Easy Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (2024)

by Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com · Leave a Comment

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This quick homemade red enchilada sauce elevates your enchiladas far beyond what you'd get with store-bought canned sauce. Easily adjust the spiciness to your taste by varying the amount of jalapeno or chili powder. It's a simple way to make your enchiladas exceptionally delicious!

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (1)
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  • 🥘 Ingredients
  • 🔪 How To Make Enchilada Sauce
  • 📖 Recipe Card
  • 💬 Reviews

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🥘 Ingredients

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (2)
  • Crushed or Diced Tomatoes - 14.5 ounces (prefer fire-roasted, 14.5-ounce can, do not drain)
  • Tomato Paste - 12 ounces (two 6 oz cans)
  • Jalapeno Pepper - one-half, finely diced
  • Vegetable Oil - one-half cup
  • All-Purpose Flour - one-half cup
  • Chicken Broth - 2 cup

Enchilada Sauce Seasoning

  • Onion Powder - 2 tablespoon
  • Cumin - 2 tablespoon
  • Chili Powder - 4 teaspoons
  • Paprika - 4 teaspoons
  • Salt - 1 tablespoon
  • Garlic Powder - 2 teaspoon

*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*

🔪 How To Make Enchilada Sauce

  1. Blend Tomatoes and Jalapeno: Combine one can (14.5 ounces) of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, two 6-ounce cans of tomato paste, and one-half finely diced jalapeno pepper in a food processor or blender. Blitz the mixture until smooth.
  2. Prepare the Roux: In a large skillet, heat one-half cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add one-half cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons onion powder, 2 tablespoons cumin, 4 teaspoons chili powder, 4 teaspoons paprika, 1 tablespoon salt, and 2 teaspoons garlic powder. Stir frequently and cook until the mixture turns a burnt orange color.
  3. Combine and Cook: Gradually stir the blended tomato and jalapeno mixture into the skillet. Slowly add 2 cups of chicken broth, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes or until it begins to thicken slightly. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent boiling.
  4. Final Touches: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from heat. Taste and add additional salt if desired.

💭 Tips & Notes

  • Tomato Texture Choice: Whether you use crushed or diced tomatoes, select fire-roasted varieties for a deeper flavor. Remember not to drain the tomatoes to keep the sauce rich and moist.
  • Spice to Your Liking: Adjust the amount of jalapeno according to your heat preference. For a milder sauce, remove the seeds or use less jalapeno. For more heat, include the seeds or add more jalapeno.
  • Smooth or Chunky: Depending on your preference for sauce texture, blend the tomato and jalapeno mixture to your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, blend longer. For a chunkier texture, pulse briefly.
  • Roux Color is Key: When cooking the roux (flour and oil mixture), aim for a burnt orange color before adding the wet ingredients. This color indicates that the flour is cooked and will give a rich flavor to the sauce.
  • Simmering Time: Allow the sauce to simmer until it reaches the desired thickness. If it thickens too much, you can always thin it with a little more chicken broth.
  • Taste and Adjust: After removing the sauce from the heat, taste it and adjust the seasoning as needed. Sometimes, a little extra salt or a dash of sugar can balance the flavors perfectly.

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📖 Recipe Card

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce

This quick homemade red enchilada sauce elevates your enchiladas far beyond what you'd get with store-bought canned sauce. Easily adjust the spiciness to your taste by varying the amount of jalapeno or chili powder. It's a simple way to make your enchiladas exceptionally delicious!

Author | Angela

Servings: 6 1 cup portions

Calories: 292kcal

Prep 5 minutes minutes

Cooking 15 minutes minutes

Total Time 20 minutes minutes

Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 14.5 oz Crushed or Diced Tomatoes (prefer fire-roasted, 14.5-ounce can, do not drain)
  • 12 oz Tomato Paste (two 6 oz cans)
  • ½ Jalapeno Pepper (finely diced)
  • ½ cup Vegetable Oil
  • ½ cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 2 cup Chicken Broth

Enchilada Sauce Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoon Onion Powder
  • 2 tablespoon Cumin
  • 4 teaspoon Chili Powder
  • 4 teaspoon Paprika
  • 1 tablespoon Salt
  • 2 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Help Us Out!If you love a recipe, be sure to come back and share your ratings. This helps future users, and allows me to continue sharing free recipes! Angela

Instructions

  • Blend Tomatoes and Jalapeno: Combine one can (14.5 ounces) of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, two 6-ounce cans of tomato paste, and one-half finely diced jalapeno pepper in a food processor or blender. Blitz the mixture until smooth.

  • Prepare the Roux: In a large skillet, heat one-half cup of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add one-half cup of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons onion powder, 2 tablespoons cumin, 4 teaspoons chili powder, 4 teaspoons paprika, 1 tablespoon salt, and 2 teaspoon garlic powder. Stir frequently and cook until the mixture turns a burnt orange color.

  • Combine and Cook: Gradually stir the blended tomato and jalapeno mixture into the skillet. Slowly add 2 cups of chicken broth, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to medium and let the sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly. Adjust the heat as necessary to prevent boiling.

  • Final Touches: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove it from heat. Taste and add additional salt if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 292kcal (15%) | Carbohydrates: 27g (9%) | Protein: 6g (12%) | Fat: 20g (31%) | Saturated Fat: 3g (19%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 11g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 2mg (1%) | Sodium: 2035mg (88%) | Potassium: 730mg (21%) | Fiber: 5g (21%) | Sugar: 9g (10%) | Vitamin A: 2231IU (45%) | Vitamin C: 16mg (19%) | Calcium: 82mg (8%) | Iron: 5mg (28%)

Did you try this recipe? Rate it below!I can’t wait to see your results! Mention @bake_it_with_love or tag #bake_it_with_love!

enchilada sauce, recipe

Course Condiments, Sauces

Cuisine Mexican

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe (4)

Angela @ BakeItWithLove.com

Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!

bakeitwithlove.com/about/

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Easy 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 to 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.

Is there a difference between red enchilada sauce and enchilada 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. This sauce has vinegar, garlic, onions, and other spices like oregano, chili powder, and basil.

How to make enchilada sauce better? ›

Improving upon canned enchilada sauce

If you're using fresh garlic, onion, or peppers, sauté those first in a bit of oil, then combine the butter, stock, and seasonings. Mix in the flour to thicken it, then pour in that canned enchilada sauce, and bring the mixture to a boil.

What is the secret to good enchiladas? ›

The most important tip for avoiding soggy enchiladas is to briefly fry your tortillas in hot oil before you fill and roll. This creates a little bit of a barrier so that the tortillas don't soak up too much of the sauce and therefore start to break down.

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 called at 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 the most mild enchilada sauce? ›

Use Las Palmas® Mild Red Enchilada Sauce to make a delicious Mexican staple. Offering a mild level of spice to enhance but not overpower your enchiladas, this sauce is sure to make your meal a hit.

Is Taco Bell red sauce just enchilada sauce? ›

Taco Bell's red sauce is indeed a flavorful blend, but it's not the same as traditional enchilada sauce. While both can boast of being zesty and packed with Mexican-inspired spices, they have their own unique recipes and uses. Taco Bell's red sauce is designed specifically to complement their menu items.

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.

Do enchiladas taste better with corn or flour tortillas? ›

While some recipes use flour tortillas, corn tortillas are traditional — and for good reason — are the better option for enchiladas. Corn tortillas have a distinct flavor that plays a key part of the enchilada experience, compared to flour tortillas, which are more like a blank slate.

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!

Why is my homemade enchilada sauce bitter? ›

If you taste your enchilada sauce and find it has a bitter or sour aftertaste, this could be simply due to the acidity of the peppers or tomato, if added. Not to worry. Mix in agave syrup or brown sugar, starting with 1/2 teaspoon and adding more until the taste is evened out to your liking.

How to make canned red enchilada sauce taste better? ›

In a saucepan over medium-high heat melt the butter until it becomes foamy. Add the flour and stir constantly for one minute. Stir in the canned enchilada sauce, chicken broth and salt and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until sauce has thickened.

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 Mexican red sauce made of? ›

It is made primarily from dried red chile peppers, such as New Mexico, California, guajillo, or ancho chiles, which are rehydrated, blended, and simmered to create a rich and aromatic sauce.

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

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.

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