Enchilada Sauce Best Ever
Transform your Mexican-inspired dishes with the bold and flavorful "Enchilada Sauce Best Ever" recipe—a pantry-friendly classic that's ready in just 15 minutes! Made with a velvety roux base and perfectly balanced seasonings like chili powder, cumin, garlic, and a hint of optional cayenne for spice, this homemade sauce delivers rich, authentic flavor without the additives of store-bought options. A touch of tomato paste adds depth, while chicken or vegetable broth creates a silky, smooth consistency perfect for smothering enchiladas, drizzling over burritos, or dipping chips. Easy to customize and packed with vibrant spices, this is the ultimate go-to sauce for elevating your favorite Mexican dishes.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Instructions
Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Add the all-purpose flour to the oil and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. The mixture should be smooth and lightly golden, but do not let it burn.
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk for 30 seconds to bloom the spices, releasing their full flavor.
Add the tomato paste and whisk until fully combined with the spice mixture.
Slowly pour in the chicken or vegetable broth while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Ensure the mixture is smooth.
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed (you may want to add a pinch more salt or chili powder for additional flavor).
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before using. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
456 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 28.2 g | 36% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.1 g | 20% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 16.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 3333 mg | 145% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 43.8 g | 16% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 12.0 g | 43% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.2 g | ||
| Protein | 7.3 g | 15% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 81 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 539 mg | 11% | |
*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.
