Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe}
There’s something undeniably comforting about a rich, velvety enchilada sauce that warms the soul on a cozy evening. The aroma of spices and simmering tomatoes fills the kitchen, wrapping you in a tender embrace as you savor the memories of family dinners and laughter around the table. This Easy Red Enchilada Sauce is just the ticket to elevate your weeknight dinners or add warmth to a chilly day. With just fifteen minutes and a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll have a sauce that’s not only bursting with flavors but also crafted with love.
This is a recipe you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick to Make: Whip up this flavorful sauce in just 15 minutes, perfect for easy weeknight dinners.
Versatile: Ideal for enchiladas, tacos, or over your favorite grilled meats and veggies.
Healthy Ingredients: Crafted with wholesome ingredients like spices, broth, and olive oil, making it a healthier choice.
Customizable: Easy to adjust the spice levels or swap in your favorite ingredients for that extra zing.
Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will adore, making it perfect for family meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe}
- 3 Tbsp olive oil
- 3 Tbsp flour (all-purpose, whole wheat, and gluten-free flour blends all work!)
- 1 Tbsp chili powder (I used McCormick brand)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
How to Make Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe}
In a medium bowl, combine the flour with the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
Preheat a large saucepan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, sprinkle in your spice mixture.
Stir and cook the spice mixture for 1-2 minutes, allowing the aromas to burst forth and fill your kitchen.
Add the tomato paste to the saucepan, stirring it into the spice mixture until well blended.
Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly. (Don’t worry, it will continue to thicken as it cools!)
Remove the saucepan from heat, and stir in the apple cider vinegar for a touch of brightness.
Your Easy Red Enchilada Sauce is now ready to elevate your meals!
Delicious Variations to Try
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño for an extra zesty flavor that will ignite your taste buds.
Creamy Addition: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt after cooking for a creamy twist that adds depth to the sauce.
Roasted Veggie Delight: Toss in some roasted red bell peppers or tomatoes to create a rich, flavorful sauce that packs a veggie punch.
Smoky Flavor: Incorporate some smoked paprika into your spice blend for a delightful smoky flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Make-Ahead: This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat gently before using!
Freezing: Portion the sauce into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Perfect for when you need a quick meal fix!
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to swap chicken broth for vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly sauce or use what you have on hand!
Thickness Adjustments: If your sauce is too thick, simply whisk in a little more broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Nutrition Information per Serving
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 70
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Sugar: 2g
- Fat: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: 260mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead? Absolutely! This sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
Can I use different ingredients? Yes! Feel free to substitute the broth or flour as per your dietary needs.
How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
How long does it last? Homemade enchilada sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to three months.
Wrapping It Up
This Easy Red Enchilada Sauce embodies warmth and hominess, transforming your meals into something special with very little effort. Whether you’re pouring it over enchiladas, ladling it onto tacos, or simply enjoying it as a dipping sauce, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Save this Easy Red Enchilada Sauce {15 minute Recipe} to your comfort food board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat! Happy cooking!
