Easy Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (2024)

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This easy enchilada sauce recipe puts store-bought sauce to shame! With simple pantry ingredients like tomato paste, spices, flour, and water, this Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce recipe is way better than the canned stuff!

Easy Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (1)

As soon as the weather turns cooler, we naturally think of soups and stews (which you can find all my recipes for, right here).

Me though? I’m thinking of expanding my repertoire of enchiladas.

My Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas are REALLY good (no, really!), but I’ve got my eyes on some variety.

But first, I need an awesome red enchilada sauce recipe. Because in my house, enchiladas are saucy!!

Now, if you’re new to this blog, you might be wondering why in the world I would make my own enchilada sauce when I could BUY enchilada sauce.

I agree that store-bought enchilada sauce is fairly cheap – about $1.50 per 10 oz can. But as I teach in my course Grocery Budget Bootcamp, eating real food on a budget isn’t always about the price.

WHY I LOVE THIS RED ENCHILADA SAUCE RECIPE

  • I am in control of the ingredients. My local Kroger has 5 different brands of enchilada sauce. Flip over any can or package of pre-made mix, and you’ll find hydrogenated oils, MSG, and sugar. I avoid these ingredients whenever possible. (Here’s why.)
  • It tastes amazing! This enchilada sauce recipe tastes just like the kind they made in the Mexican restaurant in my hometown. It’s apparently really hard to find an enchilada sauce that has minimal ingredients AND tastes good. … all the more reason to make this one!
  • It’s cheap. One batch of red homemade enchilada sauce makes about 2 cups. Your total cost out of pocket? $0.60… FOR THE WHOLE BATCH. Making it yourself saves 75% over the store-bought enchilada sauce.
  • It’s ready in 10 minutes. I’m all about quick recipes, especially if I’m making ingredients that go into another dish.
Easy Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (2)

Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Ingredients

  • Healthy Fat (Butter, Avocado Oil, or Palm Oil)
  • Flour (All-Purpose Flour or Any Flour)
  • Tomato Paste
  • Chili Powder
  • Ground Cumin
  • Garlic Powder
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Black Pepper
  • Dried Oregano
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt (to taste or omit for low sodium)
  • Water or Chicken Broth or Chicken Stock
  • White Distilled Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
Easy Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (3)

HOW TO MAKE RED ENCHILADA SAUCE INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: In a medium-sized pot, melt butter over medium heat.

Step 2: Add flour and, stirring occasionally, cook for one minute.

Step 3: Add the tomato paste, 2 Tbsp chili powder, and the remaining spices. Whisk well until a gorgeous deep red color forms.

Step 4: Very slowly, add the water or stock, stirring constantly.

Step 5: Bring the sauce to a simmer, and the sauce will thicken slightly.

Step 6: Taste and add additional chili powder if more heat is desired.

Step 7: Add the vinegar and pour on your favorite enchiladas!

This recipe is perfect for beef enchiladas or chicken enchiladas!!

Easy Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (4)

HOW TO FREEZE ENCHILADA SAUCE

Unless you’re feeding a crowd, you might not need 2 cups of sauce. In that case, freeze the extras in an airtight container or freeze them in a jar (use this tutorial).

Or you can make a double batch of enchiladas and put half in the freezer, or you can make a double batch and invite me over for dinner (← I choose this option).

Plus, you already have everything you need in the kitchen.

Unless, by some freak accident, you forgot about that half can of tomato paste in the fridge, and you JUST tossed it yesterday, you should be good to go here.

(PSST! Here’s how to freeze tomato paste so it doesn’t happen again!)

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST ENCHILADA SAUCE

  • Chili powder varies across the globe, but I’m using “American” chili powder, which is NOT the same thing as cayenne pepper or crushed red chilies.
  • Play around with different seasonings like onion powder or dried chilis for a kick of flavor.
  • Use vegetable broth and coconut oil to make this enchilada sauce vegan.
  • Swap out the flour with a gluten free flour mix if you need to cut out the wheat.
  • Do not use tomato sauce in this recipe. You want the thick tomato paste for a full red enchilada sauce flavor.

HOW TO USE THIS AUTHENTIC ENCHILADA SAUCE RECIPE

If you’re not heaping sauce on your tacos, you can follow one of these recipes:

  • Enchilada Casserole
  • Black Bean and Sweet Potato Enchiladas
  • Traditional Enchiladas made with Ground Beef Taco Meat, Homemade Tortillas, and cheese!
Easy Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (5)

FAQS ABOUT RED ENCHILADA SAUCE

What is traditional enchilada sauce made of?

The key players in this traditional enchilada sauce are fat, flour, tomato paste, spices, chicken stock or water, and vinegar.

What can I use if I don’t have enchilada sauce?

Use this recipe! The ingredients are items most people have in their pantry, making this cheap and easy to make without buying enchilada sauce.

How to make enchilada sauce better?

Make it homemade! Homemade enchilada sauce is much tastier than canned enchilada sauce.

What is the thickener of the enchilada sauce?

The fat and flour create a thickener for this enchilada sauce recipe.

RED ENCHILADA SAUCE

The next time you’re about to grab that can of sauce, whip out this great recipe and make your own authentic enchilada sauce! You won’t regret it! If you try this recipe, please rate the recipe card and let me know how you like it!

MORE MEXICAN INSPIRED RECIPES

  • Enchilada Casserole
  • Sweet Potato and Black Bean Enchiladas
  • Chicken and Spinach Enchiladas
  • Ground Beef Taco Meat
Easy Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (6)

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Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce

Easy Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (7)
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★★★★★5 from 1 review

This easy enchilada sauce recipe puts store-bought sauce to shame! With simple pantry ingredients like tomato paste, spices, flour, and water, this Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce recipe is way better than the canned stuff!

  • Author: Tiffany
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 cups 1x
  • Category: Sauces/condiments
  • Method: Stove top
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale

  • 2 Tbsp healthy fat (butter or coconut oil)
  • 2 Tbsp flour (I used all-purpose, but any flour will work)
  • 4 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 23 Tbsp chili powder
  • ½tsp cumin
  • ½tsp garlic powder
  • ¼tsp cayenne pepper
  • ¼tsp black pepper
  • ¼tsp dried oregano
  • tsp cinnamon
  • ½¾ tsp salt, to taste
  • 2 cups water OR chicken stock
  • 1 tsp white distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add flour and stirring occasionally, cook for one minute.
  3. Add the tomato paste, 2 Tbsp chili powder, and the remaining spices. Stir well.
  4. Very slowly add the water or stock, stirring constantly.
  5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and the sauce will thicken slightly.
  6. Taste and add additional chili powder, if more heat is desired.
  7. Add the vinegar and serve warm!

Notes

  • Chili powder varies across the globe, but I’m using “American” chili powder which is NOT the same thing as cayenne or crushed red chilies.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 31

Keywords: enchilada sauce

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Easy Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is red enchilada sauce made of? ›

Red enchilada sauce may also be called salsa roja, salsa roja para enchiladas or mole rojo. It is a sauce made out of ancho/ pasilla/New Mexico and/or Cascabel chiles, onion, garlic, tomatoes, broth, cumin, oregano, etc. all blended together then simmered until thickened.

What is a substitute for red enchilada sauce? ›

Tomato sauce is a good way to replace enchilada sauce if you're looking for a milder alternative. It's easy to take a pre-made tomato sauce and spice it and add other ingredients to get closer to a real enchilada sauce.

What is the difference between enchilada sauce and red sauce? ›

The main difference is that red sauce is made from dried red chile peppers instead of green peppers, and the spices used are sometimes slightly different.

What is the secret to good enchiladas? ›

Fry each of your tortillas in hot oil before adding in your enchilada filling. This will help keep the tortillas from soaking up too much of your sauce too quickly, which can also cause them to break apart.

What is Mexican enchilada sauce made of? ›

This rich concoction gets its flavor from tomatoes, chili powder, and other spicy seasonings. Green enchilada sauce follows the same basic formula but adds fresh green chiles for a brighter taste. Westernized white enchilada sauce is usually dairy-based and uses cream soup or stock to deepen the flavor.

What is the red sauce in Mexican restaurants? ›

Salsa roja ( lit. 'red sauce') is a type of spicy red sauce in Mexican cuisine. It is made of jitomate (red tomato), ground with onion, garlic, chilli, salt and pepper to taste.

What is a substitute for red sauce? ›

Thankfully, you probably have something in your pantry or fridge that you can use in its place. Let's look at four possible substitutes for tomato sauce: The two best are tomato paste and canned tomatoes, while ketchup and tomato soup can be used for certain recipes when you are really in a pinch.

Which sauce is better for enchiladas? ›

La Victoria Red Enchilada Sauce Traditional, Mild, 28 oz

You'll love this sauce for adding great flavor and spice to your homemade enchiladas without being too hot. I recently tried out the La Victoria Red Enchilada Sauce, and I have to say, it enhanced my homemade enchiladas like never before.

What is normal enchilada sauce called? ›

The most common “red” enchilada sauce may also be called salsa roja, salsa roja para enchiladas, or mole rojo. This is a sauce made out of ancho/pasilla/New Mexico and/or Cascabel chiles, onion, garlic, tomatoes, broth, cumin, oregano, etc.

What makes enchiladas taste better? ›

Toppings: When it comes to enchiladas, I vote the more toppings the merrier! Any combination of chopped fresh cilantro, sliced avocado, diced red onion (or quick pickled red onions), sliced radishes, fresh or pickled jalapeños, sour cream or Mexican crema, and/or extra cheese would be delicious!

Is Taco Bell red sauce just enchilada sauce? ›

Short and Spicy Answer

While they may seem similar in color and taste, Taco Bell's red sauce and traditional enchilada sauce are not exactly the same. Each has its own unique recipe and flavor profile that sets it apart.

Is the red sauce at Taco Bell enchilada sauce? ›

You might know it best from the classic Bean Burrito on the menu today. But, actually, this enchilada-style sauce has been around for decades. A Taco Bell® sensation in every sense. Safe to say, red sauce has had plenty of time to hone its taste-bud-tantalizing, deliciously disarming techniques.

Should you bake enchiladas covered or uncovered? ›

Bake uncovered 15 to 20 minutes or until hot.

What is the best cheese to melt on enchiladas? ›

Use a shredded Mexican cheese blend for the best melting and flavor. A rustic cut blend of 4 cheese is the best all-around cheese for enchiladas. Look for one that includes Montery Jack, Cheddar, Asadero and Queso Quesadilla Cheese. Avoid using all cheddar as it can be too oily.

Is it better to cook enchiladas covered or uncovered? ›

It isn't necessary to cover enchiladas while baking. All of an enchiladas components are cooked and you are just heating them through when you bake them. Ideally your ingredients will be room temperature, not ice cold, when you assemble the enchiladas.

What is Mexican red sauce made of? ›

Red Chile sauce can be made with various types of red chiles, depending on regional preferences and personal taste. Common varieties include New Mexico chiles, guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles.

What's the difference between green enchilada sauce and red enchilada sauce? ›

Most green enchilada sauces use green chilis, which includes jalapenos and serrano, tipping off the spicy scale. As with any color chili, green sauces range from mild to hot. Red enchilada sauce, on the other hand, is typically made from a variety of red chilies, vinegar, onions, garlic and spices.

Does red and green enchilada sauce taste different? ›

The Saucy Difference

Because red enchilada sauce is made with red chilies, which tend to be on the sweeter side, it is usually the milder of the two, although both can be adjusted to the desired level heat.

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