This Enchilada Sauce is a flavorful and versatile base for all your Mexican-inspired dishes. With a blend of warm spices, rich tomato flavor, and a touch of heat, this homemade sauce is a delicious alternative to store-bought options. It’s easy to make and perfect for enchiladas, burritos, tacos, and more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Aromatic: This sauce is packed with the authentic flavors of Mexican cuisine, thanks to a blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this sauce comes together in just 10 minutes.
- Versatile: Use it for enchiladas, burritos, tacos, or any dish that needs a zesty and flavorful sauce.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious enchilada sauce:
- Olive oil: Or butter, or your preferred cooking oil.
- Garlic: Minced, for aromatic depth.
- Chicken broth: Or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Tomato sauce: Forms the base of the sauce, providing richness and texture.
- Chili powder: Adds warmth and a touch of heat.
- Dried oregano: Adds a classic Mexican flavor.
- Cumin: Adds an earthy and warm note.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savory flavors.
- Sea salt: To taste.
- Black pepper: Optional, for a hint of spice.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Enchilada Sauce
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Sauce
Add the chicken broth (or vegetable broth), tomato sauce, chili powder, dried oregano, cumin, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
Step 3: Thicken and Adjust
Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or pepper if desired.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use fresh garlic: For the best flavor, use freshly minced garlic.
- Adjust the spice level: Use more or less chili powder to control the heat.
- Make a larger batch: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make a larger batch for future use.
How to Serve Enchilada Sauce
- Enchiladas: This sauce is perfect for making delicious chicken, beef, or cheese enchiladas.
- Burritos and Tacos: Use it as a sauce for burritos, tacos, or burrito bowls.
- Eggs: Drizzle it over huevos rancheros or scrambled eggs for a flavorful breakfast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the sauce for longer storage. Pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
FAQs
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes, but you’ll need to cook them down and puree them before adding the other ingredients.
Can I make this sauce spicier?
Yes, add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to increase the heat.
How can I thicken the sauce?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a longer time to reduce the liquid. You can also whisk in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to thicken it.
Can I use this sauce for other dishes?
Absolutely! This versatile sauce can be used for any dish that needs a zesty and flavorful tomato-based sauce.
There you have it! A delicious and easy-to-make recipe for Enchilada Sauce that’s perfect for all your Mexican-inspired dishes. Enjoy!
Print
Enchilada Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce, Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Enchilada Sauce is quick and easy to make, and it’s bursting with flavor! With a blend of spices and a touch of heat, it’s perfect for enchiladas, burritos, or any Mexican-inspired dish.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (or butter, or oil of choice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Simmer Sauce: Add chicken broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, oregano, cumin, onion powder, salt, and pepper (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover and reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to your liking.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. (It’s best to adjust seasoning after cooking, as the flavors and heat will have developed.)
Notes
- This recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to make a larger batch.
- For a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender until smooth.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Use this enchilada sauce to make delicious enchiladas, burritos, tacos, or as a topping for your favorite Mexican dishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 40kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
