Poor Man’s Burnt Ends

Love burnt ends but don’t want to invest in a full brisket? This Poor Man’s Burnt Ends recipe uses a chuck roast for a faster, more affordable version that’s packed with smoky, tender, and flavorful bites. Perfect for weeknight meals, parties, or game day!

Ingredients

• 3–4 pound chuck roast
• 1 Tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 Tablespoon coarse black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 cup beef broth
• 4 Tablespoons butter
• Barbecue sauce of your choice

Instructions

1. Preheat your smoker to 250º F.
2. Cut the chuck roast into 1-inch cubes, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
3. Toss the beef cubes with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Arrange cubes on the smoker and cook until they reach 175º F internally (about 2 hours).
5. Every 30 minutes, spray the cubes with beef broth to prevent drying out.
6. Once at 175º F, wrap the cubes in butcher paper or foil, add butter over the top, and return to the smoker.
7. Cook for an additional 90 minutes until the meat reaches 205º F.
8. Remove from smoker, let rest 15 minutes, then toss in barbecue sauce before serving.

Serving & Storage Tips

• Serving: Serve as an appetizer, sandwich filling, or main dish alongside baked beans and coleslaw.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked burnt ends for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 325º F until warmed through.

Variations

1. Spicy Burnt Ends – Add cayenne pepper and smoked paprika to the rub for a kick.
2. Sweet & Smoky – Toss in brown sugar before wrapping in foil for caramelized bites.
3. Honey Garlic Burnt Ends – Mix honey and minced garlic with butter before wrapping.
4. Bourbon-Glazed Burnt Ends – Add a splash of bourbon to the barbecue sauce before tossing.
5. Maple Bacon Burnt Ends – Drizzle maple syrup and sprinkle cooked bacon bits over cubes.
6. Chipotle BBQ Burnt Ends – Use chipotle powder and smoked paprika in the rub.
7. Garlic Parmesan Burnt Ends – Toss with melted butter, garlic, and Parmesan cheese after smoking.
8. Asian-Inspired – Toss in hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sesame seeds instead of barbecue sauce.
9. Buffalo Style – Coat cubes in buffalo sauce after smoking. Serve with blue cheese dip.
10. Coffee Rubbed Burnt Ends – Add finely ground coffee to the spice rub for deep flavor.
11. Smoky Maple Mustard – Mix barbecue sauce with maple syrup and Dijon mustard for glaze.
12. Teriyaki Burnt Ends – Toss with teriyaki sauce and green onions after smoking.
13. Jalapeño Honey Burnt Ends – Add chopped jalapeños and honey to butter before wrapping.
14. Mushroom & Onion Infused – Add sautéed mushrooms and onions inside the foil wrap for extra flavor.
15. Cajun Burnt Ends – Use a Cajun spice blend in the rub for a bold, southern flavor.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?
   Yes, brisket works too, but chuck roast is cheaper and cooks faster.
2. What if I don’t have a smoker?
   You can bake in the oven at 275º F and wrap in foil for similar results.
3. Do I need to marinate the beef?
   Not necessary; the rub and cooking method infuse plenty of flavor.
4. How do I know when the meat is done?
   Use a meat thermometer: 175º F before wrapping, 205º F after smoking.
5. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can cook and refrigerate, then reheat and toss in sauce before serving.
6. What kind of barbecue sauce works best?
   Any thick, sweet, or tangy sauce works. Experiment to your taste!
7. How do I keep the burnt ends from drying out?
   Spray every 30 minutes with beef broth and wrap with butter for moisture.
8. Can I add vegetables?
   Sure! Peppers, onions, or mushrooms can be smoked alongside for extra flavor.
9. How long can I freeze them?
   Up to 3 months in an airtight container.
10. Can I make them spicy for kids?
    Reduce cayenne or chipotle in the rub and stick with mild barbecue sauce.

Poor Man’s Burnt Ends are the ultimate shortcut to enjoying tender, smoky, and flavorful burnt ends without the expense or long cook time of a full brisket. Using a chuck roast keeps it affordable, while the simple rub, butter, and barbecue sauce create the same rich, caramelized bites everyone loves. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner, a party, or a game day spread, these burnt ends are guaranteed to disappear fast. With endless variations, from sweet and smoky to spicy or Asian-inspired, this recipe is versatile and perfect for any occasion.

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