Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (2024)

by Diana 91 Comments

Sharing is caring!


Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

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.
Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (2)
  • 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.
Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (3)
  • Add tomato paste, and slowly add in chicken broth, whisking each time.
Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (4)
  • Bring to a simmer, and cook 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened. (It will get thicker as it cools).
Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (5)
  • Turn off heat, and mix in the apple cider vinegar.
Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (6)

Ready to serve!

Recipe Notes

  • This makes enough for one tray of enchiladas.
Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (7)
  • 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.
Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (8)
  • 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.

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (9)

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.
Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (10)

Try it in our Baked Red Chicken Enchiladas, or Beef Enchilada Pasta recipes!

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (11)

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! 🙂

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (13)
Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (14)

Looking for more Easy Recipes? Give these a try!

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (16)

Sharing is caring!

Previous Post: « Easy Carnitas {Crockpot Or Instant Pot Mexican Pulled Pork}

Next Post: Beef Enchilada Pasta {Easy, One Pot, 30-Minute Meal} »

Subscribe

91 Comments

Newest

Oldest Most Voted

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} (2024)

FAQs

What can I use if I don't have enchilada sauce? ›

Chile Colorado sauce is another tomato-free substitute for enchilada sauce that works really well in part because they are very similar sauces with similar taste profiles. Chile Colorado sauce is made with rehydrated guajillo chiles.

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.

Is there a difference between red enchilada sauce and enchilada sauce? ›

The main difference is that red sauce is made from dried red chile peppers instead of green peppers, and the spices used are sometimes slightly different. This sauce has vinegar, garlic, onions, and other spices like oregano, chili powder, and basil.

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.

Can I use salsa in place of enchilada sauce? ›

Yes, salsa can be used as a substitute for enchilada sauce. It will add a similar tangy and spicy flavor to your dish. You can use it as is or blend it to achieve a smoother consistency before using it in your enchilada recipe.

What is Mexican enchilada sauce made of? ›

This rich concoction gets its flavor from tomatoes, chili powder, and other spicy seasonings. Green enchilada sauce follows the same basic formula but adds fresh green chiles for a brighter taste. Westernized white enchilada sauce is usually dairy-based and uses cream soup or stock to deepen the flavor.

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.

What is Mexican red sauce made of? ›

Red Chile sauce can be made with various types of red chiles, depending on regional preferences and personal taste. Common varieties include New Mexico chiles, guajillo, ancho, and pasilla chiles.

Is Taco Bell red sauce just enchilada sauce? ›

Short and Spicy Answer

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 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 the red sauce at Taco Bell enchilada sauce? ›

You might know it best from the classic Bean Burrito on the menu today. But, actually, this enchilada-style sauce has been around for decades. A Taco Bell® sensation in every sense. Safe to say, red sauce has had plenty of time to hone its taste-bud-tantalizing, deliciously disarming techniques.

Should I cover enchiladas while baking? ›

Most enchiladas are baked and covered with foil until heated through. Oven temperatures and baking times vary per recipe, but on average they cook in a 350°F oven for about 25 minutes. Sprinkle the cheese on top of the enchiladas after they are heated through.

What is the best cheese to melt on enchiladas? ›

Use a shredded Mexican cheese blend for the best melting and flavor. A rustic cut blend of 4 cheese is the best all-around cheese for enchiladas. Look for one that includes Montery Jack, Cheddar, Asadero and Queso Quesadilla Cheese. Avoid using all cheddar as it can be too oily.

What is a good mild enchilada sauce? ›

Use Las Palmas® Mild Green Enchilada Sauce to make delicious Mexican staples. Offering a mild level of spice to enhance but not overpower your enchiladas, this sauce is sure to make your meal a hit.

Is enchilada sauce the same as tomato sauce? ›

Anyone deeply familiar with Mexican cuisine knows that traditional enchilada sauce doesn't actually contain tomatoes – as several folks flamed me last week to remind me. Traditional sauce is made with dried chilies that have been rehydrated and then toasted until they take on a nice, hot, smoky flavor.

Is enchilada sauce the same as spaghetti sauce? ›

If you add spices to spaghetti sauce you get enchilada sauce.

What's the difference between enchilada sauce and pasta sauce? ›

Marinara is generally sweeter from the sweet herbs where enchilada is spicier, both heat and spices. There is no one entity called "enchilada sauce"... There's green enchilada sauce, red, mole, creamy, meat...

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Last Updated:

Views: 5835

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (48 voted)

Reviews: 95% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Francesca Jacobs Ret

Birthday: 1996-12-09

Address: Apt. 141 1406 Mitch Summit, New Teganshire, UT 82655-0699

Phone: +2296092334654

Job: Technology Architect

Hobby: Snowboarding, Scouting, Foreign language learning, Dowsing, Baton twirling, Sculpting, Cabaret

Introduction: My name is Francesca Jacobs Ret, I am a innocent, super, beautiful, charming, lucky, gentle, clever person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.