Lonnie’s Mom’s Barbecue Roast Beef is a beloved recipe that originates from Louisiana, ideal for picnics or church suppers, known for its versatility in making delicious Po-Boys. The preparation involves marinating the beef roast for 24 hours, imparting a rich flavor profile that combines vinegar, mustard, spices, and a touch of sweetness from sugar and ketchup. This roast beef is cooked low and slow in the oven, ensuring tender, flavorful meat that can be served hot or cold, accompanied by its savory sauce.
Lonnie’s Mom’s Barbecue Roast Beef Recipe
Prep Time: 24 hours
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 27 hours
Recipe Category: Lunch/Snacks
Keywords: Meat, Potluck, Weeknight, Roast, Oven

Ingredients:
- 4 lbs beef roast
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2/3 cup vinegar
- 1/3 cup yellow mustard
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp dry hot mustard
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp sweet Hungarian paprika
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1 cup water
Instructions:
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Prepare the Marinade:
- In a saucepan, combine chopped onion, vinegar, yellow mustard, sugar, dry hot mustard, chili powder, salt, paprika, ketchup, and water.
- Simmer the mixture for about 5 minutes, then let it cool completely.
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Marinate the Beef:
- Place the beef roast in a ZipLoc bag or a covered glass pan.
- Pour the cooled marinade over the beef, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Refrigerate for 24 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even marination.
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Cooking:
- Remove the marinated beef from the refrigerator and pat it dry with paper towels.
- Heat a little oil in a roasting pan or a large oven-safe pot on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
- Lightly brown or sear the beef on all sides to enhance flavor, then remove from heat.
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Roasting:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).
- Pour the prepared marinade over the beef roast in the roasting pan.
- Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil.
- Place the covered roast in the preheated oven and roast for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the meat is tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
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Serving:
- Once cooked, remove the roast from the oven.
- Serve Lonnie’s Mom’s Barbecue Roast Beef hot, sliced thinly for Po-Boys, or let it cool and serve cold.
- Spoon some of the cooking sauce/drippings over the slices for extra flavor.
This recipe not only delivers tender, flavorful roast beef but also provides ample opportunity to enjoy it in various ways, whether as a main dish or in sandwiches. The long marination ensures that every bite is infused with the robust flavors of Louisiana cuisine, making it a favorite for gatherings and casual meals alike.