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Easy Classic Hamburger BBQ Sandwiches
Sweet, tangy, and wonderfully messy, this loose meat sandwich brings major diner energy right to your kitchen. You'll brown ground beef and simmer it in a quick homemade sauce of ketchup, brown sugar, and mustard until it's thick and savory. It's a comforting, nostalgic meal that skips the canned stuff entirely. Spoon the hot beef over soft buns, add a slice of cheese, and grab plenty of napkins.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- Optional: 1/2 c. onion, chopped
- 1/2 c. catsup
- 3 to 4 T. brown sugar, packed
- 2 T. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 T. water
- 1 T. white vinegar
- 1 T. mustard
- 8 hamburger buns, split
- Optional: 8 slices cheese
Instructions
- 1Place a skillet over medium heat and cook the 1 lb. ground beef along with the 1/2 c. chopped onion until the meat is fully browned. Drain off any excess fat so your final sauce doesn't become greasy.
- 2In a small bowl, whisk together the 1/2 c. catsup, 3 to 4 T. brown sugar, 2 T. Worcestershire sauce, 2 T. water, 1 T. white vinegar, and 1 T. mustard until completely smooth.
- 3Pour the sauce mixture directly over the cooked beef. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. This slow simmer allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- 4Spoon the hot beef mixture evenly onto the 8 split hamburger buns. Top each with a slice of cheese while the meat is still hot so it melts slightly before eating.
Notes
- Make ahead: You can prepare the beef mixture up to 3 days in advance. The flavors actually deepen after a night in the fridge.
- Storage: Keep leftover meat in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm the beef gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
- Swap: Try ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter variation.