enchilada sauce recipe for canning

Enchilada Sauce Recipe

This homemade enchilada sauce is rich, bold, and full of authentic flavor. Smooth, velvety, and easy to make with pantry staples, it’s perfect for enchiladas, burritos, tacos, or casseroles. Making it at home lets you control spice and freshness, delivering a far superior flavor to store-bought versions.

enchilada sauce recipe allrecipes
enchilada sauce recipe allrecipes

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • Pinch of ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

  • Measure all dry ingredients into a small bowl and keep them near the stove.
  • Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat until shimmering.
  • Add flour and the spice mixture to the oil, whisking constantly for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
  • Stir in the tomato paste and whisk until fully combined with the roux.
  • Slowly pour in the vegetable broth while whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
  • Increase heat slightly until the sauce reaches a gentle simmer, then reduce heat and cook 5–7 minutes, whisking occasionally until thickened.
  • Remove from heat and stir in the vinegar and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or spices if needed.
  • Use immediately for enchiladas or other dishes, or let cool and store in the refrigerator.
enchilada sauce recipe
enchilada sauce recipe

Preparation Details

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: Approximately 2 cups of sauce

Tips for Best Results

  • Whisk constantly when adding broth to avoid lumps.
  • Adjust chili powder to control heat.
  • Simmer gently rather than boiling to keep the sauce smooth.
  • For a thinner sauce, add extra broth a little at a time.

Variations

  • Spicy: Add cayenne or chipotle powder for heat.
  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch slurry.
  • Chicken Broth: Swap vegetable broth for chicken broth for richer flavor.
  • Smoky: Add smoked paprika or a small amount of chipotle in adobo.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for chicken, beef, cheese, or vegetable enchiladas, burrito bowls, tacos, stuffed peppers, or roasted vegetables. Can be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge, allowing flavors to deepen.