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.
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  • 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!

4.68 from 181 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 Tbsp olive oil
  • 3 Tbsp flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, and gluten-free flour blends all work!)
  • 1 Tbsp chili powder (I used McCormick brand)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 3/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 Tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 tsp 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 1/4 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 1/4 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! 🙂

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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.

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.

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

Add stock - Chicken, beef, or vegetable, stocks pack a ton of flavor - because they are prepared by simmering bones and vegetables in water for hours, often with herbs and spices until the flavor is extracted - and can instantly elevate the flavor of canned 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.

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.

Can I use salsa in place of 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 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 Mexican red sauce made of? ›

To your blender full of chiles, add 2 cups of water (use the chile water or fresh), an 8oz can of Tomato Sauce, and ½ teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, Mexican oregano, cumin, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Also, add 2-3 cloves of fresh garlic and about ¼ of a white onion.

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!

How do you get the bitterness out of canned enchilada sauce? ›

Before you assemble your enchiladas, heat the sauce up and whisk in a little flour and sugar to taste. The flour will neutralize some of the bitterness and thicken the sauce a bit in the process. This can be a good thing, too, as canned enchilada sauce is usually a little thin in consistency.

Do you cover enchiladas or no? ›

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.

Is Taco Bell red sauce just enchilada sauce? ›

You might also call it “enchilada sauce” since it tastes very similar to the stuff you can buy in cans labeled “enchilada sauce.” Whatever you call it, this red sauce is a simple combination of tomato purée, vinegar, and spices, and you can clone it with minimal effort.

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.

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.

Is enchilada sauce the same as spaghetti sauce? ›

If you add spices to spaghetti sauce you get enchilada sauce.

What is a good mild enchilada sauce? ›

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

How is enchilada sauce different from other sauces? ›

Enchiladas just wouldn't be complete without enchilada sauce. This distinct sauce typically calls for dried chili peppers, onions, garlic, spices, and, yes, occasionally tomatoes. The exact recipe may vary depending on the region and personal preferences, resulting in a range of flavor profiles.

What is a good substitute for tomato 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.

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