Wallet-Friendly Smoky Goodness: Poor Mans Burnt Ends Recipe

Beef brisket becomes a mouthwatering delicacy with smoky poor man’s burnt ends that turn humble ingredients into a barbecue sensation.

Tender chunks of meat caramelize with a sweet and spicy rub, developing deep, rich flavors that melt in your mouth.

The magic happens when slow-cooked beef transforms into crispy, sticky bites bursting with smoky goodness.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of texture and taste that will have you coming back for more.

Weekend grill masters and backyard barbecue enthusiasts will love this budget-friendly twist on a classic smoked meat dish.

Packed with robust flavor and incredible simplicity, these burnt ends prove that incredible barbecue doesn’t require expensive cuts or complicated techniques.

Prepare to elevate your grilling game and impress everyone at your next cookout with this irresistible recipe.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 5 hours

Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes

Calories: 425 kcal

Servings: 9

Poor Man’s Burnt Ends Ingredients

• Chuck Roast: Choose a well-marbled cut for maximum tenderness and rich flavor that will break down beautifully during slow cooking.

• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramelization and balances savory flavors with subtle sweetness.
• Paprika: Provides warm, slightly smoky undertone and beautiful reddish color.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers concentrated, robust garlic essence without raw garlic bite.
• Onion Powder: Contributes sweet, mellow onion depth without chopping fresh onions.
• Chili Powder: Introduces mild heat and complex pepper notes.
• Salt: Enhances overall meat flavor and helps form delicious exterior bark.
• Black Pepper: Adds sharp, warming spiciness that complements beef.

• Olive Oil: Helps seasonings stick to meat and promotes even browning.
• BBQ Sauce: Creates sticky, tangy glaze that caramelizes beautifully.
• Honey: Adds glossy sheen and natural sweetness to complement smoky meat.

Tools Needed For Burnt Ends

• Smoker or Grill: Essential for cooking the chuck roast with smoky flavor and creating a delicious bark.
• Sharp Knife: Perfect for cutting chuck roast into precise 1.5-2 inch cubes.
• Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining seasonings and tossing beef cubes with oil.
• Foil Pan: Crucial for transferring and saucing beef cubes during the final cooking stage.
• Foil: Used to cover the pan and help tenderize the meat.
• Wooden Spoon or Tongs: Great for stirring and handling beef cubes during caramelization.
• Meat Thermometer: Vital for checking internal temperature and ensuring perfect doneness.

Instructions To Make Poor Man’s Burnt Ends

• Fire Up the Heat

Crank your smoker or grill to a steady 250F, creating the perfect cooking environment for transforming a humble chuck roast into mouth-watering burnt ends.

• Cube and Coat

Chop the chuck roast into bite-sized chunks and give them a quick olive oil massage to help seasonings stick like best friends.

• Spice Explosion

Blend a killer mix of brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Massage this flavor bomb all over the meat cubes, ensuring every inch is covered.

• Low and Slow Magic

Spread the seasoned beef on the grill, letting it smoke uncovered until it develops a gorgeous dark bark and reaches 165F – this is where the flavor party starts.

• Saucy Transformation

Move the beef to a foil pan, drench with BBQ sauce and honey, then cover and return to the grill. Let it cook until the meat becomes so tender it practically melts, reaching around 200-205F.

• Caramelize and Celebrate

Uncover the pan, let the sauce thicken and the edges crisp up. Stir occasionally, watching those burnt ends transform into a sticky, complex flavor bomb that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips To Get Burnt Ends Just Right

• Smoky Flavor Boost: Experiment with different wood chips like hickory or apple for a unique smoky depth that enhances the beef's natural richness.
• Low and Slow Perfection: Maintain a consistent temperature around 250F to ensure the meat becomes incredibly tender and develops a gorgeous bark without drying out.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use a certified gluten-free BBQ sauce to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities without compromising on taste.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the chili powder quantity to make the recipe mild or spicy based on your heat preference – start with less and add more gradually.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the beef cubes a day in advance and reheat gently in the sauce to intensify the flavors and save time on cooking day.

Serving Suggestions For Poor Man’s Burnt Ends

• Flavor-Packed Plate Partners: Creamy coleslaw adds a cool, tangy crunch that perfectly balances the rich, smoky beef cubes. The crisp cabbage and creamy dressing cut through the meat's intensity.
• Comfort Carb Companions: Buttery mashed potatoes or crispy roasted potato wedges soak up the delicious BBQ sauce, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Zesty Side Kick: Quick-pickled jalapeños or a fresh corn and tomato salsa bring bright, zinging flavors that complement the deep, caramelized meat, adding a vibrant pop of freshness to each bite.
• Rustic Bread Buddy: Thick-cut, toasted sourdough or cornbread slices are ideal for mopping up extra sauce, ensuring not a single drop of that mouthwatering BBQ goodness goes to waste.

Storage And Meal Planning For Burnt Ends

• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep leftover burnt ends in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The meat stays moist and flavorful when properly sealed.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air. These delicious bites can be frozen for 2-3 months, perfect for quick meals later.
• Reheating Magic: Warm gently in a covered oven dish at 275F for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of broth to prevent drying out, ensuring the meat remains tender and juicy.
• Meal Prep Brilliance: Chop cooled burnt ends and use as protein-packed topping for salads, nachos, or stuffed baked potatoes. Versatile leftovers mean zero food waste and maximum flavor enjoyment.

Smoky Poor Mans Burnt Ends

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 5 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Smoky Poor Man’s Burnt Ends deliver savory Kansas City-style barbecue magic without expensive brisket. Affordable chuck roast becomes tender, caramelized cubes that satisfy serious meat cravings with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 23 lb (10.4 kg) chuck roast
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps brown sugar
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tbsps honey or brown sugar
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Cube Preparation: Transform chuck roast into uniform bite-sized pieces, lightly coating with olive oil to enhance flavor penetration and ensure consistent cooking.
2. Seasoning Development: Craft a dynamic spice blend integrating brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Vigorously massage the seasoning mixture into each beef cube, guaranteeing complete and thorough coverage.
3. Smoking Process: Position seasoned meat cubes on a smoker or grill maintained at a consistent 250F. Allow meat to develop a robust, dark bark over approximately 2.5 hours, monitoring until the internal temperature stabilizes at 165F.
4. Sauce Infusion: Transfer smoked meat cubes into a foil pan, generously drizzling with BBQ sauce and honey to create a glossy, tantalizing coating. Securely seal the pan with foil and return to heat source for an additional 1-1.5 hours, targeting a tender texture with internal temperature reaching 200-205F.
5. Caramelization Finale: Uncover the pan, allowing meat to caramelize while stirring periodically to prevent burning. This concluding stage will intensify sauce thickness and develop a sticky, irresistible exterior on the beef cubes.

Notes

• Choose the Right Cut: Select a well-marbled chuck roast with good fat content to ensure tender, flavorful burnt ends that melt in your mouth.
• Seasoning Technique: Massage spices thoroughly into each meat cube, creating an even flavor distribution and allowing the spices to deeply penetrate the meat.
• Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent 250F throughout smoking to develop a perfect bark without drying out the meat, using a reliable meat thermometer for accuracy.
• Sauce Application: Add BBQ sauce and honey during the final stage to prevent burning and create a glossy, caramelized exterior that locks in moisture and enhances overall taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Smoking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 425
• Sugar: 12 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg