If you’ve ever craved that rich, smoky, and perfectly spiced touch that brings enchiladas to life, then you’ve just got to try this Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe. It’s a vibrant blend of fresh ingredients and warm spices that come together to create a sauce bursting with depth and flavor—everything you want to enhance your favorite Mexican dishes. Whether you’re layering it over cheesy enchiladas or using it as a dipping sauce, this recipe is an absolute game changer for your kitchen adventures.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, from the sweetness of sautéed onions to the smoky warmth of smoked paprika.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This is your base for sautéing, bringing a subtle fruity richness to the sauce.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and texture once softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste: Provides concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained: Adds brightness and freshness without watering down the sauce.
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth: Balances the sauce, adding body and umami.
- 1 tbsp chili powder: The heart of the sauce’s warmth and spice.
- 1 tsp cumin: Brings earthy, nutty undertones that define the sauce’s character.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika: Imparts a subtle smokiness that makes every bite memorable.
- ½ tsp oregano: Adds a hint of herbal brightness.
- 1 tsp sugar (optional): Balances acidity from the tomatoes for a rounder flavor.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors into harmony.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little kick.
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (optional): Adds a refreshing zing that lifts the entire sauce.
How to Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Begin by warming the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic, then sauté until they’re soft and fragrant—usually about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds the flavorful foundation of your sauce, so be patient and don’t rush it.
Step 2: Add Tomato Base and Broth
Next, stir in the tomato paste and drained diced tomatoes, mixing them well with the sautéed onions and garlic. Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and give everything a good stir to combine. This mixture creates the rich, tomato-forward body of your sauce.
Step 3: Season with Spices
This is where the magic happens. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, sugar if using, salt, and pepper to your saucepan. Toss in red pepper flakes if you want a bit of heat. Stir everything until the spices are fully integrated, ensuring your sauce will have that signature bold and smoky flavor.
Step 4: Simmer to Perfection
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let it cook slowly for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the sauce to thicken nicely and for all the flavors to meld together, creating a complex, harmonious taste you’ll love.
Step 5: Final Flavor Adjustments
Once your sauce has thickened to the consistency you prefer, taste it and tweak the seasoning if needed. Adding a bit more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice at this stage can really brighten and elevate the flavors, making it just right.
Step 6: Ready to Serve or Store
Remove the sauce from heat and use it immediately on enchiladas, tacos, or as a dipping companion. If not using right away, store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. This Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe is incredibly versatile and worth making in advance.
How to Serve Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes can take your enchilada experience to the next level. Fresh cilantro, diced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, and a dollop of sour cream all complement the sauce’s smokiness and spice perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this sauce with classic sides like Spanish rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad. These traditional companions provide balance and texture, making each bite well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t stop at enchiladas—spread this sauce over baked chicken, drizzle it on scrambled eggs for a spicy breakfast twist, or use it as a zesty base for chili. The Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe’s lively flavor makes it a fun and flexible addition to many meals.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra sauce, no worries! Store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week. Just give it a quick stir before reheating to bring back its luscious texture.
Freezing
This sauce freezes wonderfully. Pour it into a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag, leaving some space for expansion. It can last for up to three months, making it a perfect prep-ahead staple for busy weeks.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or water to adjust the consistency back to silky and smooth.
FAQs
Can I make this sauce vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth, and the sauce remains just as flavorful and satisfying.
How spicy is this Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe?
The heat level is mild by default but can be easily adjusted by adding or leaving out the red pepper flakes. You can even double them if you love it spicy!
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Fresh tomatoes can work, but make sure to peel and drain them well to avoid too much liquid, which might thin the sauce.
What’s the best way to store leftover sauce?
Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week or freeze it for longer storage.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales perfectly. Just make sure your pot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume and simmer time may be a bit longer.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe has quickly become a beloved secret in my kitchen because of its bright, smoky, and well-rounded flavor. It’s simple, adaptable, and fresh-tasting, making it an absolute must-have for anyone who loves Mexican cuisine or just wants a delicious sauce to elevate any meal. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making enchiladas more often!
Print
Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 to 2.2 cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This homemade enchilada sauce is a flavorful and versatile Mexican-inspired sauce, perfect for smothering enchiladas, tacos, or as a dipping sauce. Made from a blend of tomato paste, diced tomatoes, spices, and broth, it delivers a balanced combination of smoky, spicy, and tangy flavors with optional heat and brightness from red pepper flakes and lime juice.
Ingredients
For the Enchilada Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (optional, for added freshness)
Instructions
- Sauté aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté for 3–4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
- Add tomato base: Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and chicken or vegetable broth to the saucepan. Stir well to combine.
- Incorporate spices: Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, sugar (if using), salt, and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if you want some heat.
- Simmer the sauce: Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Let the sauce simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until it thickens and flavors meld.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed for brightness and balance.
- Serve or store: Remove from heat and use immediately on your favorite dishes or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Notes
- The sugar is optional but helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Red pepper flakes add a spicy kick; omit if you prefer milder sauce.
- Lime juice adds freshness and brightness to the finished sauce.
- This sauce can be made with either chicken or vegetable broth for vegetarian adaptation.
- Store leftover sauce in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for longer storage.
- This sauce is perfect for enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and as a dipping sauce.
