture on buns.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you want a smoky flavor, try using smoked barbecue sauce. This recipe is versatile, so feel free to experiment with different types of onion, such as red or sweet, for varied flavor profiles.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the barbecued beef on toasted buns for added texture. Pair it with coleslaw or potato salad for a classic side. It also goes well with pickles or jalapeños for added crunch. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside baked beans or corn on the cob. This dish pairs beautifully with Easy Bean Soup as a lighter side option.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover beef mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through, for about 2-3 minutes or until hot.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Barbecued Beef Sandwiches contains roughly 363 calories, with 5g protein, 71g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2046mg per serving (89% of the Daily Value).

363 kcal 18% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.8g 10% DV
Total Fat 4.3g 5% DV
Carbs 70.6g 26% DV
Fiber 2.5g 9% DV
Sugar 59.2g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2045.8mg 89% DV
Potassium 518.6mg 11% DV
Cholesterol 8mg 3% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 22.9mcg 3% DV
Vitamin C 51.8mg 58% DV
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 100.4mg 8% DV
Iron 2.6mg 14% 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 beef mixture ahead of time. Simply cook it, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stove or microwave. The flavors will even deepen after sitting, making it taste even better!

What type of buns work best for these sandwiches?

For the best experience, use sturdy buns like hamburger or brioche buns that can hold the filling without falling apart. You can also try whole wheat or gluten-free buns for a healthier option or dietary restrictions. Toasting the buns lightly before serving adds a nice crunch.

Can I freeze the barbecued beef mixture?

Absolutely! The barbecued beef mixture freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw it 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).

American recipes → Beef recipes → All recipes →