Grandma Mary'S Barbecue Beef
Grandma Mary's Barbecue Beef offers tender, flavorful shredded beef simmered in a tangy and sweet barbecue sauce. Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish combines savory, smoky, and sweet flavors that appeal to all ages and pair well with sides like coleslaw or baked potatoes.
Ingredients
- 2 lb. boneless rump roast ⓘ
- 2 tsp. shortening ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, sliced ⓘ
- 1/2 c. water ⓘ
- salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 c. ketchup ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vinegar ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dry mustard ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the boneless rump roast in a skillet or Dutch oven.
- Add sliced onion, salt, pepper, and water to the meat.
- Cover and simmer for approximately 1 1/2 hours until the meat is tender.
- Remove the meat and shred it with forks.
- Prepare the barbecue sauce by melting butter and sautéing finely chopped onion and minced garlic.
- Stir in ketchup, vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and chili powder.
- Simmer the sauce for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Return the shredded beef to the sauce and cook for a few more minutes to combine.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a chuck roast instead of a rump roast, as it has more marbling. If you're short on time, you can use pre-made barbecue sauce instead of making it from scratch. Adding a dash of smoked paprika can enhance the barbecue flavor. For a spicier kick, try incorporating some hot sauce into the sauce mixture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Grandma Mary's Barbecue Beef on toasted buns for a delicious sandwich, or alongside coleslaw for a classic barbecue meal. It pairs beautifully with Potato Soup Hash for a comforting dinner. Consider adding pickles or jalapeños for an extra kick. This dish also works well with cornbread on the side.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover barbecue beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the beef in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, ensuring it doesn't dry out. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma Mary'S Barbecue Beef contains roughly 366 calories, with 14g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (28% of the Daily Value) and iron (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 741mg per serving (32% 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 cut of beef for this recipe?
Yes, you can use cuts like brisket or chuck roast for a different flavor and texture. Chuck roast is particularly good because it becomes very tender when cooked slowly. Just be mindful of adjusting the cooking time slightly if you choose a cut that may require less or more time to become tender.
How can I make this dish healthier?
To make this dish healthier, consider using leaner cuts of beef, such as sirloin. You can also reduce the amount of sugar in the barbecue sauce or substitute it with a natural sweetener like honey. For a vegetarian option, try substituting the beef with jackfruit, which can absorb the flavors beautifully.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! To make this recipe in a slow cooker, brown the roast in a skillet first, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the onions, water, and seasonings. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or until tender. Prepare the barbecue sauce separately and stir it in before serving for the best flavor.
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).