Best Enchilada Sauce Recipe (2024)

Published: May 24, 2023 · Modified: Jan 23, 2024 by Debra Clark · 53 Comments

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Quick and easy, hands down the BEST sauce ever! Made with warm, spicy chili powder, earthy cumin and bright oregano. This authentic enchilada sauce makes every dish taste that much better.

This will be your favorite homemade sauce - you'll never use canned again!

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❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
🗒️ Ingredients
Equipment
🔪 Instructions
🙋‍♀️ FAQ's
👍 Tips
Variations
Storage
Delicious Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Serving suggestions
Related Recipes
Easy Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Recipe backstory

❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

This is hands down the best red chili enchilada sauce you will ever try! What makes it so different from what you get in a can? It is rich and hearty and has a wonderful smoky flavor. The thick, flavorful sauce clings to corn or flour tortillas. It is so good!

Unlike the canned stuff, this homemade authentic Mexican recipe has no preservatives and it's just like your favorite Mexican restaurant!

It doesn't take long to make and will become your favorite enchilada sauce recipe, I promise you!

🗒️ Ingredients

For the exact measurements for the red chili enchilada sauce recipe, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

red chilies powder
all-purpose flour
cumin
extra virgin olive oil, I've also used vegetable oil
chicken stock or vegetable broth
tomato paste - be sure you use paste and not tomato sauce, the flavor is much more intense.
dried oregano - I use Mexican oregano (found in the ethnic food aisle). If you're not able to regular oregano works just fine - just be careful not to overdo as too much can have a bitter flavor.
salt and sugar

You only need a handful of simple ingredients!

I've made this red chile sauce several times now! The first night I made stacked cheese homemade enchiladas and tonight rolled chicken enchiladas - both were just amazing! Your meal will equal those of your favorite Mexican restaurants!

Equipment

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12" cast iron skillet - I prefer using cast-iron to make this recipe
wooden spoons for cooking - this set is great as it includes a spoon, scraper and slotted spoon.

🔪 Instructions

Step by step instructions to make homemade red enchilada sauce recipe with chili powder. Using simple pantry ingredients, you probably have everything you need! If you don't these ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store!

Whisk the flour and chili powder in a large skillet until it is combined.
Over low heat, slowly add the oil, whisking the entire time. Heat oil and continue to cook for two minutes until it's fragrant.
Next turn the stove up to medium heat. Add the broth, tomato paste, oregano and cumin - keep whisking!
Bring the red chili enchilada sauce to a boil, reduce to low heat and cook uncovered for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and is completely smooth.

It's easy to make and just has the BEST flavor! The warm, spicy chili powder, earthy cumin and bright oregano are the perfect combinations. This makes an authentic enchilada sauce that is thick, rich and luscious!

🙋‍♀️ FAQ's

What is the difference between taco sauce and enchilada sauce?

Enchilada sauce gets it's heat from chilis where taco sauce is spicer! It's heat comes from cayenne peppers!

Is enchilada sauce the same as salsa verde?

The difference between green enchilada sauce and salsa verde is enchilada sauce is cooked, where the majority of the ingredients are raw. Enchilada sauce is blended with stock or water. Salsa verde doesn't not have stock added.

Why are my enchiladas soggy?

Be sure to fry the corn tortillas shells briefly in oil. It creates a barrier and keeps the shells from soaking up too much sauce and getting soggy.

👍 Tips

You're going to love this homemade version so much, be sure to make a double batch to freeze!

Variations

Make this homemade red sauce gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour.

Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder; it will enrich the sauce and give it incredible flavor.

Storage

Allow to come to room temperature and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to three days. Freeze up to three months in a freezer-safe container.

Delicious Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Serving suggestions

I know once you make this delicious authentic red enchilada sauce recipe you'll never buy the stuff in a can again. It's easy to make and delicious on just about everything! Here are some great recipes and ideas!

black bean or cheese enchiladas, chicken or beef enchiladas stacked or rolled - well I guess that goes without saying, right?!!!🤣
Drizzled over spicy nachos along with Cilantro Lime Sauce!
make a spicy Tex-Mex Pizza!
swim some tamales in this heavenly sauce
turn an ordinary pork roast into a fiesta with this braising liquid!
how about lasagna Mexican style?!!
add to your Spanish rice for authentic flavor!
Make an amazing cheese enchilada casserole - yum!
huevos rancheros - doesn't that sound delicious?
chicken tortilla soup (you know I was going to work a soup into this right?!!)

Still hungry? Here are more yummy Mexican food recipes try next time!

Roasted Salsa Verde Recipe- delicious and authentic
Chicken Pozole Verde- so savory and delicious
Roasted Hatch Green Chiles- roasting the chiles gives it the smokey flavor
Authentic Posole Recipe; Mexican Stew- easy and SO fabulous!!
Mexican Albondigas Soup (Meatball Soup)- one of my favorites!
Easy enchilada

So are you planning something fun for the weekend? Are you going to a fiesta or will you be having some cervesas at home? I'd love to hear what your plans are!

If you love this sauce as much as we do, be sure to comment below and give it a five star rating!

5 from 29 votes

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Quick and easy Enchilada Sauce Recipe made with pantry staples. With authentic taste, this easy to make sauce tastes 100 times better than the canned version!

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Prep Time3 minutes mins

Cook Time10 minutes mins

Total Time13 minutes mins

Course: Lunch or Dinner

Cuisine: Mexican, TexMex

Servings: 6

Calories: 52kcal

Author: Deb Clark

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

▢ ¼ cup chili powder
▢ 1 tablespoon flour
▢ 2 tablespoon oil olive, canola or avocado oil
▢ 2 cups chicken broth can substitute vegetable both
▢ 1 6 oz. tomato paste
▢ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
▢ 1 teaspoon ground cumin
▢ ¾ teaspoon salt
▢ ½ teaspoon sugar

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Instructions

In a large saucepan or skillet mix flour and chile powder together. Whisk it together well until it's thoroughly combined.
Add oil, and whisk to combine. Heat on low for 2 minutes, or until fragrant.
Turn the heat up to medium, add broth, tomato paste, oregano, and cumin, stirring to combine.
Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cook uncovered, for 10 minutes, until sauce thickens and smooths out.
Add salt and sugar, and taste for seasonings, adjusting to taste.

Notes

You can easily calculate measurements for a double batch by sliding the bar at the top of the recipe card.

Nutrition

Tried this Recipe? Pin it Today!Mention @BowlMeOver or tag #BowlMeOver!

Recipe backstory

This recipe was part of a blog hop and a recipe I shared fromLife Currents! I was able to peruse her blog to choose which recipe I would be sharing which is always so hard to do!

Would it be her recipe for Mexican Corn Salad or Mushroom Asada? Honestly this Avocado Sauce is totally to die for! I finally nailed it down to her recipe for this delicious sauce! Read more about the blog hop below under the recipe card.

This was originally shared as part of the freaky Friday blog hop!

I was super excited to be assigned Debi's blog because I've known her "virtually" for the last couple of years. Deb has quite a mix on her blog where shares her love of food, DIY projects, research and more. Please make sure you head over to check out her blog and spend some time to get to know her better!

Debi and I have shared some friendly banter back and forth. We are both football fans - Debi is a Seattle Seahawk Fan and of course I'm a Green Bay Packer's fan! We've jabbed each other here and there. It's a friendly competition and always in good fun!

It was great going thru her blog, but tough to pick a recipe to share with you.

More Salad Dressings and Sauce Recipes

Cilantro Garlic Sauce Recipe
Montreal Steak Seasoning Recipe
Homemade Chicken Taco Seasoning
Authentic Fajita Seasoning Recipe

About Debra Clark

Hey I'm Deb Clark, and I'm the owner of Bowl Me Over! We live in the sleepy little town Scappoose, Oregon. And I admit it... I love food! Join me in this foodie journey (even if you've never cooked before!) I will help you learn to be confident in the kitchen! Want to learn more? Let's stay connected, you can email me at debra@bowl-me-over.com and find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram,Twitterand YouTube.

Reader Interactions

Comments

Carol Seaholts
October 27, 2022 at 10:42 pm

I have never made or tasted homemade red enchilada sauce. What a difference! No comparison to the bitter, tangy canned version. Smooth texture with great taste. I mix my own chili powders, added a touch more of cumin & oregano. Thank you for such a wonderful recipe.
Reply
Jim
August 03, 2022 at 5:06 am

So appreciate this recipe. I’ve used the canned sauces many times and tried to add to them to achieve a better sauce. This was so easy, and best of all soooo delicious. Makes you want to keep eating!! Made a double batch and looking forward to using it again
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  August 03, 2022 at 7:10 am
  You're welcome Jim, glad you made a double-batch, it's SO GOOD! Enjoy!!!
  Reply
Laura
March 31, 2020 at 7:41 pm
Do you know how many cups this makes? Thanks!
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  April 01, 2020 at 9:58 am
  Hey Laura - this makes between 3-4 cups.
  Reply
Belinda
March 05, 2020 at 12:55 am
Have you heard of “burrito sauce” . It’s served over Chile rellnos, it’s smoky with lots of onions. I could eat it as soup! Our local mexican restaurants serve it . Looking for a recipe!?
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  March 05, 2020 at 3:15 pm
  Oh now you're making me hungry Belinda! I have not heard of burrito sauce (where have I been?!!) When I google it I found this creamy sauce that looks quite delicious! (link here) Tell me more about the sauce, is it a red sauce or creamy sauce? Love to hear more about it!
  Reply
  - Cathy P
    January 21, 2023 at 3:28 am
    I would love your burrito sauce recipe also. All I can find is enchilada sauce recipes. Thank you!
    Reply
    - Bowl Me Over
      January 21, 2023 at 7:45 am
      i don't have a burrito sauce recipe, I use the enchilada sauce recipe for just about everything, it's amazing! I googled burrito sauce and found this recipe where she uses a combination of tomato sauce, canned chile and enchilada sauce and uses it to make wet burritos, yum!!!
      Reply
Sam
July 20, 2018 at 1:48 pm

Finally, a good red enchilada sauce recipe!! I've tried maybe a dozen this month but this is definitely my favorite. It's got the perfect amount of spiciness for me and the texture is great! Thanks for sharing!
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  July 25, 2018 at 12:39 pm
  Sam isn't this just the BEST?!!! I'm so glad you enjoyed it also. Thank you!!
  Reply
Michele
May 11, 2018 at 11:32 pm

This will be great to have on hand throughout the summer when we're often in the mood for big flavors and "lighter" dishes! Can't wait to try it!
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  May 13, 2018 at 8:56 am
  Great, I hope you really enjoy this sauce it's so versatile - thank you Michele!
  Reply
Lori Vachon
May 07, 2018 at 4:42 pm
You know I love all things Mexican but have never made my own enchilada sauce. No excuses, this is happening next time I get a hankering for enchiladas.
Reply
See Also
Wild Mushrooms and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Bowl Me Over
  May 09, 2018 at 8:20 am
  Perfect!! You will love it Lori, thank you!
  Reply
Jennifer Stewart
May 07, 2018 at 10:11 am

I love that this has way more flavor than the store-bought! I just really want to put this in my margarita too!!
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  May 09, 2018 at 8:19 am
  I'm sure there's a way... right?!! Bring it on baby! 😀
  Reply
Michaela Kenkel
May 07, 2018 at 9:28 am

There is nothing better than homemade!! This looks like a delicious sauce -- I am going to give it a try on my shredded beef enchiladas this week!
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  May 09, 2018 at 8:19 am
  Homemade is definitely the BEST!!!
  Reply
Lisa@Lisa's Dinnertime Dish
May 07, 2018 at 5:56 am

The combination of flavors in this sauce sound absolutely amazing and it couldn't be easier to make! I can't wait to give it a try!
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  May 07, 2018 at 6:21 am
  Wonderful! I know you’ll enjoy this sauce Lisa! Thank you for stopping by Lisa.
  Reply
Michelle
May 07, 2018 at 4:29 am
Homemade enchilada sauce is the best! We always make our own too! Debi's recipe is great and your pictures are gorgeous!
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  May 09, 2018 at 8:19 am
  Yes it is - such a winning recipe. Thank you Michelle!
  Reply
Julie
May 06, 2018 at 7:01 pm

Us foodies know how important a great sauce is and how many things you can do with it. This sauce looks so thick and flavorful!
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  May 09, 2018 at 8:18 am
  Yes, yes and YES! 😀 Thanks Julie this one is a real winner!!
  Reply
debi at Life Currents
May 06, 2018 at 3:22 pm

This is one of our house favorites! So easy to make. We always have it in the fridge, or for longer storage, in the freezer. Full flavored! Yummy! I'm so happy you picked this recipe. It's so good!
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  May 09, 2018 at 8:17 am
  It is fantastic! I'm so appreciative of sharing this recipe on my site thank you Debi!
  Reply
Liza
May 06, 2018 at 12:55 am
Loving this recipe! It's so simple and so flavorful! Although I didn't get to make it for today, I'm definitely saving it and making it later! Such a great recipe! Thanks!
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  May 09, 2018 at 8:17 am
  I know you're going to love this Liza! It's so good with such flavor - enjoy!
  Reply
michele
May 05, 2018 at 1:19 pm

Why have I never thought to make my. own enchilada sauce... I know its going to be so much better than store-bough! Cant wait to try this ... it sounds so good!
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  May 05, 2018 at 2:56 pm
  You'll love it Michele - so much flavor and so easy! Happy Cinco de Mayo!
  Reply
Madi
May 05, 2018 at 7:15 am

This looks like the perfect enchilada sauce! I can't wait to try it out!
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  May 05, 2018 at 2:56 pm
  Nailed it! Enjoy Madi!!!
  Reply
Christie
May 04, 2018 at 6:24 pm

I love making my own sauces! I can't wait to try this one. It looks so rich and delicious.
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  May 05, 2018 at 2:55 pm
  You'll love it Christie - excellent sauce, great depth of flavor really delicious!
  Reply
Deanna
May 04, 2018 at 6:24 pm

This BEST ENCHILADA SAUCE RECIPE looks super yummy!!! Perfect for Cinco de Mayo!!!
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  May 05, 2018 at 2:55 pm
  Wonderful, I hope you give it a try Deanna!
  Reply
Angela
May 04, 2018 at 6:03 pm

This sauce sounds amazing and no doubt so much better then anything store bought! I love all your ideas on different ways to use it too! Love the idea of a Mexican style pizza!
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  May 05, 2018 at 2:54 pm
  It is SO GOOD Angela! I'll be bringing some new yummy recipes to the blog, it too good to only use on enchiladas!
  Reply
ang
May 04, 2018 at 4:34 am

This looks SO yummy, and your photos are gorgeous!!
I'm pinning this for later 🙂
Reply
- Bowl Me Over
  May 04, 2018 at 7:23 am
  Thank you Ang!! This is such a great sauce, so versatile!
  Reply
  - Karen Bade
    April 20, 2020 at 10:37 am
    
    I used this in my chicken enchilada soup since I had no canned sauce on the shelf. I’ll never buy canned enchilada sauce again!
    Reply
    - Bowl Me Over
      April 20, 2020 at 2:01 pm
      Oh my gosh Karen, isn't this Just the BEST?!!! I love this sauce, I'm so happy you gave it a try. Thanks for swinging back and letting me know!
      Reply

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