If you’ve been searching for a rich, flavorful sauce that brings a comforting, vibrant punch to your Mexican dishes, look no further than this Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of smoky, tangy, and just the right amount of heat, all coming together in a silky, luscious sauce that will elevate enchiladas, tacos, or even as a dip. What’s truly wonderful about making your own enchilada sauce is how simple it is to customize the flavors exactly to your liking, and this recipe is a fantastic starting point for that culinary adventure.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Though the ingredient list might seem modest, each component plays an essential role in creating the depth, warmth, and inviting color of your enchilada sauce. From the rich tomato base to the aromatic spices, every item is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor.
- Olive oil (1 teaspoon): This is your flavor foundation, gently sautéing garlic while adding a subtle richness.
- Garlic, minced (4 cloves): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with a fragrant, slightly spicy edge that wakes up every bite.
- Reduced-sodium chicken broth (½ cup): It adds moisture and savory depth—use vegetable broth for a vegetarian twist.
- Tomato sauce (15 ounces): The heart of your sauce, offering a silky texture and vibrant color that makes every enchilada pop.
- Chili powder (2 tablespoons): This spice blend is the star of the show, packing smoky heat and complexity.
- Dried oregano (2 teaspoons): Herbaceous and slightly peppery, oregano provides balance amidst the bold flavors.
- Cumin (2 teaspoons): Its earthy warmth is crucial for classic Mexican flavor profiles.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle sweetness and umami without overwhelming the sauce.
- Sea salt (½ teaspoon, adjust to taste): Enhances every ingredient, tying the flavors together beautifully.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon, optional): Provides a mild kick and depth, adjustable to your spice preference.
How to Make Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Garlic
Start by heating your olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once shimmering, toss in your minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant and just lightly golden. This step unlocks the garlic’s aroma and flavors, creating a flavorful base for the sauce that elevates every subsequent ingredient.
Step 2: Combine and Simmer
Now, stir in the chicken broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, oregano, cumin, onion powder, sea salt, and black pepper if you’re using it. Make sure to mix everything well so that the spices evenly distribute through the tomato base. Bring the mixture gently to a simmer, then cover your pan and reduce the heat to keep it at a soft bubble. Let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until it thickens to a luscious consistency that clings beautifully to your enchiladas.
Step 3: Adjust Seasoning
Once your sauce has thickened, it’s time for the final flourish—taste it! Adjust the salt and pepper to your preference, keeping in mind that flavors will intensify slightly as it cools. This step is where you make the sauce truly your own, ensuring every bite bursts with the perfect balance of savory, smoky, and mildly spicy notes.
How to Serve Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To really make your enchiladas shine, top them off with fresh garnishes that contrast the warm, velvety sauce. Think crisp chopped cilantro, a dollop of cool sour cream, or a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco. These simple touches add freshness and a burst of color, creating an irresistible presentation and flavor combo.
Side Dishes
Pairing your enchiladas with sides like fluffy Mexican rice, zesty black beans, or a crunchy corn salad rounds out the meal perfectly. These traditional companions soak up the Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe wonderfully while offering textural variety that keeps every forkful interesting and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Use this sauce as a base for enchilada-style casseroles or even as a dipping sauce for crispy taquitos. You can drizzle it over roasted vegetables for an unexpected twist or spoon it generously on your favorite baked potatoes. The versatility of this Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe means you can get creative and make it part of dishes beyond classic enchiladas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftover enchilada sauce, don’t worry—it keeps beautifully in the refrigerator. Transfer it to an airtight container and use it within 3 to 4 days, giving you quick and easy access to flavor-packed sauce for your next meal.
Freezing
For longer storage, this sauce freezes wonderfully. Pour it into a freezer-safe container or zip-top freezer bag, leaving room for expansion. It will maintain its vibrant flavor for up to 3 months, making it a fantastic make-ahead staple for busy weeknights.
Reheating
Reheat your sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally so it warms evenly without scorching. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration or freezing, simply add a splash of broth or water while reheating to return it to the perfect, pourable consistency.
FAQs
Can I make this enchilada sauce vegan?
Absolutely! Simply swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth, and you’ll have a vibrant, plant-based version that still packs all the delicious flavors this recipe promises.
How spicy is this sauce?
This sauce carries a gentle warmth mainly from the chili powder and black pepper, but it’s not overly spicy. You can easily increase or decrease the heat by adjusting the amount of chili powder or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it hotter.
Why is simmering the sauce important?
Simmering allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully and the sauce to thicken to that perfect consistency that clings to enchiladas. Skipping this step might result in a sauce that tastes flat or runs off your food.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! This Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe scales up well. Just keep the cooking time similar and stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning.
What else can I use this sauce for besides enchiladas?
This sauce is incredibly versatile—use it on tacos, as a base for Mexican-style soups, to smother burritos, or even as a flavorful pizza sauce for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
Once you experience how effortlessly this Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe comes together and how wonderfully it transforms your dishes, you’ll never want to buy canned sauce again. It’s comforting, vibrant, and adaptable—a kitchen staple that invites you to infuse your meals with bold, homemade flavor anytime you want. I can’t wait for you to make it and savor those first spoonfuls of pure, saucy joy!
Print
Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This homemade enchilada sauce recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make sauce featuring garlic, tomato, and a blend of classic Mexican spices. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s perfect for adding a rich, savory touch to enchiladas or any Mexican-inspired dish.
Ingredients
Enchilada Sauce
- 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 until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer Sauce: To the saucepan, add the chicken broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, dried oregano, cumin, onion powder, salt, and black pepper if using. Stir all ingredients well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover the pan and reduce the heat to maintain the simmer. Let cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Adjusting seasoning after cooking allows the flavors to meld and become more balanced.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth to keep the recipe vegetarian.
- Use olive oil or butter according to your preference or dietary requirements.
- For a spicier sauce, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot chili powder.
- This sauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days or frozen for longer storage.
