Homemade Enchilada Sauce takes less than ten minutes to make and tastes so much better than the canned stuff. The fresh spices in this sauce really pop and give this sauce that authentic Mexican flavor. In addition to enchiladas you can use this sauce in Mexican lasagna, burritos, casseroles and Enchilada Soup.
Why this recipe works!
- This flavor packed sauce is quick and easy to prepare completing in less than than 10 minutes.
- Many of the ingredients are common pantry staples that you may already have on hand. So with a little luck you may be able to avoid a trip to the store.
- This homemade sauce tastes so much better than canned sauce. You will be so glad that you spared the time to make it.
- With only wholesome ingredients and real spices in this recipe you can feel good about what you are eating and feeding your family.
How to make Enchilada Sauce
Start by combining the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt and cinnamon in a small bowl. Give it a little whisk to combine it all and set it aside for a few minutes. Next whisk the tomato paste with about 1/2 cup of the chicken broth. Go ahead and set that aside for a few minutes too.
Now heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium low heat. Next whisk in the flour cooking for a couple of minutes. Now whisk in the spices cooking for 1 minute. Whisk constantly so it does not burn. Now slowly add the your chicken broth whisking constantly so there are no lumps. Finally whisk in the tomato paste/chicken broth mixture and simmer for about 5 minutes stirring and whisking frequently.
Recipe notes and helpful tips for enchilada sauce
- Use the freshest spices you can get your hands on. Maybe there is a fresh spice shop close by.
- This is a recipe that you really can’t walk away from for very long. You must whisk frequently so the sauce is lump free and stir frequently so the sauce does not thicken and burn on the inside lower corners of the pot. Why is it that no whisk ever seems to get down in those corners well.
- If the enchilada sauce becomes to thick simply add a little more chicken broth and whisk to thin it out.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
- To freeze simply cool to room temperature and pour into freezer bags. You can use plastic storage containers but they will stain the plastic. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Recipes Using Enchilada Sauce
PrintEnchilada Sauce
This Enchilada Sauce recipe is bursting with authentic Mexican flavors and takes less than ten minutes to prepare right on your stovetop with ingredients that you may already have on hand.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Category: sauce
- Method: stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons ground chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons all purpose flour
Instructions
- In a small bowl whisk together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt and cinnamon in a small bowl; set aside for a few minutes. Whisk the tomato paste with 1/2 cup of the chicken broth; set aside for a few minutes.
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium low heat. Whisk in the flour cooking for 1 1/2-2 minutes. Whisk in the spices cooking for 1 minute. Whisk constantly so it does not burn. Slowly add the chicken broth whisking constantly so there are no lumps. Whisk in the tomato paste/chicken broth mixture. Simmer for 5 minutes stirring and whisking frequently.
Notes
- Use the freshest spices you can get your hands on. Maybe there is a fresh spice shop close by.
- This is a recipe that you really can’t walk away from for very long. You must whisk frequently so the sauce is lump free and stir frequently so the sauce does not thicken and burn on the inside lower corners of the pot. Why is it that no whisk ever seems to get down in those corners well.
- If the enchilada sauce becomes to thick simply add a little more chicken broth and whisk to thin it out.
- Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.
- To freeze simply cool to room temperature and pour into freezer bags. You can use plastic storage containers but they will stain the plastic. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Keywords: how to make enchilada sauce, homemade enchilada sauce, what is enchilada sauce
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Dorothy Reinhold
Never had a great recipe to go buy so I usually buy the canned sauce. I can’t wait to whip up a batch of this!!
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
This Enchilada Sauce couldn’t look any more perfect!
★★★★★
Catalina
I use a lot Enchilada Sauce in my kitchen. This one sounds so easy to make!
★★★★★
Sandi
This was a huge hit in our house last night.
★★★★★
katerina @ diethood.com
This sauce looks incredible! I bket it tastes amazing!
★★★★★
kerri @ comfortfoodideas.com
homemade sauce is hands down always better than store bought. nothing like this enchilada sauce!
★★★★★
Toni Dash
Such an easy and amazing sauce recipe!! Thanks for this!
★★★★★
Jen
I love how easy it is to adjust the spiciness to your liking. Definitely going to use your advice and freeze the leftovers to use later.
★★★★★
Jess
I never realized how easy it is to make homemade enchilada sauce. Will never buy it again!
★★★★★
Lily
This enchilada sauce is so easy to make! I live abroad and it’s been so hard finding enchilada sauce, so this easy recipe is such a hit in my home!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks Lily! Enjoy!!
Beth Sachs
Now this looks like a great recipe to have up your sleeve! Thanks for sharing it.
★★★★★
Shelley
Why use the store-bought, canned stuff when you can make a fresher-tasting version in less than ten minutes?!? Great ideas for using this in Mexican lasagna, burritos, casseroles and Enchilada Soup, too!
★★★★★
Shoesie
This recipe turned out really well and was super easy. I didn’t want to go to the store to buy canned enchilada sauce and I wanted to use the last of my smoked Thanksgiving turkey. The turkey enchiladas turned out great.
★★★★
Beth Pierce
That is awesome Shoesie! So glad that you liked it. We love it too!
Cathy
Can I make enchiladas ahead of time then put in oven thank you
Beth Pierce
They tend to get soggy if made in advance.
Katie
My mouth is watering! Can’t wait to try this one.
★★★★★
Shelley
How wonderful to be able to make my own in less than 10 minutes – who needs canned stuff?!?!
★★★★★
Cathleen
You can’t find enchilada sauce anywhere in Canada, so I always have to make it from scratch. This looks so perfect, thank you so much for the recipe!!
★★★★★
Emily
Didn’t realize enchilada sauce was this easy. I need to make it from scratch more often.
★★★★★
Diana Reis
This is so simple and delicious. It has just the right amount of spice. Thank you
Beth Pierce
I would use half if you really want to make it mild however I find cumin very mild, sweet and kind of smoky.
Alison
This is a great recipe for homemade enchilada sauce! It’s super simple. I just switched out the chicken broth for vegetable broth to make it vegan! Yum!
★★★★★
Marlynn
Love this enchilada sauce! So easy to make, and it’s perfect for your beef enchilada casserole.
★★★★★
rika
I was going to order a can of enchilada sauce today! I think I am going to make this recipe instead. it looks easy to make!
★★★★★
Jacqueline Meldrum
That sauce sounds tasty. It’s totally different from mine which is more tomato and paprika based. I’m intrigued!
★★★★★
Naiby
You’re totally right about making your homemade sauces, especially when they’re so easy to make. I’ll certainly try doing it with a vegetable broth and I using a thickener like corn starch will do the trick.
★★★★★
Dawn Azure
This recipe is very similar to mine. EXCEPT, I don’t add cinnamon and I do add a spoonful of peanut butter. Try it!
Shadi Hasanzadenemati
Just tried this recipe and my family loved it. Thank you so much!
★★★★★
Kathryn
I am going to double this recipe because I can always use fresh homemade enchilada sauce. Can’t wait to make my cheese enchiladas with this recipe. Thank you!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
My pleasure Kathryn! I hope you enjoy it!!
Luke Ratford
You can’t beat finding a great homemade sauce and this enchilada sauce recipe is fantastic, our family loved it 🙂
Thanks for sharing!!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine! 😉
Michelle
Such a delicious recipe! I used to always buy enchilada sauce, but homemade is 100 times better!
★★★★★
katerina @ diethood.com
This Enchilada Sauce was amazing! Everyone enjoyed it!
★★★★★
Jen Rose
This is so fresh and delicious. I will never buy store bought again!
★★★★★
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much Jen! So glad that you liked it!!
Ginny
Fantastic! The spices really make this sauce. I used to always buy my enchilada sauce but this is thick and rich and really adds to my homemade enchiladas.
★★★★★
Jessica
Never wasting my money on store-bought again!!
★★★★★
Michelle
Yes! Just made this enchilada sauce last night and it was amazing! I’ve been looking for a homemade sauce for a while so thanks for sharing the recipe.
★★★★★
Aimee Mars
We make enchiladas all the time!! I love the idea of making my own sauce too so I can’t wait to try this recipe. How long does it last if you store it in the freezer?
★★★★★
Krissy Allori
I had no idea enchilada sauce could be so easy to make! I put some on my eggs for a spicy breakfast!
★★★★★
Lubna
This is new to me. Looks and sounds extremely yum. Will definitely try this.
★★★★★