Celebrate Dad the Missouri Way: Beef, Barbecue and Family Time

Father's Day and summer grilling season go hand in hand. From backyard cookouts to family gatherings, dads are often the first ones tending the grill or smoker. This year, flip the script and give Dad the day off with a homemade meal inspired by one of Missouri's most iconic barbecue traditions.

Kansas City-style Burnt Ends with Mac and Cheese transforms a beef chuck roast into tender, smoky bites coated in rich barbecue sauce and paired with creamy, comforting mac and cheese. It's a meal that's sure to make Dad feel appreciated while celebrating the flavors that have made Missouri barbecue famous.

Missouri's cattle farmers and ranchers raise high-quality beef, helping provide a nutritious and delicious protein for family meals across the state. Beef is an excellent source of protein and provides 10 essential nutrients, making it a flavorful centerpiece for Father's Day celebrations.

Give Dad the VIP Treatment

This Father's Day, let Dad enjoy the day while the family takes over the cooking duties. Create a backyard barbecue experience with lawn games, family time, and a meal everyone can enjoy together. The low-and-slow cooking process of burnt ends makes the day feel like a special occasion, while the creamy mac and cheese adds a crowd-pleasing side dish that complements the smoky beef perfectly.

Recipe Spotlight: Burnt Ends with Mac and Cheese

Inspired by Kansas City's legendary barbecue scene, this recipe starts with beef chuck roast seasoned and smoked until flavorful and tender. The beef is then finished in a rich barbecue sauce, creating caramelized, melt-in-your-mouth bites that pair perfectly with homemade mac and cheese.

Father's Day Cooking Tips

1. Start the smoker early to allow plenty of time for low-and-slow cooking. 
2. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the beef reaches peak tenderness. 
3. Let the beef rest before serving to lock in flavor and juices. 
4. Customize the barbecue sauce to match Dad's favorite sweet, smoky, or spicy flavors. 
5. Prepare side dishes ahead of time so everyone can spend more time making memories together. 

For the complete Burnt Ends with Mac and Cheese recipe and more grilling inspiration and tips, visit BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com.

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About the Beef Checkoff

The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States may retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.