Picnic Barbecues
Juicy and flavorful picnic barbecue ground beef simmered in chili sauce, perfect for outdoor gatherings or quick weeknight dinners with bold, savory taste.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Melt shortening in a skillet.
- Add ground beef, chopped celery, and chopped onion. Brown, stirring often.
- Reduce heat to low and add chili sauce and salt.
- Simmer for about 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider adding minced garlic or bell peppers when browning the beef. If you prefer a leaner option, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the ground chuck. You can adjust the spice level by choosing a spicier chili sauce. For a vegetarian version, try using lentils or a meat substitute in place of ground beef, adapting the cooking time as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the barbecues on toasted hamburger buns for a delicious sandwich option. Pair with classic picnic sides like potato salad or coleslaw for a complete meal. This dish also goes well with a refreshing drink like Pineappleade or Ruby Tuesday's Pink Lemonade, making it perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave in intervals, stirring in between, for a quick meal. Ensure it's heated to a safe temperature before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Picnic Barbecues contains roughly 91 calories, with 4g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (88% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1887mg per serving (82% 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 prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the barbecue mix a day ahead. Simply follow the cooking instructions, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave. This makes it convenient for picnics or gatherings.
What can I serve with these barbecues?
These barbecues pair well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them alongside Crunchy Rice Medley for a balanced meal or some Spiced Candy Apple Rings for a sweet contrast. Chips or a simple green salad also make great accompaniments.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! You can freeze the barbecue mixture for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for a quick meal later.
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).