Red Enchilada Sauce is a velvety, full of wonderful Mexican flavor and a sauce that would make just about anything taste amazing. It's easy to make and it great on more than just enchiladas!
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Enchilada sauce is one of the most flavorful sauces known to man. And, it's so easy to make that there is zero excuse to be using the stuff from the can. ZERO. ZILCH.
The sauce is made from primarily pantry staples. I would be surprised if most of you don't have these basic ingredients on hand at all times. There is absolutely nothing strange or out of the ordinary that goes into this.
I mentioned that this Red Enchilada Sauce is easy, but I haven't yet said that it takes under 10 minutes to make. So, it's easy, it's quick, and it's made out of ingredients you have in the spice cabinet right now. If that's not enough to convince you to make it, keep reading and I'll tell you all of the wonderful things you can do with it!
Spices: The Key To Good Cooking
This red enchilada sauce recipe does need a few things from the spice drawer. It may look like a long list. Don't be intimidated. One of the easiest ways to enhance your cooking is through spices.
I am a firm believer of starting a good, basic spice collection and keeping one so you can create amazing recipes without having to go to the store.
Also, keeping a basic collection of spices saves you money. Buying premade spice mixes is expensive and often times, they're full of preservatives and filler that's just not needed.
Here's a few tips for your spice drawer!
- Keep spices in a cool, dry, dark place.
- Use airtight containers for storage.
- If buying in bulk, consider freezing.
If you haven't begun or you just need to revamp your collection, start small and purchase things you know you'll use again and again. This recipe is the perfect place to start!
Buy Now → 
How To Make It
Yes, I know you can buy red enchilada sauce in a can or jar at the store. I want you to try making this from scratch one time and see how wonderful it is. It’s easy, it’s quick, and it’s beyond delicious.
I'll give you the brief rundown here, but the specifics will live in the recipe card below. This recipe is truly so simple, you'll wonder why you've never done it before. I thought the same thing the first time I made it.
Simply:
- Cook the flour in the oil.
- Add the tomato paste and spices.
- Add the broth and vinegar.
- That. Is. It.
All that's left to do is decide on what dish you're going to use it with!
TOP TIP: I suggest mixing the spices in a small bowl before starting the red enchilada sauce. It comes together quickly, so having them already measured and ready to go makes things much easier.
Serving Ideas
Traditionally, red enchilada sauce is used for, well, enchiladas. However, it can be used on so many things. I keep this wonderfully versatile sauce in the fridge or freezer at all times because it can turn the most basic of recipe into something truly special.
Other ideas for this glorious sauce include:
- Beef Enchiladas, obviously. Your enchilada game just jumped up several notches if you use this sauce.
- Swap out the poblano cream in my Chicken Enchiladas, with the Red Enchilada Sauce. It's amazing!
- Drizzled over eggs or chilaquiles for a Mexican-inspired breakfast.
- Stirred into soups like my Mexican Chicken Soup for a flavor explosion.
- Added to Queso to amp up the dippability factor.
- In a Mexican Lasagna for a fun twist on a classic.
- Used in my Skillet Chicken Enchilada Recipe.
- Over grilled meats and veggies.
- Drizzled over the Taco Tuesday line up.
- As a dressing over Chicken Burrito Bowls.
- Poured over nachos and use to smother your burritos.
- As a smokey, lovely sandwich spread.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you make the red enchilada sauce gluten-free?
Absolutely! All you need to do is swap out the AP flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend. Cassava flour would also work!
Is the cinnamon necessary for the red enchilada sauce?
You don’t have to add the cinnamon to the enchilada sauce, but you should. The cinnamon gives the enchilada sauce a warmth, but not necessarily a cinnamon/fall vibes flavor if that makes sense. The amount in the recipe below is just enough to give the sauce a hint of that somethin’-somethin’ that makes it super special.
Variations and Substitutions
- Make it spicy. Add cayenne or chipotle powder to the spice mix.
- Use any broth you like. Chicken, Veggie, or Beef would work great!
- Stir in your favorite canned chili at the end!
Storage Instructions
- This sauce will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- This red enchilada sauce also freezes wonderfully. It will stay good up to 3 months in an air tight container in the freezer.
Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoon avocado oil
- 3 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon granulated onion
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- ⅕ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the avocado oil. When the oil starts to become hot, sprinkle in the flour – the flour should sizzle. Whisk the flour and oil together for about 3 minutes so the raw flour taste cooks out.
- After you've cooked the roux a few minutes, add in the tomato paste and spices. Whisk and cook for a few more minutes or until the tomato paste becomes a very deep red/brown color and the spices become very fragrant.
- Slowly pour in the chicken broth a little at a time. This helps prevent any lumps in the enchilada sauce. Add a little broth, whisk it until its incorporated. Add a little more broth and whisk some more.
- Repeat this until all of the broth is incorporated into the roux and tomato/spice mixture. Add a teaspoon of red wine vinegar, stirring to combine.
- Give the enchilada sauce a taste. If it needs more, salt and/or pepper, add a little.
- Enjoy on everything!
Notes
Nutrition
Thank you!
I am so incredibly happy that you are here! I hope you try my Red Enchilada Sauce recipe and fall in love with it. If you make this recipe, please share and tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok!
If you guys make this Red Enchilada Sauce, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I absolutely love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every one of your comments!
Happy Cooking!
-Rufus
Other Recipes You'll Love
Homemade Corn Tortillas - If you're making enchiladas, you need these corn tortillas. They are soft and tender and just wonderful!
Salsa Verde - Such a great salsa recipe. It's bright and tart and wonderful on so many Mexican-inspired dishes!
Pico De Gallo - A classic salsa that so good you'll just need some tortilla chips and a little time!
Gerald Hanks says
This sauce is so good. I had never made it from scratch before and now I keep some in the fridge. I love adding it to my taco meat to make it saucey. Love, love this one!
Rufus says
Thank you, Gerald! I'm so glad you liked it! Have a great day!