Poor Man’s Burnt Ends: A Budget-Friendly BBQ Delight

Poor Man’s Burnt Ends are the perfect recipe for BBQ lovers seeking rich, smoky flavors without the cost or time of smoking a whole brisket. Using smoked chuck roast and a spicy bourbon BBQ sauce, this dish delivers tender, flavorful bites that are sure to impress

Why You’ll Love This Poor Man’s Burnt Ends Recipe

If you’ve ever craved the succulent, smoky goodness of BBQ burnt ends but hesitated at the price of brisket, this recipe is your answer. Smoked chuck roast offers a more affordable alternative, providing the same melt-in-your-mouth experience. The spicy bourbon BBQ sauce adds a kick that elevates the dish, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

• 3-4 lbs chuck roast

• Tennessee Smoke Seasoning or your favorite BBQ rub

• Canola oil

For the Spicy Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

• 3/4 cup ketchup

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1.5 tbsp hot sauce

• 1.5 tbsp brown sugar

• 1/2 tbsp garlic paste

• 1/2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• Salt to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat: Cube the chuck roast into 2-inch pieces. Place them in a bowl, drizzle with canola oil, and season generously with your chosen BBQ rub.

2. Arrange for Smoking: Lay the seasoned beef cubes on a baking tray, ensuring at least 1/2 inch of space between each piece.

3. Preheat the Smoker: Set your smoker or grill to 275°F (135°C) using a two-zone fire setup. Add hickory wood for that authentic smoky flavor.

4. Smoke the Beef: Place the beef cubes in the smoker and let them smoke for 4–5 hours until a firm bark forms on the outside.

5. Prepare the BBQ Sauce: While the beef is smoking, simmer the bourbon in a skillet over medium-high heat for 30 seconds. Add the remaining sauce ingredients and let them simmer until thickened. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool. Combine and Cook Further: Once the beef is smoked, transfer the cubes to a foil pan. Pour the prepared BBQ sauce over them and mix thoroughly. Cover the pan with foil and return it to the smoker for an additional 2 hours.

6. Final Touches: After the meat is tender and easily shredded, remove it from the smoker and let it rest for 10 minutes. Toss the beef with additional BBQ sauce and seasoning before serving.

Cooking Tips

• Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a chuck roast with good marbling. The intramuscular fat ensures tenderness and flavor.

• Monitor the Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches the desired level for optimal tenderness.

• Rest Before Serving: Allowing the meat to rest after smoking helps retain its juices, resulting in a more flavorful bite.

A Personal Touch

This recipe holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made Poor Man’s Burnt Ends for a family gathering. The aroma wafting from the smoker had everyone eagerly awaiting dinner. The smiles and compliments that followed made all the effort worthwhile. It’s now a staple at our family BBQs, bringing joy and full bellies every time.

What to Serve with Poor Man’s Burnt Ends

Complement these flavorful bites with classic BBQ sides

• Creamy coleslaw

• Baked beans

• Cornbread

• Macaroni and cheese

• Grilled vegetables

These sides balance the richness of the burnt ends and create a well-rounded meal.

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the burnt ends in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Reheating: Warm the burnt ends in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of meat?

Yes, while chuck roast is ideal for this recipe, you can experiment with other cuts like pork shoulder or brisket.

Is there a non-alcoholic substitute for bourbon in the sauce?

Absolutely. You can replace bourbon with apple juice or a non-alcoholic bourbon-flavored extract to maintain the depth of flavor.

Can I make this recipe in the oven?

Yes, if you don’t have a smoker, you can use your oven. Bake the seasoned beef cubes at 275°F (135°C) for the same duration, using a smoking alternative like liquid smoke for flavor.

Poor Man’s Burnt Ends are a testament to the fact that you don’t need to break the bank to enjoy a delicious, smoky BBQ dish. With affordable ingredients and a bit of patience, you can create a meal that’s sure to impress your family and friends. So fire up that smoker or oven, and treat yourself to this mouthwatering delight!

Poor Man’s Burnt Ends: A Budget-Friendly BBQ Delight

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• Author: Olivia Hartwellen
• Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes – 7 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 6–8 1x

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Description

Poor Man’s Burnt Ends are a smoky, tender BBQ treat made with budget-friendly chuck roast instead of brisket. Coated in a spicy bourbon BBQ sauce and slow-smoked to perfection, these flavorful bites offer the full BBQ experience without the cost. Ideal for family gatherings and backyard cookouts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Beef:

• 3–4 lbs chuck roast

• Tennessee Smoke Seasoning or your favorite BBQ rub

• Canola oil

For the Spicy Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

• ¾ cup ketchup

• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

• 2 oz bourbon

• 1½ tbsp hot sauce

• 1½ tbsp brown sugar

• ½ tbsp garlic paste

• ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce

• Salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Beef: Cut the chuck roast into 2-inch cubes. Toss in canola oil and generously season with BBQ rub.

2. Arrange for Smoking: Spread the cubes on a baking tray, leaving at least ½ inch between each piece.

3. Preheat Smoker: Set smoker or grill to 275°F (135°C) using a two-zone fire setup. Add hickory wood.

4. Smoke the Beef: Smoke for 4–5 hours, until a firm bark develops.

5. Make the Sauce: Simmer bourbon for 30 seconds over medium-high heat. Add ketchup, vinegar, hot sauce, brown sugar, garlic paste, Worcestershire sauce, and salt. Simmer until thickened.

6. Combine & Cook More: Transfer smoked beef to a foil pan. Cover with sauce, mix well, and cover with foil. Return to the smoker for 2 more hours.

7. Finish & Serve: Let rest for 10 minutes. Toss with extra sauce and serve.

Notes

Choose well-marbled chuck roast for best texture.

Let meat rest after cooking for juicier results.

Use a thermometer to check doneness.

Oven method: Bake at 275°F (135°C) with liquid smoke for a similar flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–7 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American