If you’ve ever wanted to create the vibrant, rich flavor of your favorite Mexican restaurant’s sauce right in your own kitchen, then you’re going to love this Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of smoky chili, aromatic spices, and savory tomato goodness, simmered to perfection in under 20 minutes. This sauce transforms simple enchiladas into a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal and adds a flavorful punch to anything from tacos to roasted veggies. Trust me, once you try this sauce, you’ll never settle for the canned stuff again!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe relies on a handful of simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a key role in building that signature deep, complex flavor. The combination of aromatic spices, fresh garlic, and good-quality tomato sauce creates a sauce that’s both hearty and vibrant in color.
- Olive oil: Helps to sauté the garlic and develop a warm, nutty base for the sauce.
- Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic adds fragrant depth and slight pungency.
- Reduced-sodium chicken broth: Provides a savory liquid base without overpowering the sauce; vegetable broth works just as well for vegetarians.
- Tomato sauce: Gives the sauce its rich body and vibrant red color.
- Chili powder: Adds the distinctive smoky heat characteristic of enchilada sauce.
- Dried oregano: Brings an earthy herbal note that balances the spice.
- Cumin: Offers warm, slightly nutty undertones that deepen the flavor.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savory profile without the sharpness of fresh onion.
- Sea salt: Essential to bring all the flavors together and enhance the natural sweetness of the tomato.
- Black pepper (optional): Adds a hint of subtle heat and complexity.
How to Make Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Garlic
Start by heating your olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once it’s warm, add the minced garlic. Sautéing the garlic for about one minute releases its wonderful aroma and mellows out the sharpness, creating a flavorful base for the sauce. Be mindful not to burn it as burnt garlic turns bitter.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Bring to Simmer
Next, add the chicken broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, dried oregano, cumin, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper (if using) straight into the pan. Give it a good stir to combine everything thoroughly. Bringing the mixture to a simmer allows the spices to bloom and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Simmer Gently Until Thickened
Once it reaches a gentle simmer, cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to maintain a steady, low simmer. Let the sauce cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This simmering step is crucial as it reduces the sauce slightly, intensifies the flavors, and thickens it to that perfect pourable consistency you want for enchiladas.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasoning
Finally, give your sauce a taste and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. Because the flavors develop during cooking, this final seasoning step ensures your sauce is perfectly balanced — neither too bland nor overpoweringly spicy. This little tweak can make all the difference.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Nothing finishes an enchilada quite like some fresh garnishes. Brighten the dish with chopped cilantro, a dollop of creamy sour cream, or sliced green onions. A sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco or freshly shredded cheese adds richness and a beautiful presentation. These simple additions elevate the entire meal.
Side Dishes
This sauce isn’t just for enchiladas; serve it alongside Spanish rice, refried beans, or a fresh avocado salad for a complete Mexican-inspired feast. The sauce’s warmth and spice perfectly complement the creamy and starchy sides, creating a harmonious spread everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Get creative by drizzling the enchilada sauce over baked potatoes, using it as a dipping sauce for crispy tortilla chips, or mixing it into scrambled eggs for a burst of flavor at breakfast. You could also use it as a base for enchilada-style casseroles or even as a sauce for enchilada pizza that will impress any foodie!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooking, allow your enchilada sauce to cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keeping it chilled preserves the vibrant flavors and makes it easy to grab and reheat for a quick meal later in the week.
Freezing
You can also freeze this Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe for longer storage. Pour the sauce into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, leaving some room for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use.
Reheating
Reheat your sauce gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it smooth and prevent scorching. If the sauce seems too thick after cooling or freezing, a splash of broth or water will help loosen it to your preferred consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this enchilada sauce vegan?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth, and the sauce will be completely plant-based without sacrificing any flavor.
How spicy is this enchilada sauce?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the chili powder; you can adjust it by using mild or hot chili powder according to your preference or even add a pinch of cayenne for extra kick.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce?
While fresh tomatoes can work, using tomato sauce provides a smoother, more consistent texture and flavor that’s classic for enchilada sauce. If you do use fresh tomatoes, simmer them longer to break them down fully.
What dishes besides enchiladas can I use this sauce for?
This sauce is incredibly versatile. Use it in tacos, burritos, over grilled chicken or vegetables, or even as a flavorful base for soups and stews.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and delicious choice if you’re avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
Making your own enchilada sauce at home is a game-changer, and this Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe proves that great flavor doesn’t need complicated steps or ingredients. Once you experience the freshness and richness of this sauce, you’ll wonder why you ever bought pre-made. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and watch how it elevates your meals to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Print
Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Sodium
Description
This homemade enchilada sauce recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make sauce perfect for Mexican dishes. Made from simple pantry ingredients including garlic, tomato sauce, and a blend of spices, this sauce simmers gently to develop a rich and hearty flavor with just the right amount of heat and seasoning. It’s perfect for enchiladas, tacos, or as a dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Enchilada Sauce Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon olive oil (or butter, or oil of choice)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ 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
- ½ teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring frequently until fragrant but not browned.
- Simmer Sauce: Add the chicken broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, oregano, cumin, onion powder, salt, and black pepper (if using) to the saucepan. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook and Thicken: Cover the saucepan and reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to help the sauce thicken to your preferred consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. The flavors mellow and develop as the sauce cooks, so seasoning after simmering ensures balanced taste.
Notes
- You can substitute olive oil with butter or any neutral oil depending on preference.
- Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to make this sauce vegetarian-friendly.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, consider adding cayenne pepper or more chili powder.
- This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.
- Adjust thickness by simmering longer for a thicker sauce or adding a bit more broth if too thick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
