Barbecue Sandwiches

Whether you call them sloppy joes, loose meat sandwiches or barbecue sandwiches, one thing is constant about these nostalgia-inducing ground beef sandwiches: They always hit the spot. Thankfully this recipe for barbecue sandwiches can easily be scaled up or down depending on how many hungry folks you need to feed. And if you love make-ahead meals, the cooked ground beef filling also freezes very well.

Because this recipe makes 18 servings, it’s great for sharing at a summer cookout or potluck (the meat filling can be kept warm in a covered slow cooker). Serve these sloppy sandos with other picnic favorites like classic macaroni salad, potato salad or homemade potato chips.

Ingredients for Barbecue Sandwiches

• Ground beef: Use ground beef that’s either 80% or 90% lean for this barbecue sandwich recipe.
• Onions: Chopped onions contribute to the flavor and texture of the meaty filling. The best types of onions to use are versatile white or yellow onions.
• Ketchup: Ketchup adds a sweet-and-savory tomato flavor to the barbecue sandwiches. Use your favorite ketchup, or try one from the top ketchup brands.
• Mustard: Mustard contributes a tangy flavor to the barbecue sauce. Classic yellow mustard is ideal in this recipe, but you can try it with Dijon or brown mustard if you like things a little spicy.
• Worcestershire sauce: Worcestershire sauce is a fermented condiment that adds tang and umami to the barbecue sandwiches.
• Vinegar: Save the white vinegar for cleaning and use a type of vinegar with more flavor, such as sweet and lightly tart apple cider vinegar.
• Sugar: Sugar sweetens the sauce and balances its savory flavors. Feel free to use granulated sugar, but brown sugar would add a deep caramel sweetness to pair with the meatiness.
• Hamburger buns: Serve the barbecue meat on hamburger buns, toasting them for added crunch. Use your favorite store-bought brand, or if you’re feeling a little extra, bake up a batch of buns from scratch.
• Sliced pickles: Garnish the sandwiches with sliced pickles, if you’d like. Our favorite pickles for sandwiches are actually found in the refrigerator section, not the condiment aisle!

Directions

Step 1: Cook the beef and onions

In a Dutch oven, cook the beef and onion until the meat is no longer pink and the onion is tender. Drain any excess liquid and grease.

Editor’s Tip: If you prefer to remove as much grease as possible, brown the beef and saute the onions separately. After cooking the meat, transfer it to a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb any excess fat, then return it to the Dutch oven after you’ve sauteed the onions.

Step 2: Stir in the sauce

Stir in the ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Heat the filling through.

Step 3: Build the sandwiches

Serve the barbecue ground beef on buns and, if desired, top the sandwiches with sliced pickles or other garnishes.

Editor’s Tip: For choose-your-own-adventure barbecue sandwiches, serve all the garnishes on the side so everyone can pick their favorite toppings.

Barbecue Sandwiches Variations

• Pile on the toppings: Get creative with the barbecue sandwich toppings! In addition to pickles, try topping your savory sammies with creamy coleslaw, a dollop of pickle relish or, for a bit of heat, thinly sliced jalapenos.
• Mix up the meat: For a lighter barbecue sandwich, you can substitute ground chicken or ground turkey for the ground beef. Or combine the sauce with cooked, shredded pork for a tasty variation on pulled pork.
• Boost the barbecue flavor: You wrote, we listened! One review mentioned replacing half of the ketchup with barbecue sauce to lean into the smoky, woody, spicy flavors. This also which cuts back on some of the sweetness.

How to Store Barbecue Sandwiches

Store barbecue sandwich meat separately from the buns. After allowing the meat to cool completely, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will last for up to four days in the fridge.

Can you freeze barbecue sandwich meat?

You can definitely freeze barbecue sandwich meat. After letting it cool, transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Barbecue sandwich meat can be frozen for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating it.

How should you reheat barbecue sandwiches?

Easily reheat barbecue sandwich meat in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove over low heat.

Barbecue Sandwiches Tips

Can you make barbecue sandwich meat in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make barbecue sandwich meat in a slow cooker. After cooking the beef and onions, transfer them to a slow cooker and add the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook the barbecue filling on low for three to five hours. The recipe makes enough to feed a crowd and you can keep it warm in the slow cooker, so it’s an excellent dish to make for a potluck.

What else can you serve with barbecue sandwiches?

Our favorite sides to pair with barbecue sandwiches include good potato chips, baked beans and pasta salad. Other great sides for sandwiches are homemade mac and cheese, Tater Tots and mixed fruit salad. I love to serve smoky, meaty mains with a crisp, vinegary side salad, like citrus-heavy Caesar salad or any salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. Creamy coleslaw is awesome when added to the sandwiches for crunch and zip that cuts through all the fatty richness.