Name: Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/4 cup chili powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

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If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you could recreate restaurant-quality enchiladas at home, this Enchilada Sauce Recipe is your answer. Vibrant, rich, with just the right balance of spice and warmth, this homemade sauce truly transforms even the simplest dish into an explosion of authentic Mexican flavor. Once you see how quick and easy it is to whisk together a batch, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought stuff!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this Enchilada Sauce Recipe is surprisingly simple and uses pantry staples that pack a punch. Each ingredient brings something special, from smoky spice to velvety body, making every bite sing.

Vegetable Oil: Helps create a luscious base and gives the sauce body by cooking the flour into a roux.
All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce while keeping it smooth—swap for gluten-free flour if needed.
Chili Powder: The star of the show! Provides that signature smoky heat and vibrant red hue.
Garlic Powder: Delivers delicious depth and a gentle garlicky kick without overpowering the blend.
Onion Powder: Adds another layer of savory flavor for a truly well-rounded sauce.
Ground Cumin: Brings nutty warmth and earthiness, grounding the sauce’s flavor profile.
Dried Oregano: Lends a hint of herbal brightness, balancing the other spices beautifully.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors to life—don’t skip it!
Black Pepper: Adds a mild kick and rounds out the spice blend.
Tomato Paste: Gives the sauce its deep reddish color and a rich, tangy undertone.
Vegetable or Chicken Broth: The liquid base that transforms the roux into a pourable, silky sauce.

How to Make Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Make the Roux

Start by heating your vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk it together, stirring constantly for about a minute. This short but crucial step forms the thickening base for your Enchilada Sauce Recipe and unlocks a toasty, slightly nutty flavor that’s so much better than anything from a can.

Step 2: Bloom the Spices

Add in the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk everything well and let it cook for another 30 seconds. This is the magic moment where the spices “bloom”—the heat releases their flavors and colors, creating a fragrant, vibrant mixture that’s the heart of your sauce.

Step 3: Add Tomato Paste

Spoon in the tomato paste and whisk it into the roux and spices. This thickens the mixture even more and deepens its rich color. Take a moment to admire the aroma—you’re already halfway to bold, homemade flavor!

Step 4: Pour in Broth & Whisk

Pour the broth in slowly, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. This steady stream keeps your Enchilada Sauce Recipe perfectly smooth and silky. Keep whisking until everything is well combined, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

Step 5: Simmer to Thicken

Let the sauce simmer for 7 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. It should thicken up and develop a glossy finish. Remove the pan from heat, let it cool slightly, and then it’s ready for your enchiladas, burritos, or any creative use you can imagine!

How to Serve Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

To add that extra wow factor, finish your dishes with garnishes like chopped fresh cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, or a sprinkle of crumbly Cotija cheese. They add color, texture, and a burst of fresh flavor on top of your Enchilada Sauce Recipe creations.

Side Dishes

This vibrant sauce begs for company! Serve enchiladas with classic refried beans, fluffy Mexican rice, a simple guacamole, or a zesty cabbage slaw. These sides balance the warmth and tangy depth of the sauce, rounding out a festive meal.

Creative Ways to Present

The possibilities for showcasing your Enchilada Sauce Recipe go way beyond enchiladas. Drizzle it over breakfast roasted potatoes, spoon it onto tacos, use it atop baked eggs, or stir it into a hearty tortilla soup base. You can even embrace fusion by pairing it with grilled meats, grilled vegetables, or as a spicy dip for tortilla chips!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your Enchilada Sauce Recipe cools, pour it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It will keep beautifully for up to a week, and the flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even more delicious!

Freezing

Enchilada sauce is a meal prep superstar. Divide cooled sauce into portions (a mason jar or freezer-safe container works wonders) and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or use the microwave for a quick defrost, and you’ll always have homemade flavor at your fingertips.

Reheating

Warm the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring to restore its smooth texture. If it thickens too much, just add a splash or two of broth or water until you reach your preferred consistency. It reheats like a dream and is ready in minutes!

FAQs

What can I use instead of chili powder if I don’t have any?

If you’re out of chili powder, try a blend of smoked paprika, a touch of cayenne, and a pinch of ground coriander. The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll still get delicious results for your Enchilada Sauce Recipe!

Can I make this Enchilada Sauce Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just swap the regular all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend. The sauce will thicken perfectly, and you won’t miss out on any flavor.

Is this sauce spicy?

This Enchilada Sauce Recipe has a lovely warmth from chili powder and black pepper, but it isn’t overly spicy. If you like it hot, add a dash of cayenne or use a spicy chili powder blend.

How can I make the sauce richer?

For a richer finish, try whisking in an extra teaspoon of tomato paste or a tablespoon of butter at the end. Both will add body and a silky mouthfeel to your Enchilada Sauce Recipe.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Yes, it scales up beautifully! Just use a larger pot and stir frequently for the same results, so you’ll always have a stash of this fabulous homemade enchilada sauce on hand.

Final Thoughts

If homemade comfort and bold flavor are calling your name, this Enchilada Sauce Recipe is a must-try. It’s quick, customizable, and brimming with authentic taste. Go ahead and make it part of your weekly routine—your enchiladas (and taste buds) will thank you!

Enchilada Sauce Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 2 cups 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make a delicious homemade Enchilada Sauce with this easy recipe. This flavorful sauce is perfect for enchiladas, burritos, or as a base for soups, and it’s vegan and gluten-free.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup chili powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Wet Ingredients:

2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth

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Instructions

Prepare the Roux: Heat oil in a saucepan, whisk in flour, and cook for 1 minute.
Add Spices: Stir in chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 seconds.
Combine: Mix in tomato paste, then slowly add broth while whisking. Simmer for 7-10 minutes.
Cool and Use: Let the sauce cool slightly before using or storing.