Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce

This Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce is rich, zesty, flavorful, and infinitely better the store-bought versions. Plus, it's quick and easy to make with just a few simple pantry ingredients with almost no prep work!

Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce

If you've never made your own enchilada sauce before, now is the time! This homemade red enchilada sauce is rich and savory, quick and easy to make, and even better than store-bought.

Many people opt for store-bought enchilada sauce, assuming it's easier and just as tasty. However, with a few simple pantry ingredients and some basic kitchen skills, you can create a flavorful and authentic red enchilada sauce in the comfort of your own home that will blow the canned stuff out of the water (and probably your pantry too).

What's the Difference Between Salsa and Enchilada Sauce?

The biggest difference between salsa and enchilada sauce is that salsa is made with primarily fresh vegetables and enchilada sauce is more of a spiced roux.

Enchilada sauce is generally thinner while salsa is thicker and chunky, like a chutney. However, both can be different colors, different spiciness, or different sweetness.

Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Variations

• Gluten Free - To make your sauce gluten free, use gluten-free measure-for-measure flour instead of regular all-purpose flour.
• Smoky - Add some smokiness by using chipotle chili powder instead of traditional American chili powder. The chipotle chili powder is significantly more spicy, so adding it will also add significantly more heat.
• Spicy - Either use the chipotle chili powder, as discussed above, or add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste.
• Creamy - Whisk in ¼ cup of cream or sour cream to make your sauce decadently creamy.
• Tomato - Add a little more tomato flavor by whisking in an 8-ounce can tomato sauce at the same time as the broth.

Can I Freeze Enchilada Sauce?

Yes! This is a great recipe to make ahead and freeze so that you always have it on hand.

Allow sauce to come to room temperature. Then transfer to freezer bags or jars, and freeze for up to 3 to 6 months. To use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or by submerging container or bag into warm water before using.

What to Use Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce for

Enchilada sauce is one that is so versatile, and can be used to add extra flavor to many dishes!

• Enchiladas - Go the traditional route, and smother some homemade enchiladas. Our favorite easy and cheap recipes are these vegetarian 3 bean enchiladas and three cheese enchiladas.
• Soup - Enchilada sauce is a delicious way to season soups, such as this slow cooker chicken tortilla soup.
• Casseroles - Casseroles are one of my favorite ways to use up leftover enchilada sauce. Our family favorites include this Enchilada Pasta and this Tex-Mex, lasagna-style Black Bean Enchilada Casserole.
• Nachos - Drizzle some enchilada sauce on top of some cheesy nachos for an extra savory, zesty flavor.
• Taco Zucchini Boats - this recipe uses enchilada sauce to help season ground beef before stuffing it into zucchini.
• Wet Burritos - A wet burrito is simply one that is smothered in sauce (and therefore requires a fork to eat!), like these rice and black bean burritos.
• Taco Stuffed Shells - Tex-Mex style stuffed shells that are stuffed with cheesy, creamy, spiced taco meat, and topped with taco sauce. Substitute the taco sauce with this homemade red enchilada sauce for extra homemade, savory flavor.
• Crockpot Taco Meat - This taco meat uses enchilada sauce to stay extra juicy in the slow cooker and extra savory flavor.

More Mexican-Inspired Sides and Sauce Recipes You'll Love

• Homemade Restaurant Style Salsa - A super quick and easy salsa recipe, made in a food processor that's just as delicious as your favorite restaurant
• Authentic Guacamole - Super creamy and flavorful. This is the absolute best guacamole out there, and it's pretty easy to make too!
• Refried Black Beans - Making homemade refried beans can take a quite a bit of cook time. But their unmatched creaminess, freshness, and flavor cannot be beat.
• Homemade Taco Seasoning - Skip the store-bought stuff. This is better and better for you too!
• Homemade Corn Tortilla Chips - Corn tortilla chips are easy to make at home! Whether you ran out and you're in a pinch or you just really love fresh tortilla chips, this simple recipe will solve all your crunchy, salty cravings.

Homemade Enchilada Sauce Video