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Barbecued Steak
Barbecued Steak is a nostalgic mid-century American comfort dish that transforms simple ground beef into a flavorful, saucy entrée reminiscent of homemade backyard barbecue flavor. The recipe creates a “mock steak” by shaping ground beef into a thick patty and simmering it in a tangy, sweet, and savory tomato-based sauce. Popular in the 1940s –1960s, this hearty skillet meal offers the essence of barbecued meat without the grill, perfect for quick dinners and family meals. It’s simple, satisfying, and rich with the familiar flavors of ketchup, Worcestershire, and cider vinegar.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 310 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground round steak
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ cup tomato ketchup (Heinz )
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp cooking fat ( or oil, for browning)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Form the Steak

  • Mix 1 lb ground round steak with 1 tsp salt.
  • Form into a patty resembling a 1-inch thick steak.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

  • Heat hot fat or oil in a skillet.
  • Brown the steak on both sides until well-seared.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

  • In a bowl, combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, cider vinegar, and sugar.
  • Mix well until smooth.

Step 4: Simmer and Serve

  • Pour sauce over browned steak.
  • Cover and simmer for 15 minutes.
  • Serve hot with sauce spooned over the top.

Tips

  • Use a cast-iron skillet for better browning and flavor.
  • Shape the meat firmly to help it hold together while browning.
  • Add sliced onions or bell peppers to the pan while simmering for extra flavor.
  • Substitute brown sugar for white sugar for a deeper sauce flavor.
  • Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease in the pan.
  • Make mini “steaks” for individual portions or sliders.
  • Add a dash of hot sauce or chili flakes for heat.
  • Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, or buttered noodles to soak up the sauce.
  • Double the sauce ingredients if you like extra for spooning over sides.
  • This can also be made with ground turkey, adjusting seasoning to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 24gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 750mgPotassium: 500mgSugar: 8gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 2.8mg
Keyword barbecue style, comfort food, easy meal, ground beef, quick recipe, skillet dinner, vintage, weeknight dinner
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