Home » Grilling » Poor Man’s Burnt Ends

Poor Man’s Burnt Ends

Poor Man’s Burnt Ends makes a delicious meal that is perfect for those times you don’t want to smoke a whole brisket. It starts with an inexpensive chuck roast and is slow smoked to perfection in a sweet barbecue sauce. Possibly just as delicious as the brisket burnt ends that we all love. 

Burnt Ends Barbecue on a plate with baked potato and coleslaw

Poor Man’s Burnt Ends

My favorite thing from Famous Dave’s Barbecue restaurant was always the burnt ends. RecentIy I came across this idea of Poor Man’s Burnt Ends from Gimme Some Grilling. I had to try it! You might also like these Pork Belly Burnt Ends that are crazy-delicious.

NEW Save the Recipe

Send Me The Recipe

Enter your email below and we will send it straight to your inbox!


PIN IT TO PINTEREST NOW!

Just take me to the recipe! You will find the printable recipe card with ingredients and full instructions at the very bottom of the post. Keep reading for step by step photos of the recipe process. 

How to Make Poor Man’s Burnt Ends:

Collage of chuck roast - seasoned and grilled
  • Season a chuck roast with olive oil and dry rub mixture – brown sugar, garlic, Mrs Dash Seasoning, salt, black pepper and smoked paprika. 
  • Heat grill with hickory to a 300° fire.
  • Place chuck roast over indirect heat and smoke for 45 minutes to one hour. 
Collage of chuck roast cut into cubes for burnt ends
  • Remove from grill and cut into 1- 2 inch chunks. Coat with Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce and place in a double lined foil packet or peach butcher paper. 
  • Return to grill and cook for another 1 1/2 -2 hours or until meat is tender. 
  • Remove from grill and serve immediately. 
Platter of Poor Man's Burnt Ends Barbecue

Burnt Ends originated in Kansas City and come from the brisket point that is fattier and takes a little longer to cook. What you end up with is a charred, succulent pieces of beef that is dang hard to top. 

We cook smoked brisket often but sometimes we are short on time or don’t really need to cook a huge brisket. That’s the perfect time to try these Poor Man’s Burnt Ends. Plus a chuck roast is a little easier to come by and a little more affordable on a weekly basis. 

Plate of barbecue beef with slaw and baked potato

Homemade Barbecue Sauce Recipes for Burnt Ends:

Dr Pepper Barbecue Sauce is what we used for this recipe but our Homemade Barbecue Sauce would also be delicious, it’s thicker and tangy. If you love spicy foods, give our Jalapeño Barbecue Sauce a try!

Close up of plate of barbecue beef

Side Dishes to Serve with Burnt Ends:

  • Creamy Coleslaw is the ultimate side dish for any barbecue meal. This is my tried and true recipe that we make all the time. 
  • The Best Macaroni Salad is creamy and delicious with loads of crunchy vegetables and a sweet sauce. It’s great with your favorite BBQ.
  • Skillet Cornbread is always a hit with barbecue and this recipe will never let you down!
  • Sweet Potato Fries are also one of my favorites with barbecue and these are so easy to make in the oven.

Barbecue plate with slaw and potato

More Recipes to Try on the Smoker:

  • We just can’t get enough of this Rump Roast that we made on the grill! It has a delicious beef rub and it turns out so tender and juicy with all of that smoked flavor that you love. 
  • Roast Beef Sandwiches are on repeat at our house. A smoked chuck roast, sliced thin and topped with homemade horseradish sauce and easy onion strings. This one’s a keeper!
  • Smoked Beef Ribs are marinated and slow smoked for the most amazing beef ribs that you have every put in your mouth. The coffee and brown sugar marinade make this recipe something special.

These Poor Man’s Burnt Ends are definitely one of the best things you can grill this week. It’s super simple and amazingly delicious. It really does rival your favorite brisket!

Smoked Chuck Roast Cubes barbecued
Print Recipe
4.47 from 13 votes

Poor Man’s Burnt Ends

Poor Man's Burnt Ends makes a delicious meal that is perfect for those times you don't want to smoke a whole brisket. It starts with an inexpensive chuck roast and is slow smoked to perfection in a sweet barbecue sauce. Possible just as delicious as the brisket burnt ends that we all love. 
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time2 hours 45 minutes
Total Time2 hours 55 minutes
Course: Main Dishes
Cuisine: American
Keyword: barbecue roast, burnt ends, chuck roast, smoked roast
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 614kcal
Author: Milisa

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Prepare grill with hickory to a 300° fire.
  • Pat chuck roast dry with paper towel.
  • Drizzle with olive oil, rubbing all sides.
  • Mix seasonings and brown sugar together and rub all over roast.
  • Place roast over indirect fire and smoke 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Remove from grill and cut into 1- 2 inch chunks.
  • Pour barbecue sauce over chunks and mix to coat.
  • Pour meat and sauce into a double lined foil packet or peach butcher paper packet. Seal tightly.
  • Return to grill for 1 1/2 hours to 2 hours or until meat is tender.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 614kcal | Carbohydrates: 10g | Protein: 56g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 22g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 188mg | Sodium: 652mg | Sugar: 4g

6 Comments

    1. Hi David,
      It will still work. Just put your charcoal on one side and use wood chips if you can, put your roast on the other side of the grill so it cooks with the indirect heat. You can also finish these in the oven covered in foil. We do that with brisket and it works like a charm.

      ~ Milisa

  1. I would love to try your recipe but your website is almost completely blocked by ads and I have an ad-blocker installed! What a shame!

    1. You can always use the “jump to recipe button” at the top to get right to the recipe. I understand the ads can be frustrating but they are also what pays for the free recipes that you find across the internet. I am often bewildered by the negativity directed at websites for having ads when they are on tv, radio, magazines and everywhere you look.

4.47 from 13 votes (13 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating