Barbecued Hamburger is a nostalgic American comfort dish that harks back to mid-20th century home cooking, often scribbled on recipe cards and mailed between relatives. Popular in the 1950s and 60s, it reflects a time when convenience met homey goodness. This one-pot wonder, combining the rich tang of tomato and Worcestershire sauces with sautéed vegetables, epitomizes backyard barbecues and potlucks. The use of ketchup and vinegar gives it a tangy sweetness, while the vegetables bring texture and freshness. Passed down through generations, it remains a beloved classic that captures the warmth and ingenuity of post-war American kitchens.
Ingredients
- 1 onion (large, chopped)
- 1 green pepper (chopped)
- ¼ cup celery (chopped)
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- ½ cup ketchup
- 2 tsp vinegar
- ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- 1 lb ground hamburger
- salt (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Vegetables
- Chop the onion, green pepper, and celery.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- In a skillet, fry the chopped onion, green pepper, and celery until just tender.
Step 3: Mix Sauce
- In a bowl, combine the tomato sauce, ketchup, vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice.
Step 4: Cook Meat
- In a separate skillet, fry the ground hamburger with salt and pepper until fully cooked.
Step 5: Combine Sauce and Meat
- Bring the sauce mixture to a boil in a pot.
- Add the cooked hamburger to the boiling sauce.
Step 6: Final Touch
- Stir in the sautéed vegetables just before serving.
- Simmer briefly to blend flavors.
Tips
- Add a dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke for a deeper barbecue flavor.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- For extra tang, replace half the ketchup with chili sauce.
- Serve over toasted buns or spooned on rice for a vintage-style meal.
- To make it heartier, add diced mushrooms or shredded carrots to the meat.
Nutrition
Calories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 18gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 520mgPotassium: 480mgFiber: 1gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2.2mg
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