ground beef bbq recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best ground beef bbq recipe

I’m so excited to share this ground beef BBQ recipe with you all! I’ve been making it for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. There’s something about the combination of the tender ground beef, the sweet and tangy BBQ sauce, and the crunch of the onions that just makes me happy.

And the best part? It’s so easy to make! I can whip it up on a weeknight or serve it at a weekend gathering with ease.

Plus, it’s a great way to get in some protein and veggies without feeling like you’re sacrificing flavor. My kids love helping me mix everything together, and my husband always requests seconds (or thirds, or fourths…) It’s just one of those recipes that never gets old, and I know you’ll love it just as much as we do.

I first discovered this recipe at a family cookout when I was a kid. My aunt was in charge of the grill, and she had this amazing BBQ sauce that she’d slathered all over the burgers. I was hooked from the very first bite!

Over the years, I’ve tweaked the recipe to make it my own (I add a bit more onion and some garlic powder for extra flavor), but the core of it remains the same. It’s one of those recipes that just feels like home to me – comforting, familiar, and totally delicious.

Smoky Ground Beef BBQ Skillet

4.7 from 1277 votes

This hearty skillet dish combines seasoned ground beef with a rich, smoky barbecue sauce for a quick and satisfying meal. It is perfect for weeknight dinners, served over rice, in sandwiches, or on its own.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 420 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Beef

1 lb ground beef (80/20)
1 medium yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt

For the BBQ Sauce

1 cup ketchup
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
2 tbsp brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp liquid smoke (optional)
1/2 tsp chili powder

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes.
3Drain off excess fat if desired, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
4Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it becomes translucent and soft.
5Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
6In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke if using, and chili powder.
7Pour this sauce over the cooked beef mixture in the skillet.
8Stir everything together to combine, then reduce the heat to low.
9Let the mixture simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
10The sauce should cling to the beef and look glossy.
11Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
12Serve hot over rice, on toasted buns, or with your favorite sides.
13Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board
Chef’s knife

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 420 kcal🧈Total Fat: 24g💛Saturated Fat: 9g❤️Cholesterol: 80mg🧂Sodium: 1100mg🌾Total Carbs: 28g🥦Dietary Fiber: 1g🍬Sugars: 22g🥩Protein: 24g

📝Notes

Tips: For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño with the onion. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. This dish freezes well for up to 3 months in an airtight container.

Watch Video Of How Smoky Ground Beef BBQ Skillet Works

This ground beef BBQ recipe is truly one of my favorites – whether we’re having it for dinner or serving it at a gathering, everyone always raves about how delicious it is! One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can easily double or triple the batch if needed, and leftovers reheat beautifully for up to three days in an airtight container.

Plus, it’s so easy to customize with your favorite toppings or sauces. For storage ideas, simply let any leftovers cool completely before refrigerating or freezing.

When reheating, be sure to warm everything through thoroughly (especially if using frozen leftovers). This way, you’ll end up with tender meat that’s full of flavor – not mushy or overcooked.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Smoky Ground Beef BBQ Skillet

Q: What type of ground beef is best for this recipe?

I prefer to use 80/20 ground beef for this recipe – it’s lean enough to cook quickly but still has enough fat to keep it moist.

Q: Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce?

While store-bought BBQ sauce can be convenient, I highly recommend making your own. It’s so easy to mix together from scratch and tastes so much better than anything from a bottle!

Q: How do I reheat leftovers?

Simply reheat leftover BBQ in a skillet or oven until warmed through – you can even add a bit more BBQ sauce if you like!

Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?

Sure thing! You can mix everything together ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.

Q: What’s the best way to serve this recipe?

I love serving this on toasted buns with some coleslaw and pickles on top – but feel free to get creative with your toppings!

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