Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe, a million times better than any store-bought version, is bold, delicious, and full of beautifully complex flavors. Learn how to make red enchilada sauce and enjoy with your favorite Mexican recipes.
Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Popular in Mexico and the American Southwest, this red enchilada sauce is made from dried chili peppers, roasted onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a handful of other super simple, preservative-free pantry essentials.
Making your own easy enchilada sauce right at home is actually super easy and cost-efficient. Like this homemade mole sauce, you’ll need approximately an hour or so to bring it all together, but the results are completely worth the effort. A million times better than any of the store-bought, mass-produced canned stuff, this homemade version is free of MSG, preservatives, or any other unknown ingredients.
This easy enchilada sauce is delicious with beef enchiladas, veggie enchiladas, as a base to your favorite chicken tortilla soup, added to burritos, or simply drizzled on top of your favorite taco recipe.
RELATED: Easy Chicken Enchiladas Recipe
The Best Enchilada Sauce
I’ve made several enchilada sauce recipes over the years. This one is, at least for now, the final favorite. Here are five reasons to love this yummy recipe:
- The flavor profile is a perfect combination of tangy, smoky, salty, and spicy.
- It’s made with whole dried chiles that are rehydrated and blended with roasted vegetables. A little more work than using dried chili powder but produces flavor that is a million times better.
- No thick or goopy tomato paste. Only fresh tomatoes.
- Absolutely no artificial or processed ingredients.
- Vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free
Ingredients in Enchilada Sauce
For the full list and amounts of ingredients, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.
It doesn’t take a lot of ingredients to make your very own flavorful enchilada sauce. You’ll need,
- Dried ancho chile peppers. Ancho chile peppers are the dried, ripened poblano peppers (since the dark green poblano we know is actually the unripened version of this not-so spicy chile pepper). Mild in heat, and somewhat sweeter in taste compared to poblano peppers, ancho chile peppers are a common ingredient in many Mexican sauces and recipes.
- Dried guajillo chile peppers. The dried form of mirasol chilis, guajillo chile peppers are the second most popular dried chilies to be used in Mexican cuisine and are considered mild to medium in heat.
- Dried Arbol chile peppers. The hottest of the three chiles, Arbol chile peppers start out green, turn red as they ripen, and turn an even deeper red once dried. Given their somewhat unpredictable heat level, I typically err on the side of caution when adding these chiles to sauces and stews.
- Onions. I added white onion, but yellow onions would work just as well.
- Tomatoes. Technically tomato-based, I chose to add fresh tomatoes instead of canned tomatoes or tomato sauce. Look for large, ripe, sweet-smelling tomatoes, if possible, as they will have the best flavor.
- Garlic. Whole peeled fresh garlic cloves.
- Dried Mexican oregano. Unlike the Greek and Mediterranean versions of oregano that most of us are likely accustomed to, Mexican oregano has notes of citrus and mild licorice rather than savory, earthy, and peppery.
- Ground Cumin. If you don’t have ground cumin in your spice drawer, may I request that you add it? Cumin is probably one of the most commonly used spices and with such a unique flavor, it’s hard to substitute.
- Sugar. The sauce is going to need some kind of sweetener. All those chiles, while delicious, are also somewhat bitter. It’s easy to balance the bitterness with a little bit of sugar.
- Chocolate (optional). Not too much, you guys. After all, we’re not making Mole Sauce. And definitely, please, do not add milk chocolate. All you need is a small piece or two of bittersweet or Mexican chocolate. If you’re gluten-intolerant or sensitive to dairy, please read the ingredients and confirm that your chocolate is, in fact, both of those.
Several of these ingredients – including the dried chiles, Mexican oregano, and Mexican chocolate (if using) may be difficult (or impossible) to find in a regular grocery store. If you have access to a Mexican market, you should be able to find everything you need there, otherwise, you should be able to order online (on Amazon, for example) and have them delivered to your home.
How to Make Homemade Enchilada Sauce
It’s surprisingly easy to make enchilada sauce from scratch. You will need a heavy-bottomed skillet (I recommend a cast-iron skillet for this), blender, pot, and jars with tight-fitting lids to store all your beautiful sauce. You may also want to use a pair of gloves when handling the chiles as their heat level is often unpredictable.
1. Roast the chiles – start by roasting your chiles in a dry, heavy-bottomed pan or skillet (I love my cast-iron skillet for this) set over medium heat. Simply add the dried chile peppers and roast for 1-2 minutes on each side. You will not really see any visible changes in color as you toast them, so keep a close eye on them as toasting for too long will result in a bitter-tasting sauce. Remove from the skillet.
2. Bring the water, chicken stock, or vegetable broth to a boil. As you wait for it to boil, move on to the next step.
3. Remove the seeds and soak – Using gloves (highly recommended!), gently remove the stems and slice each chile open lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes (the spicy part of the chili) and discard. Transfer the chiles to a medium bowl.
4. Once the water (or broth) reaches a boil (step #2), carefully pour the water over the dried chile peppers. Cover the bowl and allow chiles to soak for at least 30 minutes.
5. Roast the vegetables – As the chile peppers soak, return the dry skillet to medium-high heat. Add the onion, tomatoes, and garlic cloves. Allow the vegetables to cook until lightly browned on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes on each side.
6. Blend it all together. Transfer the onion, tomatoes, garlic cloves, and peppers (once softened) into the bowl of a large blender. Add the soaking liquid, salt, Mexican oregano, and ground cumin. Blend until completely smooth.
7. Cook the Sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil (or canola oil) in a medium pot over medium heat. Add the blended chile pepper sauce and bring to a low simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for approximately 25 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water, as needed.
8. Season to taste. The sauce will be quite bitter at this point. While most enchilada sauces are not meant to taste super sweet or super salty (or super delicious on its own), you can easily balance some of the bitterness with salt, sugar and a small piece or two of semi-sweet chocolate (be sure to add the chocolate at the end of cooking).
Tips & Tricks
- For the best tasting sauce use whole dried peppers, not pre-ground chili powder. There really is no comparison between the two.
- Use fresh ingredients – it’s a flavor thing. This includes garlic, onions, and tomatoes. Unfortunately, onion powder, garlic powder, or cayenne (for heat) just won’t give the authentic results we’re looking for.
- Don’t skip the roasting step- for the chiles or for the tomatoes and onion.
- Dried Arbol chiles are the spiciest of the three dried peppers that we’re adding to our sauce. Although they are the smallest, take care when deciding how many to add to your sauce- especially if you’re sensitive to spicy foods.
- Since I used my Vitamix to blend my enchilada sauce, I ended up with a completely smooth and creamy sauce. If you find that your sauce isn’t blended as thoroughly simply pour it through a fine-mesh strainer which will separate any large bits from the sauce.
- If you are using whole dried chiles, you do not need to add any all-purpose flour or cornstarch. Nor will you need to make a roux.
- The chocolate is a flavor enhancer, not a main ingredient. Use sparingly and add to the sauce right at the end.
Can Enchilada Sauce be Frozen?
Since this makes quite a bit of enchilada sauce, you may find yourself wondering if you can freeze the stuff? Fortunately, you can! To freeze, first allow your sauce to come to room temperature before transferring to freezer-safe jars or reusable bags (I love these reusable silicone bags). Seal and transfer to the freezer for up to 4 months.
To thaw, transfer to the refrigerator overnight, or place the jar or container in a bowl filled with warm water to help expedite the thawing.
What to serve with Enchilada Sauce
Enchilada sauce, a classic Mexican favorite in so many ways, is also multi-functional.
Often used as a seasoning, I love to add enchilada sauce to my favorite stews and soups, like this Instant Pot chicken enchilada soup.
You can also mix enchilada sauce with homemade pico de gallo and serve with chips and avocado. Bake with beans and cheese for a warm, gooey, delicious party dip!
Of course, classic chicken or veggie enchiladas are always delicious options, but why not try eggs simmered in your homemade sauce and top with shredded cheese and serve with warm corn tortillas, sour cream, and homemade guacamole.
Finally, let’s not forget about the always convenient casserole. From stacked enchilada casseroles to this easy Mexican quinoa casserole, there are so many ways to use up this sauce.
Other delicious sides include,
- cilantro lime rice
- refried beans
- drunken beans with poblanos
- 3-ingredient watermelon margarita
- homemade salsa
More Mexican Food Recipes,
Caldo de Pollo Recipe (Mexican Chicken Soup)
Albondigas Soup Recipe (Mexican Meatball Soup)
Refried Beans (How to Make Refried Black Beans)
Classic Margarita Recipe (How to Make a Margarita)
20-Minute Ground Beef Tacos Recipe
If you try making this Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.
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Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 5 ounces dried ancho chile peppers
- 5 ounces dried guajillo chile peppers
- 4-6 dried arbol chile peppers (use more or less depending on heat tolerance)
- 5 cups boiled water ((or chicken broth))
- 2 white onions (halved)
- 4 large tomatoes (quartered)
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- 2 tsp dried Mexican oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar (more or less to taste)
- semi-sweet chocolate (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Roast the chiles - start by roasting your chiles in a dry, heavy-bottomed pan or skillet (I love my cast-iron skillet for this) set over medium heat. Simply add the dried chile peppers and roast for 1-2 minutes on each side. Do not over-toast your dried chilis as it will result in a bitter-tasting sauce. Remove from the skillet.
- Bring the water or chicken stock to a boil. As you wait for it to boil, move on to the next step.
- Remove seeds and soak - Using gloves (highly recommended!), gently remove the stems and slice heat chile open lengthwise. Remove the seeds and membranes (the spicy part of the chili) and discard. Transfer the chiles to a medium bowl.
- Once the water (or broth) reaches a boil, carefully pour the water over the dried chile peppers. Cover the bowl and allow chiles to soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Roast the vegetables - As the chile peppers soak, return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the onion, tomatoes, and garlic cloves. Allow the vegetables to cook on each side until lightly browned on each side, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Blend it all together. Transfer the onion, tomatoes, garlic cloves, and peppers (once softened) into the bowl of a large blender. Add the soaking liquid, salt, Mexican oregano, and ground cumin. Blend until completely smooth (see note).
- Cook the Sauce. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a medium pot over medium heat. Add the blended chile pepper sauce and bring to a low simmer. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for approximately 25 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water, as needed.
- Season to taste. The sauce will be quite bitter at this point. While most enchilada sauces are not meant to taste super sweet or super salty (or super delicious on its own), you can easily balance some of the bitterness with salt, sugar and a small piece or two of semi-sweet chocolate (be sure to add the chocolate at the end of cooking).
Jessica's Notes
- The dried Arbol chiles are the spiciest of the three dried peppers that were added to this sauce. Although they are the smallest, take care when deciding how many to add to your sauce- especially if you're sensitive to spicy foods.
- Since I used my Vitamix to blend my enchilada sauce, I ended up with a completely smooth and creamy sauce. If you find that your sauce isn't blended as thoroughly simply pour it through a fine-mesh strainer which will separate any large bits from the sauce.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week or so. However, since there are no preservatives, I wouldn't push it much longer. You can also freeze the leftover sauce for up to 4-6 months.
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
Can you use the ground chile versions of the above chilis instead of roasting and using a vitamix? I’m going to purchase some ground guajillo for another recipe and wondered if I could save some time by using ground pepper for the sauce.
You can try ground guajillo instead of the whole dried chilis listed in the recipe, but I personally have not tried that substitution so I am not sure how it will come out in the end.