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–+ servings
Barbecued Hamburger
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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 220 kcal

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
Keyword comfort food, family dinner, gelatin picnic, hamburger, one pot meal, retro cooking, tomato sauce, vintage recipe
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