Enchilada Sauce

Herby, spicy, and truly tasty Enchilada Sauce packs a whole other level of flavor for your lovely dish. This easy recipe is one of the most convenient sauces you’ll find out there because it is so versatile. It’s simply delicious with just the right amount of heat for you to enjoy.

Do you ever get the feeling that a certain dish needs a bit of heat to make it more alive? I feel the same way with enchiladas. Don’t get me wrong, I totally adore Homemade Enchiladas but sometimes I just want a little more somethin’ somethin’ on it.

Luckily, we have this simple enchilada sauce recipe that you can make at home. No need to buy the canned version and nor will you ever buy one after you make this homemade recipe.

Burrito vs Chimichanga vs Enchilada

If you’re like me, you’re proud to be a total geek about Mexican comfort food. For the new folks out there, you might confuse yourself with Burritos, Chimichangas, and Enchiladas. So here’s a quick description of each to help you to tell one from the other.

Burritos

Burritos are made with flour tortilla with almost any meat filling and are served soft. This Breakfast Burrito should give you a good idea of what one looks like. This is often paired with tomato-based or green salsa.

Chimichangas

At first glance chimichangas look somehow similar to burritos, however, the key difference between the two is the wrap. Although both are made from Flour Tortillas, Chimichangas wraps are cooked, either by baking or deep frying. These are best served with Guacamole.

Enchiladas

Ahhh! The light and bite-sized version of burritos. The wraps for this dish are usually made from corn tortillas. You’re supposed to use utensils when eating this as it is typically smothered with Enchilada Sauce, which we’ll be talking about today.

Enchilada Sauce Recipe

This homemade Enchilada Sauce recipe is basically a hearty and flavorful roux. It’s super easy to make and takes no time at all! Let’s look at what you’ll need for this dish.

• All-purpose flour serves as the thickener of our sauce, but this doesn’t really have much effect on the flavor. However, pay close attention to how it thickens or changes the texture of our Enchilada Sauce.
• The hot flavor comes from the black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, and chili powder.
• The key ingredient in making it saucy is the tomato paste which also serves as our base.
• Our beef broth or stock dilutes the mixture so we can easily control the consistency.

More flavor? Don’t hold back on this Homemade Taco Seasoning that essentially makes it easier to pair with most dishes with a Mexican flair.

Recipe Variations

• Red Enchilada Sauce is easily the most popular version out there because this version is sold in cans. The problem with this is that it often has additional preservatives since it’s tomato-based. The taste is totally spicy but is still tolerable.
• Green Enchilada Sauce seems like it would be milder than the one above, but I’m gonna tell you that it’s not! It uses green chilies as its base with added jalapeno for extra heat. I suggest using this version if you’re really up for the heat.

Tex-Mex Recipes for your Enchilada Sauce

It’s amazing how this Enchilada Sauce recipe is so versatile that it goes with almost anything. I specifically like it on, of course, Enchiladas, but I also like it with Tostadas and Steak Burritos. Other recipes that could use a kick of heat are great with this recipe like this Chicken Fajitas.

Oh! And don’t forget about Beef Empanadas. They’re actually great on their own but a dash of this homemade enchilada sauce takes it to a whole new level.

Lastly, I love the heat of this sauce paired with this Slow Cooker Carnitas. It has the extra heat that you’ll crave for. 

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

If you have leftover Enchilada Sauce, it’s best to store it in an airtight container and refrigerate it immediately. Make sure that it’s moisture-free and it’ll last for about 5 to 7 days.

You’ll see that refrigerating can make the mixture thicker. Simply dilute the Enchilada Sauce with a little beef broth or water when reheating.

More Easy Homemade Sauces You’ll Love

• Easy Homemade Pizza Sauce
• Caramel Sauce
• Homemade BBQ Sauce
• Bolognese Sauce
• Homemade Alfredo Sauce

How to Make Enchilada Sauce

Prep and Mix

• Mix dry ingredients: Add flour, black pepper, garlic and onion powder, cumin, oregano, and chili powder in a medium bowl. Set aside. (Photos 1-2)
• Add oil and stir in the flour: Place a medium saucepan over medium heat, add oil until it is hot.  Stir in the flour mixture and keep whisking until fragrant and slightly deepened in color, about 1 minute. Do not let it burn. (Photos 3-4)

Add Tomato Paste and Season

• Add the tomato paste and broth: Whisk in the tomato paste and then carefully pour in the beef broth, a little at a time while whisking constantly. (Photo 5)
• Add seasoning and continue stirring: Add taco seasoning, if desired. Then season with salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Continue cooking stirring often, until the sauce thickens – about 5- 7 minutes, the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools down. Remove and let it cool. (Photo 6)