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Simple Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

A quick and satisfying meal featuring seasoned ground beef simmered in a tangy and slightly sweet tomato-based sauce. This classic American comfort food is perfect for piling onto soft buns for a casual lunch or dinner.

An original recipe by Forkin

Total time
30 min
Serves
4
Difficulty
Easy
Per serving
519 kcal
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Allergen information: may contain fish, gluten, and sulphites. Always check ingredient packaging if you have an allergy.

Simple Barbecue Beef Sandwiches

Mise en place

Ingredients

Measurements

Converted for display; the recipe amounts stay equivalent.

  • 1 tbspvegetable oil
  • 1 pcsyellow onion, finely chopped
  • 450 glean ground beef
  • 1 cupketchup
  • 2 tbspprepared yellow mustard
  • 2 tbspworcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsplight brown sugar, packed(optional)
  • 0.5 tspgarlic powder(optional)
  • 0.5 tspsalt
  • 0.25 tspblack pepper, freshly ground
  • 4 pcshamburger bun, for serving

Equipment

large skillet · spatula · knife · cutting board

The method

Step by step

  1. 1

    Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.

    About 1 min

  2. 2

    Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften.

    About 4 min

    Cook’s note: Cooking the onion first develops a sweeter, less pungent flavor base.

  3. 3

    Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, using a spatula to break it into small crumbles, until it is fully browned.

    About 7 min

  4. 4

    Carefully tilt the skillet and spoon out any excess grease.

    About 1 min

    Cook’s note: Removing the grease prevents the final sauce from being too oily.

  5. 5

    Return the skillet to medium heat. Stir in the ketchup, prepared yellow mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until the beef is evenly coated.

    About 1 min

  6. 6

    Add the salt, black pepper, and optional brown sugar and garlic powder, if using. Stir well to combine.

    About 1 min

  7. 7

    Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low.

    About 1 min

  8. 8

    Cover the skillet and let the mixture simmer for at least 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

    About 10 min

    Cook’s note: A longer simmer will result in a deeper, richer flavor.

  9. 9

    Spoon the warm barbecue beef mixture onto the hamburger buns to serve.

    About 2 min

    Cook’s note: For extra flavor, you can lightly toast the buns before serving.

Per serving

Nutrition

Calories
518.8kcal
Protein
32g
Carbs
65.4g
Fat
14.6g
Fibre
3.1g
Sugar
21g

Estimated from the recipe’s ingredient quantities. Values can vary with brands and substitutions.

Keep it good

Storage

Store leftover meat mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through.

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