This easy Homemade enchilada sauce made with just 7 ingredients is my new favorite homemade recipe. It's made in a blender in seconds. You will never buy it in a can again!
Use this sauce to make chicken enchiladas or enchilada soup.
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Why This Method Works
Necessity is the mother of invention. Isn't that what they say? In my kitchen, a lot of homemade recipes happen because I simply don't want to run to the store for just one thing. And then you do a happy dance because you just made the best enchilada sauce that is not only cheaper but took 5 minutes to whip up.
Now, this sauce is simply a substitute for the store-bought kind. I'm sure a Mexican cook will tell me it needs dried ancho peppers, and dried chiles and would not have any tomatoes. This sauce is a simplified version with ingredients that I can easily find and usually have on hand.
Ingredients:
- onion and garlic - These aromatics add flavor to the sauce. I prefer using fresh vegetables but in a pinch, garlic and onion powder work too.
- chili powder - Use the best quality you can get since this gives the sauce the flavor.
- ground cumin - This spice is the signature of many Mexican dishes. I would not skip it in this recipe.
- tomato sauce - This makes the base of the recipe.
- chicken stock - Thins out the sauce and adds more flavor.
How to make Enchilada Sauce?
- Start by adding onion, garlic, tomato sauce, water, chili powder, ground cumin and salt to a blender.
- Blend until smooth. The sauce should be thick.
- Store in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
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How much sauce does this recipe make?
This recipe is really quick and easy. It makes 3 cups of sauce, which makes it way cheaper than buying the sauce in a can. Before I never had enough sauce from just one can. I like to dip the corn tortillas in a warmed-up sauce to soften them and make them more rollable. If you know what I mean. The rest of the sauce goes all over the enchiladas and is topped with cheese. Then all you need to do is bake them! So crazy good!
Recipe FAQs:
Yes! This sauce can be easily frozen in freezer-safe containers or jars. Just make sure to cool it completely before placing it in the freezer. It will be good for up to 3 months.
This recipe is a simplified version of a popular sauce. It's not 100% authentic. I used easy-to-find pantry ingredients so you can make it anytime!
How to use enchilada sauce?
While this sauce is a must for beef or chicken enchiladas, the fun doesn't stop there. You can add it to soups, casseroles, tacos, or burrito bowls. It's a great sauce to have on hand, ready when you are craving Mexican dishes!
More homemade sauce recipes:
If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don't forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!
Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup yellow onion roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
- 3 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 16 oz. tomato sauce
- 1 cup water or chicken stock
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth. It will be thick. You can add more water or stock if you like thinner sauce.
- Place in a jar with lid and store for up to a week.
Video
Notes
- Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate. Always use calorie counter you are familiar with.
- Use this sauce to make these easy chicken enchiladas: https://www.crunchycreamysweet.com/easy-chicken-enchiladas-recipe/
Lucy M. Muir says
Fast, easy and delicious 😋, thank you 🙏
Anna says
Thank you, Lucy!
Jola says
I highly commend this recipe. Not only for how easy it is to prepare, but also how good it tastes. We make it all the time. Really recommended!
Kathy says
I made this awesome sauce a few years ago, and fell in love. Lost recipe due two computer crashes. Finally I found it again. Honestly the best and the easiest. I must figure out how to can this magic sauce!
Anna says
Hi Kathy! I'm so glad you found it again! Yay! Thank you for the lovely comment!
Chris says
Revelation! I made it for my family and they were delighted!!:) We often made such tortillas with different fillings but without this sauce and with it they are much better:)
I really like your recipes and I often use them:)
thank you and greet
Przyprawione sercem says
A recipe that you must try.
Katie says
Instant gratification! Easy I love it. I added more salt and some fresh cilantro and oregano. Gonna use this to make quail enchiladas for the first time
Kristen says
My husband and I went keto 2 years ago and this enchilada sauce is delicious and fits into our lifestyle perfectly as it contains none of the junk thickeners that canned sauces do.