Mom'S Barbecue For A Crowd

Prep: 20 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 10 Cuisine: American

A hearty, crowd-pleasing barbecue dish featuring ground beef, vegetables, and a flavorful tomato-based sauce, perfect for large gatherings and family dinners.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 5 lb. hamburger
  • 3/4 lb. onion
  • 3/4 lb. celery
  • 1 1/2 cup tomato soup
  • 1 (26 oz.) bottle ketchup
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion and celery.
  2. Cook the diced onion and celery in a small amount of water until soft.
  3. Brown the hamburger and drain the grease.
  4. Combine the cooked vegetables, browned hamburger, tomato soup, ketchup, and brown sugar in a large pot.
  5. Simmer until the flavors meld and the sauce is heated through.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika to the meat mixture. If you're short on time, pre-diced frozen onions and celery can be a great substitute. To enhance the sweetness, you can use maple syrup instead of brown sugar. This recipe is perfect to serve at large gatherings, making it a fantastic option alongside Assorted Deviled Eggs.

Serving Suggestions

This barbecue is best served on hamburger buns or over rice for a hearty meal. It pairs excellently with sides like coleslaw or baked beans for a complete barbecue experience. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Fire Company Barbecue and create a casual buffet for your guests.

Storage & Reheating

Leftover barbecue can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the mixture for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Mom'S Barbecue For A Crowd contains roughly 988 calories, with 5g protein, 237g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is a good source of calcium (17% of the Daily Value), iron (16% of the Daily Value), and potassium (15% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1022mg per serving (44% of the Daily Value).

988 kcal 49% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 4.7g 9% DV
Total Fat 6.8g 9% DV
Carbs 236.6g 86% DV
Fiber 2.1g 8% DV
Sugar 215.1g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 1022mg 44% DV
Potassium 718.4mg 15% DV
Cholesterol 3.8mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 35.3mcg 4% DV
Vitamin C 10.2mg 11% DV
Calcium 219.5mg 17% DV
Iron 2.9mg 16% DV
Diet fit 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 use ground turkey instead of hamburger?

Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative if you want a leaner option. It will still absorb the flavors of the sauce, making it a delicious substitute. Just be mindful that cooking times may vary slightly, so ensure it is thoroughly cooked before serving.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the mix. You can also experiment with adding cayenne pepper to the sauce. Adjust the spice level to your preference, ensuring it complements the sweetness of the brown sugar.

Is this dish suitable for freezing?

Absolutely! This barbecue freezes well, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Just ensure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.

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 → Pork recipes → All recipes →