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    Home » Sauces » BBQ Sauce With Ketchup Recipe

    BBQ Sauce With Ketchup Recipe

    Published: May 6, 2021 by Megan Porta · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This is the best homemade bbq sauce with ketchup you’ll find! It is sweet, spicy and packed with bold, delicious flavors. Great for grilled foods!

    basting brush spreading bbq sauce over grilled chicken

    Original post: July 2019 | Updated: May 2021

    Why This Recipe Works

    When my husband started having stomach issues, I began looking more closely at the ingredient lists on store bought sauces. I couldn’t believe all of the garbage that was hiding inside!

    So I started making my own, and guess what?! They taste even better than anything you can find in the grocery store.

    This best homemade bbq sauce is NO exception. It. Is. DELICIOUS. I always intend to maybe save part of each batch I make, but that never happens. I slather it all over chicken, burgers, brats and what ever else gets in its path.

    It has an absolute PERFECT combination of spicy, sweet and tangy flavors that I literally cannot resist. The consistency is perfect, as well, and bonus – it only takes a few minutes and a handful of ingredients to make!

    Recipe Ingredients

    Ketchup – The ketchup is the star of the show in this recipe, so no skimping! It provides such a bold, robust flavor and texture to this homemade sauce.

    Brown sugar – The sugar gives the end result a bit of sweet tang. If you are aiming for a less sweet sauce, decrease the amount of sugar used in the recipe in half.

    Apple cider vinegar – Another variety of vinegar can replace apple cider, but I think you’ll enjoy the way this vinegar enhances the flavor of the sauce.

    Honey – Omit the honey for a less sweet sauce, if desired.

    Paprika – Use smoked paprika in place of paprika and/or add a couple drops of liquid smoke for a smokier bbq flavor!

    Cayenne pepper – This can be omitted entirely for a milder sauce. Or it can be increased for an even spicier sauce!

    How To Make BBQ Sauce With Ketchup

    Step 1

    Place the following ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat: ketchup, brown sugar, apple cider vinegar and honey. Stir until combined, then add Worcestershire sauce, paprika, ground mustard, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Finally mix in your cayenne pepper.

    Step 2

    Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let simmer over medium-low heat for 10 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.

    Store in a air-tight containers in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months.

    top view of mason jars filled with bbq sauce

    Recipe Notes

    • Consider adding 1 teaspoon of chili powder for an even bolder flavor.
    • Replace the garlic powder with onion powder, if desired.
    • A squirt or two of lemon juice adds a touch of tartness that you’ll love!
    • Slather this sauce ALL over any meat of your choice before cooking. Here are a few ideas to get you started: beef or pork ribs, pulled pork, burgers, chicken breasts or brats.
    • BBQ chicken is my favorite thing to make with this sauce. The chicken is grilled to tender perfection, with the best flavor you’ll ever imagine.
    • This bbq sauce also acts as a great dipping sauce for any meat!

    How Long Does Homemade BBQ Sauce Last

    If you have a bottle of homemade sauce and you are unsure about whether or not it is still fresh.. read on for tips about how long barbecue sauce stays fresh!

    18 Homemade Sauces to Use Now or Freeze for Later

    Making homemade sauces is a great way to know exactly what ingredients are going into them, they are more affordable than store-bought and they’re just tastier! Homemade all the way!

    FAQ About BBQ Sauce

    What is bbq sauce used for?

    BBQ sauce is a sauce meant to add bold flavor to food and it is used mainly with meat that is cooked on a grill. It can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce or topping for meat.

    How long does homemade bbq sauce last?

    One of the main benefits of making homemade bbq sauce is that you’re able to ditch the preservatives! However, when you ditch the preservatives you will also need to make sure you use the sauce up more quickly. Homemade BBQ Sauce will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Or you can freeze it for up to 6 months.

    Is bbq sauce keto?

    BBQ sauce can contain a good amount of sugar, so seek out a low-sugar or no-sugar variety to comply with the keto diet.

    Is bbq sauce vegetarian?

    BBQ is a food that complies with the vegetarian diet.

    Is bbq sauce bad for dogs?

    If bbq sauce contains onion, garlic, excess salt or artificial sugar, it can be harmful or fatal for dogs when ingested.

    spoon pulling bbq sauce out of a mason jar

    Uses for BBQ Sauce

    If you have extra barbecue sauce on your hands, think outside the scope of grilled meat! Here are some other great ideas for ways to use it up:

    • Brush it over chicken wings before cooking.
    • Use it as a topping for your next batch of meatloaf!
    • Drizzle it over your next salad. YUM!
    • Throw some into your slow cooker along with meatballs.
    • Use it as a dipping sauce for French fries.
    • Replace pizza sauce with bbq sauce on your next homemade pizza!

    More Delicious Homemade Sauces

    • This Enchilada Sauce comes together very quickly and is easier to make at home then to spend the time picking it up at the store and opening it to reheat. I promise you’ll love it.
    • This is one of those sauces that I won’t pick up in a jar – homemade Alfredo Sauce takes better than anything I can find in the store aisles and it’s super easy to make!
    • Arby’s Sauce is perfect for those beef sandwiches you make yourself and then want a delicious homemade sauce to go on it!
    • Sometimes an unplanned pizza night calls for Pizza Sauce on the quick! You can do that with this recipe!
    • Pasta Sauce takes pasta night up a notch with tastier sauce. Once you try it, you’ll always want it prepared this way!
    • Taco Sauce is the bomb! Perfect for nachos, tacos and dipping taquitos in, you’ll enjoy this version you create yourself.

    Will you help add value to Pip and Ebby?
    If you make this recipe and love it, stop back and give it a 5-star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ and leave a comment. THANK YOU!

    BBQ Sauce With Ketchup Recipe

    This is the best homemade bbq sauce with ketchup! It is sweet, spicy and packed with bold, delicious flavors. Great for grilled foods!
    4.46 from 11 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Sauce
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 245kcal
    Author: Megan Porta

    Ingredients

    • 1 1/2 cups ketchup
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
    • 2 tbsp honey
    • 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
    • 2 tsp paprika
    • 1 tbsp dry mustard
    • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
    • 1/2 tsp salt
    • 1/2 tsp pepper
    • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

    Instructions

    • Place all the ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring to a simmer. Let simmer for 10 minutes, or until sauce has thickened.
    • Store in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to one week. If you prefer, you can freeze this sauce for up to 3 months.

    Notes

    • Consider adding 1 teaspoon of chili powder for an even bolder flavor.
    • Replace the garlic powder with onion powder, if desired.
    • A squirt or two of lemon juice adds a touch of tartness that you’ll love!
    • Slather this sauce ALL over any meat of your choice before cooking. Here are a few ideas to get you started: beef or pork ribs, pulled pork, burgers, chicken breasts or brats.
    • BBQ chicken is my favorite thing to make with this sauce. The chicken is grilled to tender perfection, with the best flavor you’ll ever imagine.
    • This bbq sauce also acts as a great dipping sauce for any meat.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 245kcal | Carbohydrates: 60g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 806mg | Potassium: 319mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 55g | Vitamin A: 717IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 51mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?If you loved this recipe, please rate the recipe and leave a comment below!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nancy Feroe

      January 20, 2023 at 3:12 am

      5 stars
      This is an excellent BBQ sauce! I made a large crockpot of meatballs to take to a potluck dinner and needed a BBQ sauce. I decided to try this one since I had all of the ingredients on hand. I tripled the recipe for enough sauce to cover the meatballs and was very pleased with the result. The BBQ meatballs were a hit at the dinner and I took home an empty crockpot.

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        January 20, 2023 at 2:55 pm

        It’s a win, Nancy! When all the ingredients are there and it’s enjoyed! Thank you for sharing!

        Reply
    2. Barb

      November 06, 2022 at 4:17 pm

      This was very good. I added 1/2 tsp cinnamon and about 2 taps of apple cider. I will be making it from now on! My husband loved it!!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        November 07, 2022 at 3:04 pm

        Great suggestion on apple cider – thank you for sharing, Barb!

        Reply
    3. Char

      July 07, 2022 at 5:08 am

      1 star
      Why do I need to go through an entire frikken encyclopedia of crap to get to the bloody recipe!? Give me strength.

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        July 07, 2022 at 10:37 pm

        Good news! Click on the JUMP TO RECIPE button and you can skip the tips, recipe clarifications and substitutes that I take the time to share with those who need/want it. Thanks for stopping by!

        Reply
      • Vova Zrilic

        July 14, 2022 at 5:58 am

        Who hurt you Karen?

        Reply
    4. Katy B

      July 01, 2022 at 7:24 pm

      5 stars
      Second time making this great go to barbecue sauce. Didn’t change a thing except I used smoked paprika. This is easy and delicious and my 34yr old son told me that he no longer uses bottled sauce, we Texan’s love our barbecue. Thank you!

      Reply
    5. Lois

      June 15, 2022 at 1:24 am

      5 stars
      Made the sauce for pork short ribs: delicious. Next time i will add finely grated raw Vidalia onion.

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        June 15, 2022 at 11:11 pm

        Thank you Lois for that tip. Sounds amazing and I definitely want to try it with the onion added now as well!

        Reply
    6. Barb

      May 29, 2022 at 3:02 pm

      Barb I tried your BBQ sauce & it was awesome made ribs did not have dry mustard nor Worcestershire sauce. Still hade awesome taste. Thanks for sharing 5 star

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        June 01, 2022 at 10:53 pm

        Thank you, Barb. I’m so glad you tried it out and found it to be delicious. I think of chicken all the time, but it IS a great sauce for ribs. Inspired!

        Reply
    7. Joyce R Robinson

      March 14, 2022 at 10:38 am

      I made this BBQ sauce, tried it on some chicken. My husband really likes it, i did add chili powder and will tweak it a bit more!!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        March 14, 2022 at 10:40 pm

        Hi Joyce – thanks for trying it out! I’m glad you tweaked it to the way you like, that’s what cooking is all about.

        Reply
    8. Norman Wilson

      January 17, 2022 at 2:57 am

      I started with Trader Joe’s Organic Ketchup: no corn syrup, little sugar. No ingredients that I did not recognize. Then I cut back on the brown sugar and used turbinado sugar instead. Added to your ingredients a good dollop of prepared spicy ginger, maple syrup not honey, and about 1/2 cup of Kroger’s jellied cranberries for a deep berry taste with a natural source of pectin to boot as an easy thickener.

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        January 17, 2022 at 3:33 pm

        Sounds great! Thank you Norman for sharing that detail.

        Reply
        • Liza

          December 02, 2022 at 9:59 pm

          3 stars
          Sorry Norman, did not get your recipe. I made a tiny bit to try but my entire family hated it.

          I’m

          Reply
    9. Joan M.

      September 30, 2021 at 12:14 am

      5 stars
      Excellent recipe. I put it over pork chops and air fried them it was deeelicious!!

      Reply
      • Megan Porta

        September 30, 2021 at 5:34 pm

        Great use of the air fryer – thanks for sharing!

        Reply

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