Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Enchiladas are a beloved dish that can transform a simple meal into a fiesta of flavors. And what’s the secret to a great enchilada? It’s undoubtedly the sauce! Today, I’m excited to share my Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe that will elevate your enchilada game. Made with fresh ingredients and simple pantry staples, this sauce is packed with flavor and incredibly easy to whip up. You’ll never reach for a store-bought version again!

Why You’ll Keep Making It

This enchilada sauce is not only simple to make, but it also provides a rich, authentic flavor that is often missing in pre-packaged sauces. It’s customizable, versatile, and perfect for anyone looking to bring a touch of homemade goodness to their table. Plus, it’s ready in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or meal prep. Once you try this recipe, you’ll find yourself making it time and time again!

What’s in the Bowl

Let’s dive into the ingredients you’ll need for this Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced (about 2 cups)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 12 ounces tomato puree (about 1 1/4 cup)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)

Cook’s Kit

Before you get started, make sure you have the following tools on hand:

• Large skillet or saucepan – for cooking the sauce
• Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring
• Knife and cutting board – for dicing the onion and mincing the garlic
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient measurements
• Blender or immersion blender (optional) – for a smoother sauce, if desired

Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe: From Prep to Plate

Let’s get cooking with this Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe. Follow these straightforward steps to create your sauce:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning.

Step 2: Add the Tomato Base

Pour in the 12 ounces of tomato puree and the 1 cup of vegetable broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, allowing the mixture to simmer for a few minutes.

Step 3: Season the Sauce

Sprinkle in the 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt. Stir everything together, and allow the sauce to simmer for about 15 minutes on low heat. This will help the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

After 15 minutes, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add more chili powder. If it’s too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more vegetable broth.

Step 5: Blend (Optional)

For a smoother texture, you can use a blender or immersion blender to purée the sauce to your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunky sauce, you can skip this step.

Step 6: Serve or Store

Your Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce is now ready to be used! Pour it over your favorite enchiladas, or store it in an airtight container for future use.

Smart Substitutions

If you’re missing some ingredients or want to customize the sauce, consider these substitutions:

• Olive oil: Can be replaced with avocado oil or vegetable oil.
• Tomato puree: Substitute with crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes; just blend them for a smoother sauce.
• Vegetable broth: Chicken broth or homemade stock works as a great alternative.
• Chili powder: Use taco seasoning or a mix of paprika and cayenne pepper for a different flavor profile.

Problems & Prevention

While making this sauce is fairly straightforward, here are a few common issues and how to prevent them:

• Burnt garlic: Always stir the garlic constantly when cooking it, as it can burn quickly.
• Too thick sauce: If your sauce turns out too thick, add a little more vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
• Too spicy: If your sauce ends up too spicy, balance it out with a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream.
• Flavorless sauce: Be sure to taste and adjust your seasonings before serving to ensure a flavorful outcome.

Best Ways to Store

To keep your enchilada sauce fresh and flavorful:

Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for up to three months. If freezing, consider portioning it into smaller containers for easy use later on. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Your Questions, Answered

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This sauce can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato puree?

Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes. Just chop them and cook them down until they break down into a sauce. You may need to adjust the cooking time and add a bit more vegetable broth to achieve the right consistency.

How spicy is this enchilada sauce?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. The 1 tablespoon of chili powder provides a mild heat, but you can add more for extra spice or use a milder chili powder if you prefer less heat.

What can I use this sauce for besides enchiladas?

This sauce is incredibly versatile! Use it for burritos, tacos, or as a base for chili. It can also be drizzled over nachos or used as a dipping sauce for quesadillas.

Because You Liked This

If you enjoyed this Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe, you might also love:

• Homemade Taco Seasoning
• Vegetarian Black Bean Enchiladas
• Creamy Avocado Cilantro Dressing
• Classic Mexican Street Corn

Bring It to the Table

Now that you have your Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe, it’s time to bring it to the table! Serve it with your favorite fillings and enjoy the satisfaction of a homemade meal bursting with flavor. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this sauce will be a hit every time. Happy cooking!