Quick and Tasty Enchilada Sauce

Enchiladas are one of my favorite dishes and a go-to weeknight dinner for our family.  Whenever I make them, I usually will use a store bought canned sauce.  I always say I want to make the sauce myself but during the week I usually do not have time.  That is why I created this recipe which is perfect for those weeknights when you want to make enchiladas and use a great homemade sauce.  I know you will love this 5 minute, delicious, easy enchilada sauce recipe.

Why I love this Enchilada Sauce Recipe

5 minutes is all it takes to make this enchilada sauce recipe and you will never need to buy store bought enchilada sauce again.  The recipe is easily adaptable based on your tastes and can be made with items you probably have in your pantry right now!

I have tried some great enchilada recipes that use fresh cilantro, garlic, roasted peppers and tomatoes and toasted spices.  The only problem is these recipes require a lot of chopping, cooking and blending and the end result is usually a little too flavorful for our kids.  This recipe, on the other hand, not only has a tasty and approachable flavor it requires no prep. And once you make it you can try it with this Carnitas Enchiladas recipe.

Enchilada Sauce Modifications

If you want to get a little “chefy” with your enchilada sauce but still keep things quick and easy try these modifications and tips.

• Fresh Cilantro – if you add 2 tablespoons of finely chopped fresh cilantro right when removing the sauce from the stove it will add some nice aromatics and flavor.  I know cilantro is not for everyone.  But if you love cilantro this is a nice addition.
• Add a little butter – adding 2 tablespoons of cold butter to the enchilada sauce once it has reached a simmer and you have turned off the heat will make the sauce extra rich.  You want to cut the cold butter into small cubes and slowly whisk it into the sauce.   
• Ground Chipotle or Cayenne – if you want some extra kick add a pinch of ground chipotle or cayenne pepper.

Enchilada Sauce Ingredients

This recipe uses only a few standard pantry ingredients, so it can be made very quickly and without having to plan in advance.

Most enchilada sauces have a tomato base and are seasoned with herbs and spices.  In doing some research I found that many recipes used chili powder as the main seasoning.  Most chili powders are made up of paprika and other ground chiles, ground cumin, dried oregano and garlic powder.  Now most only have the littlest bit of cumin, oregano and garlic but those ingredients add so much extra flavor.  That is why for this recipe I decided to break out all the ingredients in chili powder and add them separately.  In a sense I made my own chili powder spice blend of:

• Smoked Paprika
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Ground Cumin
• Dried Oregano

I then add a little brown sugar and salt to help enhance and balance the flavors and the hot sauce for a little kick.  You can use any hot sauce; my favorites for this recipe are Cholula and Tapatio

How to Make the Easiest Enchilada Sauce

Would you believe me if I said this recipe has only one step? The best part is that you can make it while you are preheating the oven to make your enchiladas.

1. Heat all the ingredients in a small pot until the sauce reaches a low simmer.

Video Recipe for 5 minute Enchilada Sauce

You will have this delicious enchilada sauce ready in just 5 minutes. This short video recipe shows you exactly how to make it with easy instructions.

Now that you have seen the video recipe there is no reason you cannot make some delicious enchiladas tonight!

Quick and Tasty Enchilada Sauce

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5 minutes is all it takes to make this enchilada sauce recipe and you will never need to buy store bought enchilada sauce again.  The recipe is easily adaptable based on your tastes and can be made with items you probably have in your pantry right now!

• Total Time: 5 minutes
• Yield: 3 cups 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cans tomato sauce (15 oz each) or 3 cups
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 Tbs smoked paprika
• 1 Tbs dried oregano
• 1 Tbs ground cumin
• 1 Tbs brown sugar
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 Tbs Cholula or other hot sauce

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, add tomato sauce and then all other ingredients.
2. Heat over medium heat until the sauce starts to simmer.
3. Remove from heat and let cool before using.

• Author: anthony
• Prep Time: 1
• Cook Time: 4
• Category: Sauces
• Method: Stove
• Cuisine: Mexican

What to do with leftover enchilada sauce?

If you have leftover enchilada sauce, you should not worry. The sauce can be stored in an airtight container for up to 7 days in your fridge or in the freezer for 4 months. If you do not want to freeze the sauce but want to use it up, it is great on eggs or a Southwest omelet, on top of burgers instead of ketchup, or mixed with a little extra tomato sauce for a zesty pasta.