The former Fulham youngster came off the bench to cancel out Jack Armer's second-half strike for the Brewers in a game of few clear-cut chances.
Albion started brightly against last season's play-off semi-finalists, with Charlie Webster having the first opportunity in the 13th minute, turning smartly and firing a rising drive narrowly over the crossbar.
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Stevenage full-back Luther James-Wildin saw a good chance go wide as Stevenage eventually began to threaten, despite Burton having the lion's share of the chances.
Skipper Curtis Tilt headed a difficult chance wide before Albion worked Webster through one-on-one with Filip Marschall but the goalkeeper was equal to the shot.
Burton had a glorious chance to hit the front straight after half-time. Marschall shovelled Kyran Lofthouse's cross out into the danger area, with Matty Dennis unable to steer the loose ball on target.
Armer finally provided a reward for Albion's persistence when Lofthouse's cross eventually found him at the back post to fire into the far corner with 15 minutes remaining.
But Sanderson had the final say on his Stevenage debut, poking home after fellow substitute Josh Magennis had unsettled the Burton defence.
