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    Home » CONDIMENTS

    How to Make Enchilada Sauce

    Modified: Nov 23, 2023 by Susan Pridmore · This post may contain affiliate links · 25 Comments

    A jar of homemade red enchilada sauce.

    This homemade red enchilada sauce uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It beats store-bought canned enchilada sauce by a mile, and allows you to tailor it to your own preferences. This fantastic enchilada sauce recipe is mildly spicy from the chili powder.

    All you need is about 20 minutes (or less) to make this fabulous sauce.

    A jar of homemade red enchilada sauce with a spoon.

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    Jump to:
    • What's the difference between enchiladas and burritos?
    • What's typically in a red enchilada sauce?
    • Freaky Friday
    • Life Currents Blog
    • Ingredients for Easy Red Enchilada Sauce
    • Recommended Equipment
    • How to Make Enchilada Sauce
    • Enchilada Sauce Variations
    • What's the Best Way to Store Enchilada Sauce
    • 5 Ways to use Enchilada Sauce (Besides Enchiladas)
    • What Did Everyone Else in Freaky Friday Make??
    • Homemade Easy Enchilada Sauce Recipe

    I'm working on homemade enchilada recipes, and have been trying all kinds of red enchilada sauces on them. I tried several store bought sauces. But sauces can be so easy to make, like this one. And having a great one has the power to take the dish to a new level.

    So, be on the lookout for some enchilada recipes I've been working!

    What's the difference between enchiladas and burritos?

    They both involve rolling up a filling in a tortilla, so this is a common question. There are at least 2 big differences:

    • A traditional enchilada is always made with a corn tortilla. A burrito is typically made with a flour tortilla.
    • Burritos can be wrapped in paper, and eaten on the go, simply held in your hands. Enchiladas are smothered in a red or green enchilada sauce, and often some melted cheese, sour cream and garnishes. Eat them with a fork. And a napkin.

    What's typically in a red enchilada sauce?

    There's a greater variety of ingredients than you may think, and they control the texture and how spicy the sauce is. And obviously, the flavor. Sometimes a red enchilada sauce will be called salsa roja or mole rojo.

    • Almost any homemade enchilada sauce begins with a roux of flour, chili powder and a neutral oil, but the amounts of the chili powder vary widely. This one uses quite a bit, so it's slightly on the spicy side. But only slightly. Some recipes use ancho chili powder, which makes it even spicier.
    • Instead of the chili powder, I've seen some recipes that use dried ancho or pasilla (guajillo) chiles. This approach takes much longer to make.
    • Some sauces, like this one, use tomato paste or very thick tomato sauce. Many do not. The tomato paste helps to give the sauce some body, and tempers the spiciness.
    • Vegetable or chicken broth
    • Other dried spices and herbs
    • I've also seen recipes with apple cider vinegar or chocolate. The chocolate will make it a little more like a mole - enchilada sauce.

    Before I jump into this Easy Enchilada Sauce recipe, I've gotta share where I found it! And that brings me to Freaky Friday.

    Freaky Friday

    What, you may wonder, is Freaky Friday??

    For starters, it's how I found this fabulous recipe that I guarantee you will love.

    Freaky Friday is a group of food bloggers who are secretly assigned one another’s blogs to make a recipe from. Then we all reveal who we had on the same Friday, and what we made. And that's TODAY!

    Many thanks to Michaela from An Affair from the Heart who created and hosts this blog hop. At the bottom of this post, you'll see a list of all of the other recipes our group cooked up - that's what makes it a blog hop :-).

    This fabulous enchilada sauce comes from Debi at the Life Currents blog. I was so excited to be assigned her blog this time around. I've known her for about a year or 2 through another bloggers group that she heads up, and I've made lots of her recipes over the past couple of years.


    Life Currents Blog

    Debi was a vegetarian for about 30 years, and has created tons of delicious (and easy) vegetarian recipes. More recently, she's introduced fish back into her diet, and has always posted non-vegetarian dishes her meat-eating husband likes.

    She's kind of my soul-sister in the blogging world, and you will find so many recipes on her site to fall in love with.

    Here are some of her recipes I've already made several times:

    I was in a tortilla-making mode a few months ago, and tried all kinds of recipes for them. I love her No Yeast Flatbread recipe, and highly recommend it. It uses baking powder, so there's no rising time. Woo-hoo!

    I like her Balsamic Onion Jam so much, I made a bunch of it around the holidays and gave friends little gift jars of it for Christmas. Luckily I made a bunch for myself, and used it in all kinds of vegetarian dishes to amp up the umami flavors.

    And her Garlic Parmesan Cream Shrimp over Roasted Squash is to. die. for. I made it at least 5 times last fall and winter. (Gentle reminder: I'm a wimpy vegetarian and occasionally cook fish.)

    But now, let's talk about Debi's excellent Red Enchilada Sauce, starting with a quote from someone who made it and commented on her blog.

    Made sour cream enchiladas tonight using your enchilada sauce! I don't think I'll ever buy a can of enchilada sauce again! It was fabulous!!

    Comment from Life Currents blog

    Ingredients for Easy Red Enchilada Sauce

    For the all of the ingredients, measurements and directions, go to the Recipe Card at the bottom of this post.

    • Chili powder (chile powder) - There's fair amount of chili powder in this sauce, so purchase a good that you really like.
    • All-purpose flour - This is for the roux. Substitute gluten free flour or potato starch for excellent gluten free options.
    • Avocado oil - This is also for the roux. You can use any neutral-tasting oil, but I've linked the avocado oil I use.
    • Vegetable broth
    • Tomato paste
    • Dried oregano
    • Cumin powder
    • Onion Powder
    • Kosher salt
    • Sugar

    Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links to products and foods I use in my kitchen. This means that at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. To view my entire storefront of recommended kitchen tools and equipment, check out my shop on Amazon.


    Recommended Equipment

    Medium pot
    Wooden spoon and / or Whisk


    A jar of homemade red enchilada sauce with a tea towel.

    How to Make Enchilada Sauce

    Step 1 (3 minutes)

    Make the roux. A roux sounds more intimidating than it is. It's just a mixture of flour or other starch like potato starch with fat, which can be butter or oil. These are stirred together over low heat in a pot or skillet, and cooked for a couple of minutes to cook the flour.

    In this recipe, chili powder is added to the flour, and the fat is a neutral oil. By adding the chili powder to the flour, and cooking it over heat with the oil, the spice cooks up a bit too, making it very fragrant. This is your flavor base and sauce thickener, so don't rush it.

    Check out this Spinach Madeline recipe for more information on making a roux.

    Step 2 (15 minutes)

    Add everything else. Add all the remaining ingredients to the same pot, and turn up the heat to medium. Stir with a wooden spoon or whisk over medium heat until a smooth sauce develops. Bring it to a boil, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.

    This 10-minute simmer thickens the sauce and makes it nice and smooth. There is a lot of dried spice in this sauce, and can be a bit gritty if you shorten this too much.


    Enchilada Sauce Variations

    Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free flour mixture or potato starch for the all-purpose flour, using a 1 : 1 ration.

    Make it Spicier: Use ancho chili powder in place of the general chili powder. This will also make it a little smokier.

    Make it Milder: Chili powder is considered mild. But if you are sensitive to spicy foods, cut the chili powder in half. When the sauce is done, add more to taste.


    What's the Best Way to Store Enchilada Sauce

    Store in the refrigerator in a jar for up to 2 weeks, or freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months.

    5 Ways to use Enchilada Sauce (Besides Enchiladas)

    Beside the obvious, on enchiladas, this enchilada sauce can be used in many other ways.

    1 - Enchilada sauce is a typical ingredient for a Tamale Pie, one of my favorite Mexican dinners.

    2 - Add it to soups or chili for a depth of flavor. Tomato soups, chili, tortilla soups are great examples.

    3 - Mix some into the filling for stuffed peppers.

    4 - Stir enchilada sauce into a rice and beans dish, and add some roasted red peppers and scallions. Top with cheese.

    5 - Add a little to any dish calling for a salsa. Combining the two amps up the flavors of both. But be use the enchilada sauce sparingly. Too much, and it can overwhelm the freshness of the salsa.

    What Did Everyone Else in Freaky Friday Make??

    Now it’s time to see what all of the other participating bloggers made! Seriously, go check them out!

    Hosted by - An Affair from the Heart

    1. An Affair from the Heart - Moose Munch Popcorn
    2. Aunt Bee's Recipes - Breakfast Egg Bites
    3. The Culinary Compass - Pull Apart Garlic Bread
    4. Devour Dinner - BBQ Nachos
    5. Family Around the Table - Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Salad
    6. Feast + West - Peach Whiskey Smash
    7. Home Cooked Harvest - Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
    8. Hostess at Heart - Peanut Butter Cookie
    9. Kathryn's Kitchen Blog - Cilantro Lime Shrimp Recipe
    10. Life Currents - Jalapeño Poppers Puffs
    11. Off the Eaten Path -  Cheerwine Bourbon Slush Cocktails
    12. The Speckled Palate - Lemon Cooler Cookies
    13. Sue Bee Homemaker - Fruit Dip Without Marshmallow Cream
    14. The Wimpy Vegetarian - How to Make Enchilada Sauce

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    Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

    Save Recipe
    A jar of homemade red enchilada sauce.
    4.97 from 28 votes

    Homemade Easy Enchilada Sauce Recipe

    This homemade red enchilada sauce uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. It beats store-bought sauce, and allows you to tailor it to your own preferences. This enchilada sauce recipe is mildly spicy from the chili powder. Recipe lightly modified from Life Currents blog.
    Print Recipe Save Saved! Pin Recipe Add to Recipe Collection Go to Collections Add to Shopping ListGo to Shopping List
    Prep Time3 minutes mins
    Cook Time15 minutes mins
    Total Time18 minutes mins
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Keyword: enchilada sauce, red enchilada sauce
    Servings: 10
    Calories: 63.2kcal
    Author: Susan Pridmore
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Medium skillet
    • Whisk or a wooden spoon

    Ingredients

    • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour or potato starch
    • ¼ cup chili powder
    • 2 tablespoons avocado oil or other neutral tasting oil
    • 2 cups vegetable broth
    • 6 ounces tomato paste
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • 1 teaspoon cumin powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
    • ½ teaspoon granulated sugar

    Instructions

    • Make the roux. Add the flour (or potato starch) and chili powder to a medium pan and mix it together using a wooden spoon or whisk. Add the avocado oil and heat it up over low heat.
      Stir it all together to absorb the flour and chili powder into the oil, and cook over low heat until it's very fragrant. This will take about 3 minutes.
    • Add everything else. Increase the heat to medium. Stir in the broth and tomato paste, and continue stirring (with a wooden spoon or whisk) until the tomato paste is absorbed into the liquid.
      Add the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes to allow it to thicken.
      Stir, taste and adjust for any seasoning.

    Notes

    Nutrition Note:
    The calculations are based on a serving of ¼ cup, which is a typical amount over 2 enchiladas, a single serving.
    If you're curious about the carbs, based on the amounts of each ingredient, the tomato paste and chili powder are significant contributors.
     

    Nutrition

    Calories: 63.2kcal | Carbohydrates: 7.9g | Protein: 1.7g | Fat: 3.8g | Saturated Fat: 0.5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.9g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.2g | Sodium: 594.3mg | Potassium: 296.7mg | Fiber: 2.9g | Sugar: 3.1g | Vitamin A: 2119.2IU | Vitamin C: 3.8mg | Calcium: 31.7mg | Iron: 1.8mg
    « Best Baked Eggplant Parmesan Casserole with Pesto
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    About Susan Pridmore

    Susan Pridmore is an award-winning cookbook author and the owner of The Wimpy Vegetarian. She has been featured in Huffington Post, Healthline, BuzzFeed, and has written for and developed recipes for The Food Network and Parade Magazine. She is professionally trained and focuses on easy vegetarian recipes for busy lives, bread-baking, and tips for new vegetarians. Susan lives in the mountains in Lake Tahoe with her husband and mini-labradoodle.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michaela

      July 08, 2022 at 7:36 am

      5 stars
      Once you make your own enchilada sauce, you never go back to the canned stuff again! It is just so darn good!! What a delicious-looking sauce you have made here, too! Thanks for sharing all of the tips and tricks to getting it just the way my family likes it, too!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        July 13, 2022 at 12:49 pm

        5 stars
        I think this is a condiment I will always have on hand now!

        Reply
    2. Debi

      July 09, 2022 at 6:00 am

      5 stars
      This is my favorite sauce. We have it all the time around my house! I'm so glad you loved it! Thanks for the super sweet write up too, soul sister! 🙂

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        July 13, 2022 at 12:50 pm

        5 stars
        I also plan to have this around all the time. I'm on my third batch now!!! Thanks for such a great recipe!

        Reply
    3. Ellen

      July 09, 2022 at 2:13 pm

      5 stars
      There's nothing like homemade enchilada sauce! Store-bought just doesn't compare!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        July 13, 2022 at 12:51 pm

        5 stars
        I completely agree!

        Reply
    4. Tristin

      July 09, 2022 at 2:27 pm

      5 stars
      Homemade enchilada sauce is THE BEST! I cannot wait to try out this recipe, it looks so thick and perfect for enchiladas!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        July 13, 2022 at 12:51 pm

        5 stars
        I highly recommend it. It's great over nachos too!

        Reply
    5. Erin

      July 10, 2022 at 9:10 pm

      5 stars
      Homemade enchilada sauce is simply the BEST and this one looks excellent! I cannot wait to make a big 'ol batch for some enchiladas this week.

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        July 13, 2022 at 12:52 pm

        5 stars
        I can't believe how long it took me to get around to making it! I'll never get store bought again.

        Reply
    6. Sue Ringsdorf

      July 11, 2022 at 7:32 am

      5 stars
      Nothing compares to homemade enchilada sauce and this one was PERFECTION! My whole family loved it in my beef enchiladas yesterday!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        July 13, 2022 at 12:53 pm

        5 stars
        I'm so glad!

        Reply
    7. Rebecca

      July 11, 2022 at 9:39 am

      5 stars
      This recipe was perfect! I loved it and I loved how easy it was to make. Thanks

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        July 13, 2022 at 12:53 pm

        5 stars
        It's totally easy. I'm so glad you liked it!

        Reply
    8. Sam

      July 11, 2022 at 1:03 pm

      5 stars
      Oh yum! I love the idea of having this on hand and trying it with rice and beans, stuffed peppers, or even breakfast burritos!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        July 13, 2022 at 12:54 pm

        5 stars
        Ohhhhh, stuffed peppers with this sauce would be great!

        Reply
    9. Chrissie

      July 12, 2022 at 6:22 am

      5 stars
      Enchiladas are my favorite thing to order at Mexican restaurants so I can't wait to try to make my own at home!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        July 13, 2022 at 12:55 pm

        5 stars
        Same! That's often what I order too!

        Reply
    10. Kathryn

      July 12, 2022 at 6:48 am

      5 stars
      It's hard to beat homemade enchilada sauce! This looks so good, so excited to make this over the weekend!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        July 13, 2022 at 12:55 pm

        5 stars
        I hope you like it, and find lots of uses for it too!

        Reply
    11. Julie

      July 14, 2022 at 3:28 pm

      5 stars
      I'm just drooling here! I can't wait to drench this sauce over my next enchiladas!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        July 15, 2022 at 10:58 am

        5 stars
        You won't be sorry! It's delicious!

        Reply
    12. Brandi

      July 14, 2022 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      We love homemade enchiladas! I can't wait to try this sauce recipe!

      Reply
      • The Wimpy Vegetarian

        July 15, 2022 at 10:59 am

        5 stars
        Same!! I love enchiladas!

        Reply
    13. Susannah

      July 18, 2022 at 7:34 pm

      5 stars
      Enchiladas are the best, but I have to admit I have always used canned sauce. I am so glad to know I can make this and freeze it!

      Reply
    4.97 from 28 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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    about the author:

    Susan Pridmore

    Hi there! I'm an award-winning cookbook author, culinary school graduate, professional photographer and recipe developer. My cookbook Simply Vegetarian was named #1 best cookbook for new vegetarians, and I want to make it easier for you to cook fabulous vegetarian meals. Come join me in the kitchen!

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