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

Print Pin Rate

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? ›

Red enchilada sauce is made with red chilies (in this recipe, ground red chilies or chili powder). Green enchilada sauce is made with green chilis, tomatillos, and sometimes jalapeños, so it tends to have a larger heat range. It can be spicy, but doesn't have to be.

Can I use salsa in place of enchilada sauce? ›

Traditionally, homemade enchilada sauce is made with tomato sauce. What is this? However, I got the brilliant idea to substitute in some salsa to bring another level of flavor to the sauce. I used a homestyle salsa, but you can pretty much use any flavor you want, including roasted garlic and pico de gallo.

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.

What is Mexican enchilada sauce made of? ›

It comes from a combination of dried spices, which are sautéed in oil to bring out their best, and umami-rich tomato paste. The cinnamon is optional since some people just don't like it in savory applications, but just a pinch adds some lovely warmth and complexity.

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.

Is Taco Bell red sauce just enchilada sauce? ›

While they may seem similar in color and taste, Taco Bell's red sauce and traditional enchilada sauce are not exactly the same. Each has its own unique recipe and flavor profile that sets it apart.

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.

What is in Las Palmas enchilada sauce? ›

Ingredients: water, dried red chile peppers, salt, cottonseed oil, cider vinegar, fumaric acid, garlic powder, spice, olive oil.

Is tamale sauce the same as enchilada sauce? ›

No, enchilada sauce is not the same as tamale sauce. While they may have some similar ingredients, there are distinct differences in their consistency, preparation, and usage.

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? ›

There's nothing to stop you from pouring enchillada sauce over your spaghetti (or any other kind of pasta) . 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 a good mild enchilada sauce? ›

LA VICTORIA® Red Enchilada Sauce Mild is a perfect blend signature spices and red chiles for a mild flavor profile for those who want great taste without too much heat.

What is another name for enchilada sauce? ›

Also known as salsa roja, salsa roja para enchiladas, or mole rojo, red enchilada sauce also contains vinegar, onions, and garlic, including spices like cumin. Some red enchilada sauces may use crushed tomato or tomato paste as a base.

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.

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