Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (2024)

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This Easy Red Enchilada Sauce comes together in less than 15 minutes...that's quicker than having to go to the store to buy some!

It's made with just a few simple ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, and is more flavorful and healthier than the canned stuff!

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (1)

I've used this Easy Red Enchilada Sauce on our Baked Red Chicken Enchiladas, but I wanted to post this recipe separately since it will be used on many more recipes to come!

How to make Easy Red Enchilada Sauce

  • Combine the flour and all of the spices in a bowl.
Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (2)
  • Pre-heat a large saucepan on medium heat, with the olive oil. Once it's hot, add spice mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes.
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  • Add tomato paste, and slowly add in chicken broth, whisking each time.
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  • Bring to a simmer, and cook 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened. (It will get thicker as it cools).
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  • Turn off heat, and mix in the apple cider vinegar.
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Ready to serve!

Recipe Notes

  • This makes enough for one tray of enchiladas.
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  • One batch of this easy red enchilada sauce yields a little more than 2 cups. So, it's equivalent to a store bought 19 ounce can of Enchilada Sauce.
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  • You can make a double batch and freeze half for another day! (See storage and thawing instructions below.)

How to store Easy Red Enchilada Sauce

This Red Enchilada Sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.

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FREEZER TIPS:

  • Store in a plastic freezer bag, then lay it flat to freeze. This will save space when storing in the freezer, and also allow for faster thawing.
  • To thaw: Place the bag in refrigerator overnight, and reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave (covered in a bowl) until warmed through. Whisk or stir until smooth again.
  • Quick thaw: If you froze it flat in a freezer bag, and need it to thaw quickly, simply submerge the bag in a large bowl of warm water. It should take less than 30 minutes for it to be softened enough to be able to easily remove from the bag to heat up.
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Try it in our Baked Red Chicken Enchiladas, or Beef Enchilada Pasta recipes!

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Enjoy! 🙂

TRIED THIS RECIPE? PLEASE LEAVE A REVIEW AND A STAR RATING IN THE COMMENT SECTION...WOULD LOVE TO KNOW HOW IT CAME OUT!

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (12)

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe}

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce is made with just a few simple ingredients, and is more flavorful and healthier than the canned stuff!

4.67 from 183 votes

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Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 2 cups

Calories: 64kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoon flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, and gluten-free flour blends all work!)
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder (I used McCormick brand)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Instructions

  • Combine the flour and all of the spices in a bowl.

  • Pre-heat a large saucepan on medium heat, with the olive oil. Once it's hot, add spice mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes.

  • Add tomato paste, and slowly add in chicken broth, whisking each time.

  • Bring to a simmer, and cook 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened. (It will get thicker as it cools.)

  • Remove from heat, and mix in the apple cider vinegar.

  • Ready to use!

Video

Notes

  • See Blog Notes for freezing tips, storage, and reheating instructions.
  • One batch of this enchilada sauce yields about 2 ¼ cups. So, it's equivalent to a store-bought 19 ounce can of Enchilada Sauce.

This recipe was adapted from Cookie & Kate.

Nutrition Facts are for ¼ cup red enchilada sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 0.25cup | Calories: 64kcal | Carbohydrates: 2.5g | Protein: 1.5g | Fat: 4.7g | Saturated Fat: 0.7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3.3g | Cholesterol: 2.4mg | Sodium: 284mg | Potassium: 34.4mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 9.1IU | Vitamin C: 4.3mg | Calcium: 0.1mg | Iron: 0.7mg

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: easy recipe, enchiladas, mexican, red enchilada sauce, sauces

Tried this recipe?Mention @thatsdeelicious or tag #thatsdeelicious!

Watch the VIDEO on how to make this Easy Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce. Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube Cooking Channel so that you never miss a recipe video! 🙂

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (13)
Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (14)

Looking for more Easy Recipes? Give these a try!

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Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (2024)

FAQs

What can I use if I don't have 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.

How do I make my enchilada sauce taste better? ›

To make your canned enchilada sauce taste homemade, grab some butter, a little flour, and some chicken stock. This trifecta of ingredients infuses a canned enchilada sauce with a satisfyingly thick texture and a rich, savory flavor.

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.

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.

What is the secret to non soggy enchiladas? ›

To prevent your tortillas from tearing or becoming soggy, quickly fry each corn tortilla in any oil you like for about 10 seconds on each side, until it starts to get crispy but is still pliable. This will add a barrier that will keep the tortilla from absorbing too much sauce, and also adds a little extra flavor.

Can I use salsa instead of red enchilada sauce? ›

Yes, salsa can be used as a substitute for enchilada sauce. It will add a similar tangy and spicy flavor to your dish. You can use it as is or blend it to achieve a smoother consistency before using it in your enchilada recipe.

What makes enchiladas taste better? ›

Sliced radishes, crunchy pickled red onions or jalapenos, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro lighten a heavy, cheesy sauce, lending fresh flavor and bold color. Take simple beef enchiladas in a Tex-Mex direction with dollops of sour cream and chopped raw onion.

Do I need to add anything to canned enchilada sauce? ›

Since canned enchilada sauce is already full of a flavorful smattering of chiles and garlic, it doesn't take much to complete the package. There's no need to grab everything in your spice cabinet to improve the taste: All you'll need is the combined power of equal parts butter and flour.

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.

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 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.

How to thicken up enchilada sauce? ›

Or you can omit the flour and instead add a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and cold water whisked together) to the sauce once it is simmering to thicken it. Make it creamy: Whisk in 1/2 cup of heavy cream to turn this recipe into a delicious creamy enchilada sauce.

Is tamale sauce and enchilada sauce the same thing? ›

Enchilada sauce is thinner and used to coat tortillas in enchiladas, while tamale sauce is thicker and used as a filling or topping for tamales.

Is Taco Bell sauce 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.

Is enchilada sauce the same as spaghetti sauce? ›

Just know that it's not going to taste like spaghetti sauce. Whether jarred, canned, or homemade, the two sauces have entirely different flavor profiles.

What is canned enchilada sauce made of? ›

Ingredients. Water, Tomato Puree (water, tomato paste), Modified Corn Starch. Contains 2% or less of: Sugar, Salt, Chile Pepper, Soybean Oil, Vinegar, Spice, Citric Acid, Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Onion Powder, Natural Flavor, Color (black carrot and paprika extract).

How do you get enchilada sauce out? ›

Tomato sauce can leave greasy, orange stains on clothing that's hard to get out. After testing three different methods, we discovered the best way to get tomato sauce out of clothes: apply dish detergent, rub it in with an ice cube, blot with vinegar and a clean cloth, then launder as usual.

What is a good 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.

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