This 3 Ingredient BBQ Sauce with ketchup is the only barbecue sauce I use! It’s sweet and tangy and comes together in minutes. Prepare it in advance, and use it for dipping chicken tenders, steak fries, and all your favorite recipes! 

Looking for more condiment recipes? Try our Chimichurri Sauce and Tzatziki Yogurt Sauce. 

bbq sauce in a glass jar with a silicone brush dipped. this recipe

I always felt like Goldilocks in that old fairy tale when trying to find the perfect store-bought BBQ sauce. The inexpensive brands were cloyingly sweet, with very little depth to them. But the brands I actually liked were way too pricey to buy on a regular basis.

So I set out to make my own homemade BBQ sauce recipe, but I also wanted to keep it easy, which is how I came up with this 3-ingredient BBQ sauce. Starting with a ketchup base streamlines the process, as does adding Worcestershire sauce, which has lots of depth and umami.

While testing this recipe, I initially added several spices, but I realized that the stripped-down 3-ingredient version worked just as well. Of course, you can layer in other ingredients like cayenne for heat or smoked paprika for smokiness if you like, but know that making this recipe exactly as written yields a fantastic BBQ sauce too!

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You Will Love This 3 Ingredient BBQ Sauce

  • Simple ingredients: Unlike most storebought options that have a long list of ingredients, this 3 ingredient barbecue sauce comes together with simple items you likely have on hand, just like our 3-Ingredient Alfredo Sauce.
  • Quick to make: Just combine the ingredients, and let them simmer. Your sauce is ready to use in about 5 minutes on so many dishes, including our bbq chicken legs in oven recipe! 
  • Customizable: You can easily mix and match different ingredients to suit your flavor preferences and make this recipe your own.

Easy BBQ Sauce Recipe Ingredients

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

bbq sauce ingredients.
  • Ketchup: Regular ketchup works best for this recipe. I do not recommend using reduced sodium or reduced sugar.
  • Dark Brown Sugar: Feel free to substitute honey if preferred. 
  • Worcestershire Sauce: For extra depth and a smokey, slightly salty taste.

How to Make 3 Ingredient BBQ Sauce

You’ll need a small saucepan for this recipe. The recipe card below has all the details you need. 

ketchup, sugar, and worcestershire sauce in a saucepan.

Step 1: Combine all the ingredients in a small saucepan. 

homemade bbq sauce in a saucepan.

Step 2: Simmer the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally. Serve immediately, or cool and refrigerate for later.

Easy BBQ Sauce Recipe Variations

If you’re looking for an even bolder flavor BBQ sauce recipe, here’s what you can add: 

  • Chili Pepper Paste: Add a teaspoon of chili pepper paste for an extra kick of heat. Chili powder and cayenne pepper will also work. 
  • Liquid Smoke: Include ½ to 1 teaspoon of liquid smoke for an extra smokey taste. 
  • Seasonings: Stir in a 1-2 teaspoons of onion powder or garlic powder for a stronger savory flavor. 
  • Mustard: Add up to a tablespoon of yellow mustard for a tangy sauce. 

Serving Ideas for 3 Ingredient Barbecue Sauce

Use this 3 ingredient BBQ sauce without vinegar in all the ways you use regular barbecue sauce! Some of our favorite options include: 

Storing 3 Ingredient BBQ Sauce

Allow your BBQ sauce to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a sealable jar or airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 1 month.

3 ingredient BBQ sauce in a glass container.

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If you try our 3 Ingredient BBQ Sauce, please leave a star rating and a comment letting us know how you liked the recipe.

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bbq sauce in a glass jar with a silicone brush dipped.

Easy BBQ Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 5 reviews
  • Author: Katya
  • Prep Time: 5 min
  • Cook Time: 5 min
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 10 1x
  • Category: Condiment
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

Make this 3 ingredient BBQ sauce recipe in about 5 minutes for a sweet, tangy condiment that’s flavorful and perfect for dipping! 

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 cup tomato ketchup, regular (NOT reduced sugar or reduced sodium)
  • ¼ cup dark brown sugar
  • 3 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine all the ingredients. Place the saucepan over low heat and simmer for 5 minutes, partially covered, while stirring occasionally.
  2. Serve immediately or allow your BBQ sauce to cool completely. Then, transfer it to a sealable jar or airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 1 month.

Notes

  • This recipe makes about 1 ¼ cups of BBQ sauce.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
  • Calories: 54
  • Sugar: 11.7 g
  • Sodium: 306 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat:
  • Carbohydrates: 13.8 g
  • Protein: 0 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg