Brown Gravy, Barbecue Sauce & Steak Sauce
If you’re looking for delicious sauces to serve with steak, burgers, meatloaf, chicken, or potatoes, brown gravy, barbecue sauce, and steak sauce each bring a completely different flavor. Brown gravy is rich and savory, barbecue sauce is sweet and smoky, while steak sauce is tangy, slightly sweet, and boldly seasoned.
1. Homemade Brown Gravy
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Salt, to taste
Directions
Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1–2 minutes.
Gradually pour in the beef broth while whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
Add Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Simmer for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thick and smooth.
Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Best with: mashed potatoes, meatloaf, Salisbury steak, roast beef, and chicken.
2. Easy Barbecue Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup ketchup
- ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Directions
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
The sauce will thicken as it cooks. Let it cool slightly before using.
For a smoky barbecue flavor, add a small amount of liquid smoke.
Best with: ribs, chicken, burgers, pulled pork, grilled beef, and roasted vegetables. Barbecue sauces commonly balance tomato or vinegar with sweeteners and seasonings.
3. Homemade Steak Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Directions
Add all ingredients to a small saucepan.
Bring to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.
Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
Remove from the heat and allow it to cool before serving.
The sauce should have a bold combination of sweet, tangy, salty, and savory flavors.
Best with: steak, burgers, meatloaf, grilled chicken, and roasted potatoes.
Which Sauce Should You Choose?
- Brown gravy: Rich, savory, and creamy—best for mashed potatoes and comfort-food dishes.
- Barbecue sauce: Sweet, tangy, smoky, and sticky—excellent for grilled or roasted meats.
- Steak sauce: Bold, tangy, and savory—especially good with beef and burgers.
Meta Description
Make delicious homemade brown gravy, barbecue sauce, or steak sauce with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for steak, burgers, chicken, meatloaf, potatoes, and more.