Easy Cheesy Red Enchilada Sauce
Transform your homemade Mexican-inspired dishes with this irresistibly rich and velvety *Easy Cheesy Red Enchilada Sauce*! Bursting with bold flavors from toasted chili powder, garlic, cumin, and oregano, this quick 20-minute recipe is elevated with a generous helping of sharp cheddar cheese for a creamy, savory twist. Perfect for smothering enchiladas, drizzling over burritos, or even using as a dip, this one-pot wonder is made effortlessly with pantry staples like tomato paste and chicken or vegetable broth. Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this easy and cheesy enchilada sauce promises to become a go-to favorite for spicing up your meals.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian option)
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Heat a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil.
Once the oil is hot, whisk in the flour. Cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the flour is slightly golden and smells nutty.
Whisk in the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and oregano. Cook for another 30 seconds to toast the spices.
Add the tomato paste and whisk until it is fully incorporated with the flour and spice mixture.
Slowly pour in the chicken broth while whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
Bring the sauce to a simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it melts completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly before using. Serve over enchiladas, burritos, or your favorite dishes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
981 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 65.0 g | 83% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.4 g | 142% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 121 mg | 40% | |
| Sodium | 4005 mg | 174% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.6 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.6 g | 52% | |
| Total Sugars | 21.9 g | ||
| Protein | 41.4 g | 83% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 924 mg | 71% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 2014 mg | 43% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
