Pennsylvania Coal Region Barbecue
Dive into the comforting flavors of Pennsylvania with this hearty Coal Region Barbecue recipe—an easy-to-make, nostalgic dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Featuring perfectly browned ground beef infused with tangy ketchup, savory tomato paste, zesty Worcestershire sauce, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar, this rich barbecue mixture delivers bold flavors that reflect the region’s culinary ingenuity. The addition of vinegar and mustard creates a balanced, tangy kick, while sautéed onions add a touch of rustic sweetness. Served on soft sandwich rolls—lightly toasted for extra texture if desired—this dish is a satisfying nod to old-fashioned, homestyle cooking. Ready in just 35 minutes and yielding 4 hearty servings, Pennsylvania Coal Region Barbecue is best enjoyed with classic sides like chips, pickles, or creamy coleslaw. Perfect for anyone craving the ultimate comfort food with a regional twist!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound Ground beef (85/15 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
- 0.75 cup Ketchup
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon Mustard (yellow or brown)
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons Brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons White vinegar
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 4 rolls Soft sandwich rolls
Instructions
In a large skillet, heat over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink, about 7–8 minutes.
Drain excess grease from the skillet, leaving about 1–2 teaspoons of fat for flavor.
Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the beef, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the ketchup, tomato paste, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, white vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Make sure the ingredients are evenly combined.
Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to develop the sauce's flavors.
Taste the barbecue mixture and adjust seasoning if needed (add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or salt as desired).
Toast the sandwich rolls lightly, if preferred, to add texture.
Spoon the barbecue mixture generously onto the sandwich rolls. Serve warm with chips, pickles, or coleslaw on the side.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
518 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 21.6 g | 28% | |
| Saturated Fat | 8.4 g | 42% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 91 mg | 30% | |
| Sodium | 826 mg | 36% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 49.7 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.7 g | ||
| Protein | 29.7 g | 59% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 60 mg | 5% | |
| Iron | 4.6 mg | 26% | |
| Potassium | 487 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
