Red Enchilada Sauce
Nothing beats the rich, savory flavor of homemade Red Enchilada Sauce. This sauce is a vibrant blend of tomatoes and spices, bringing warmth and depth to your favorite Mexican dishes. Whether you’re drizzling it over a stack of cheesy enchiladas or using it as a zesty dip for chips, this sauce is sure to elevate your cooking game.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a sauce that is bursting with flavor and perfectly tailored to your heat preference. Plus, it’s a great way to add a homemade touch to your meals without taking up too much of your time. Let’s dive into this deliciously easy recipe!
Why I Love This Recipe
What makes this Red Enchilada Sauce stand out? The answer lies in its versatility and depth of flavor. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort while delivering maximum taste. You can adjust the spice level to suit your palate, making it perfect for family gatherings, weeknight dinners, or even meal prepping for the week. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use pantry staples, ensuring you always have a delicious sauce on hand for your Mexican-inspired dishes.
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients that come together to create this scrumptious sauce:
- 2 (15-ounce) cans tomato sauce: This forms the base of your enchilada sauce, providing a rich tomato flavor.
- 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce: These smoky peppers add heat and depth. Use two for a spicy sauce or one for medium heat. If you prefer a milder sauce, start with just a few teaspoons of adobo sauce.
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce: This adds an extra layer of smokiness to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For that aromatic touch that complements the tomatoes beautifully.
- 1 cup water or low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth: This helps to achieve the desired consistency and adds flavor.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors in the sauce.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and spice.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes for a well-rounded flavor.
Before You Start: Equipment
Before you dive into making your enchilada sauce, gather the following equipment:
- Medium saucepan: For cooking the sauce on the stovetop.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients together.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate measurements of your ingredients.
- Blender (optional): If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can blend the mixture after cooking.
Red Enchilada Sauce: How It’s Done
Creating your Red Enchilada Sauce is straightforward and rewarding. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the two cans of tomato sauce, chipotle peppers (chopped if using whole), adobo sauce, garlic powder, and water or broth. Stir until well combined.
Step 2: Season the Sauce
Add the kosher salt, ground black pepper, and brown sugar to the mixture. Stir everything together until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
Step 3: Simmer
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Adjust Consistency
If your sauce is too thick, feel free to add a bit more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender after it cools slightly.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more adobo sauce for heat or a pinch more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
Step 6: Serve or Store
Your Red Enchilada Sauce is now ready to be used in your favorite recipes. Drizzle it over enchiladas, use it as a base for Beef Enchiladas, or even pour it over a delicious Chicken Enchilada Pizza for a fun twist!
Make It Diet-Friendly
This Red Enchilada Sauce can easily be modified to accommodate various dietary preferences:
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure your tomato sauce is labeled as such.
- Vegan: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a completely plant-based sauce.
- Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium tomato sauce and broth to keep the sodium levels in check.
- Spice Level Control: Adjust the amount of chipotle peppers to fit your heat preference, making it as mild or fiery as you like.
Chef’s Notes
Here are a few tips to ensure your Red Enchilada Sauce turns out perfectly:
- For a more complex flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika.
- Storing the sauce in an airtight container can keep it fresh for up to a week in the refrigerator.
- If you want to make a larger batch, this sauce freezes beautifully—just be sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of peppers if you want to change up the flavor profile.
Make-Ahead & Storage
This Red Enchilada Sauce is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and store it for later use:
- Refrigerator: Keep the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
- Freezer: To freeze, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. It will last for up to three months in the freezer.
- Reheating: When ready to use, simply reheat in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened.
Common Questions
Can I make this sauce without chipotle peppers?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the chipotle peppers and simply use a few teaspoons of adobo sauce to add a touch of smokiness without the heat.
How do I thicken my enchilada sauce?
If your sauce is too thin, you can simmer it longer to reduce it or add a cornstarch slurry (mixing cornstarch with a little water) to thicken it up quickly.
What can I use this sauce for besides enchiladas?
This versatile sauce can be used in a variety of ways! Pour it over burritos, use it as a dipping sauce for quesadillas, or drizzle it over nachos or tacos for a flavorful kick.
Can I add more spices to enhance the flavor?
Definitely! Feel free to get creative with spices. Cumin, oregano, or smoked paprika can add different flavor dimensions to your sauce.
Next Up in Your Queue
Serve & Enjoy
Now that your Red Enchilada Sauce is ready, it’s time to enjoy it! Whether you’re using it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this sauce will undoubtedly bring a burst of flavor to your dishes.
With its smoky undertones and rich tomato base, this Red Enchilada Sauce is a must-have recipe in your kitchen arsenal. It’s simple, quick, and utterly delicious—perfect for any occasion. So grab your tortillas, fill them with your favorite ingredients, and smother them in this delightful sauce. Enjoy the flavors of homemade enchiladas right in your home!
Red Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine the two cans of tomato sauce, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic powder, and water or broth. Stir until well combined.
- Add the kosher salt, ground black pepper, and brown sugar to the mixture. Stir everything together until fully incorporated.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- If your sauce is too thick, add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency. Blend for a smoother texture if desired.
- Taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more adobo for heat or brown sugar for sweetness.
- Your Red Enchilada Sauce is now ready to use in your favorite recipes!
Notes
- For a more complex flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika.
- Store in an airtight container for up to a week in the refrigerator.
- This sauce freezes beautifully; cool completely before freezing.
