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!

Nutriscore Rating: 64/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

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

Directions

Step 1

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.

Step 2

Drain excess grease from the skillet, leaving about 1–2 teaspoons of fat for flavor.

Step 3

Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the beef, and sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

Simmer the mixture on low heat for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to develop the sauce's flavors.

Step 6

Taste the barbecue mixture and adjust seasoning if needed (add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tanginess, or salt as desired).

Step 7

Toast the sandwich rolls lightly, if preferred, to add texture.

Step 8

Spoon the barbecue mixture generously onto the sandwich rolls. Serve warm with chips, pickles, or coleslaw on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1076.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2052.2

Total Fat 86.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 33.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0g
Cholesterol 362.9mg	0%
Sodium 3525.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 190.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 8.0g	0%
Total Sugars 70.7g
Protein 118.5g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 230.1mg	0%
Iron 18.1mg	0%
Potassium 2030.5mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.5%

Protein: 23.6%

Carbs: 37.9%