Hamburger Sauce

Prep: 10 min Cook: 60 min Serves: 4 Cuisine: American

A flavorful and versatile hamburger sauce that combines sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Made with brown sugar, vinegar, mustard, and vegetables, it pairs perfectly with beef patties for a hearty, comforting meal. Ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings, adding a homemade touch to your burgers.

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Ingredients

  • 4 Tbsp. brown sugar
  • 4 Tbsp. vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp. dry mustard
  • 1 (32 oz.) bottle catsup
  • green pepper, chopped
  • celery, chopped
  • onion, chopped

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together in a kettle.
  2. Warm the mixture thoroughly.
  3. Pour the sauce over 20 hamburger patties in a pan.
  4. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until hamburgers are done.

Tips & Substitutions

For a tangier flavor, consider adding more vinegar or a splash of hot sauce. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the brown sugar. Chopped jalapeños can be added for heat, while finely chopped carrots can enhance the sweetness without altering the flavor profile. This sauce is versatile and can be used as a dip or marinade, perfect for various American recipes.

Serving Suggestions

This hamburger sauce is delicious served over grilled patties, and pairs beautifully with Wilted Lettace Salad for a refreshing contrast. Consider offering sides like coleslaw or potato wedges to balance the meal. For a complete barbecue experience, serve with fresh buns and your favorite toppings.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover hamburger sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. It can also be microwaved in short intervals, ensuring it doesn’t overheat and separate.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Hamburger Sauce contains roughly 310 calories, with 3g protein, 81g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is a good source of potassium (15% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2086mg per serving (91% of the Daily Value).

310 kcal 16% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 2.7g 5% DV
Total Fat 0.8g 1% DV
Carbs 80.8g 29% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 65.3g 100% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2085.9mg 91% DV
Potassium 686.4mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 66.1mcg 7% DV
Vitamin C 10.8mg 12% DV
Calcium 53.8mg 4% DV
Iron 1.1mg 6% DV
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this hamburger sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This sauce can be prepared a day or two in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just reheat before serving over the hamburger patties.

Can I use fresh vegetables instead of chopped green pepper, celery, and onion?

Yes, feel free to experiment with fresh ingredients. Diced tomatoes or shredded carrots can add a fresh twist. However, remember that using fresh vegetables may alter the texture and flavor slightly, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is this sauce suitable for vegan diets?

Yes, this hamburger sauce is naturally vegan as it doesn’t contain any animal products. Just ensure that the ketchup used is free from any non-vegan additives. It can be a great addition to various vegan recipes, enhancing flavors in veggie burgers.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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