How to Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Forget the canned stuff! Let me show you how to make homemade enchilada sauce that will knock your socks off and it only takes minutes! Make ahead a batch for quick weeknight meals!
I’ve been testing out this sauce forever, I’ve made some very tasty homemade enchiladas with different versions and cooking methods, but I think I’ve finally found the answer to the nice thick, rich and perfectly easy enchilada sauce that you can make yourself with very little effort. Sure, popping open a can is easy, and a few brands are actually really good. But if you want to take it to the next level, let me show you how to make homemade enchilada sauce in minutes!
How to make homemade enchilada sauce
- Add ingredients to stock pot or dutch oven
- Heat and stir until thickened
- Enjoy
It’s really just that simple – combining l0 ingredients in your favorite pot and letting it simmer until thickened. Cool and store in jars to use this week or add to freezer bags or containers and thaw out anytime to make delicious enchiladas, soups and more. You could make
- Easy chicken enchiladas using leftover or rotisserie chicken
- Chicken enchilada soup
- My favorite: Corn and Black Bean Enchiladas
We did a vote over on Instagram a couple weeks ago about making enchilada sauce and I can’t remember the exact results, but the majority of you there wanted to make it from scratch as long as it was easy! So, I’d love to know what you think! Is it easy enough? Will you try it? I’d love to hear from you!
How to Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup cornstarch + water
Instructions
- Whisk together cornstarch with water until smooth
- Add all ingredients to saucepan or dutch oven
- Bring to a simmer and whisk until smooth and thickened (about 10 minutes)
- Allow to cool completely before storing in glass jars or freezer bags
Nutrition
Great quick recipe. As for that extra kick on spice, you may want to try cayenne powder. Ratio:1/4 cayenne, 1/4 smoked paprika, 1/2 chili powder. Good luck!
Can I use dried chilis (Boil them, blend, and strain)? If so how many of each are needed?
I’m not sure, I haven’t worked with dried chilis and haven’t tested for this recipe, but if you decide to give it a try let me know!
Just made a batch and then packaged up 7 individual chicken enchilada freezer meals. Thanks!
Sodium count seems off… Recipe looks like a keeper … Yum
This is not authentic recipe. It should not have tomato sauce in it or cayenne pepper. It should be made from dried chiles.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! You’re correct, it may not be authentic, but it is tasty and sure comes in handy in a pinch when you need a super easy homemade enchilada sauce!! If you’re looking for something more authentic, I’m sure you’ll be able to find it!
How can I make enchilada gravy but not to spicy?
You can reduce the chili powder for less spice.
Double the cayenne pepper to make it less spicy.
I don’t think doubling the cayenne pepper would make it less spicy. Have you tried the recipe?
You are mistaken. Cayenne pepper is already very spicy on its own, so doubling up on the amount is only going to make a recipe even spicier, not less. As to your second comment, as garlic powder and dried oregano are derived from their fresh counterparts (which ARE found in the produce dept.) this could account for why it was listed as “produce”, so not sure what the all the fuss is about concerning that?
Since when are garlic powder and dried oregano considered “produce”?
I’m not sure what you are referring to? I don’t see anywhere in my post where I’ve referred to them as produce? Are you using another app to create a grocery list? If so, I’m sorry, I have no control over that. Is this why you’ve rated this recipe poorly?
Your goofball! Go on FB and leave your childish remarks
I just made this, it was super easy and very tasty. I didn’t have Ancho, so I added one teaspoon of
Chipotle power. Thank you, Jennifer!