Ground Meat In Barbecue Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A hearty, flavorful ground meat dish simmered in a tangy barbecue sauce, perfect for casual dinners or serving on warm buns for a quick, satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

  • 1 c. ketchup
  • 1/2 c. water
  • 2 Tbsp. sugar
  • 2 Tbsp. prepared mustard
  • 2 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 Tbsp. margarine
  • 1 c. chopped onion
  • 2 lb. ground meat

Instructions

  1. Combine ketchup, water, sugar, prepared mustard, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and salt and pepper in a jar and shake to mix.
  2. Melt margarine in a skillet and add chopped onion.
  3. Cook until onion is transparent.
  4. Add ground meat and cook until meat is browned.
  5. Add sauce mixture and continue cooking slowly for 15 minutes, uncovered.
  6. Spoon meat and sauce onto warm buns.

Tips & Substitutions

For a spicier kick, consider adding some cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the barbecue sauce mixture. If you prefer a healthier option, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. You can also use homemade ketchup for a fresher taste. To enhance the flavor, sauté some minced garlic with the onions.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the ground meat in barbecue sauce on toasted buns for a delicious sandwich. Pair it with a side of coleslaw or sweet potato fries for a complete meal. This dish also goes wonderfully with a refreshing side of Maple Salad Dressing for a bright contrast.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, for a quick option.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Ground Meat In Barbecue Sauce contains roughly 214 calories, with 6g protein, 30g carbohydrates, and 8g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (35% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (32% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 508mg per serving (22% of the Daily Value).

214 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6g 12% DV
Total Fat 7.7g 10% DV
Carbs 30.1g 11% DV
Fiber 4g 14% DV
Sugar 13.3g 27% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 508.4mg 22% DV
Potassium 532.8mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 319.1mcg 35% DV
Vitamin C 28.5mg 32% DV
Calcium 130mg 10% DV
Iron 3mg 16% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal

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 the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed, especially for leaner meats.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the barbecue sauce, you can simmer it longer to reduce it, or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water) and cook until thickened. This will help achieve a richer consistency.

What can I serve with these sandwiches?

These sandwiches are great with classic sides like potato chips, pickles, or a fresh salad. For a heartier meal, consider serving them with baked beans or corn on the cob for a true American recipes experience.

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).

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