The Cozy Cookbook is here! This homemade enchilada sauce is quick and easy! It takes just 10 minutes from start to finish and will take your next batch of homemade tacos or enchiladas to the next level.
Be sure to use this recipe in a batch of Taco Lasagna, Salsa Chicken, or Taco Soup!
Homemade Enchilada Sauce
I’ve come to the realization that making pantry staples from scratch is not only super easy, but tastes 10 times better than store-bought jars and packets. This homemade enchilada sauce recipe is no exception.
I don’t usually have enchilada sauce in my pantry, so I conjured up this recipe out of necessity. And I am so glad I did.
This definitely takes any Mexican-inspired recipe to the next level. And when you combine this with your favorite salsa, it truly is the best saucy base for recipes like my Taco Lasagna or my Salsa Chicken.
How to Make It
*See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Combine the flour and seasonings. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a saucepan and whisk in the flour/seasoning mixture for 1 minute, until the consistency of wet sand.
Add the honey and tomato paste and whisk to combine. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously.
Continue to whisk. Bring pot to a boil, reduce to a simmer.
Remove from heat and add the vinegar.
Sauce will thicken slightly upon standing.
Enchilada Sauce vs. Taco Sauce
Enchilada sauce tends to be thinner in consistency than taco sauce because you use much more of it when making an enchilada dish. It’s more of a base of the dish, vs. taco sauce which is more of a condiment for tacos.
Enchilada sauce is typically more robust in flavor and spicier in some cases, vs. taco sauce which tends to be more mild.
Pro Tips For This Recipe
- Cinnamon is optional, but adds a subtle depth of flavor.
- Be sure to whisk throughout the process to ensure a uniform consistency.
- A pinch of cayenne can be used for added kick.
- Combining enchilada sauce and salsa is a great way to add even more flavor variety and added texture.
Storage
Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for 5 days or freeze for up to 5 months.
Try These Next
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- Taco Pasta
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- Chicken Tortilla Soup
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- Cajun Shrimp
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- Baked Tacos
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- Homemade Salsa
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- Cowboy Caviar
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Tried This Recipe?
Leave a review, I love hearing your feedback! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 3 Tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1/3 teaspoon honey, or 1/2 tsp sugar
- 2 Tablespoons Tomato Paste
- 2 cups chicken broth, (a 14.5 ounce can will work fine)
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, or distilled white vinegar
Instructions
- Combine the flour and seasonings together.
- Heat oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in the seasoned flour. Whisk with a fork until it’s the consistency of wet sand, about 1 minute.
- Whisk in the honey and tomato paste, slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking continuously as you do so.
- Continue to whisk. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Remove from heat, stir in the vinegar.
- Sauce will continue to thicken upon standing.
Notes
This recipe makes 14 oz. which is equal to 1 + 3/4 cups.
Made this last night. My husband thinks it is the best enchilada sauce he has ever had. I see it can be frozen but do you think it can be canned
Hi Evelyn! I am soooo happy that you love this enchilada sauce! I do too, it’s the best!! I do think this would be a good candidate for canning, but I don’t have a lot of knowledge or expertise in that area to be 100% sure!
So so so good!!! Replacing this recipe with my current one!
Thanks so much for the great comments and review Tamara! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!💖
This is a five-star recipe according to my husband and my friend’s husband. They loved it. I am going to cut back on the cayenne pepper next time. It was a little too spicy for me. But I loved the flavor. And I ate leftovers the next day.
The cinnamon surprised me. I know Mexican food can call for cinnamon, but I have never made a sauce like this from scratch before. And the surprise was not that it was called for but for what it added to the recipe.
I may have to make two pans next time, one for the heat lovers and one for us spice wimps. Definitely going into the rotation!
I’m so happy everyone loved it Nancy! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and review!💖
I made this because I like Homemade verses Canned. So, I did not have any cans in the pantry at that time so I found your recipe and made it that night for my hubby and he said to me, “No more caned ever!” Now I make it for all my family. Thanks for the recipe.
Wow that’s really the ultimate compliment from your husband Gail! I’m so happy your family is enjoying it, thanks so much for the great comments and review!💖
Best enchilada sauce I have ever tasted
Wahoooo! That makes me so happy Addie, thanks so much for the great review!💖