This Enchilada Sauce Recipe is the BEST! With no cooking required, this red enchilada sauce comes together in five minutes flat, using a blender.  Video. Plus 45 Fresh & Tasty Mexican Recipes!

Here’s the easiest tastiest Enchilada Sauce that requires no cooking, no chopping and can be made in literally five minutes, using a blender! You’ll never buy it again! Full of flavor, this red Enchilada Sauce is silky smooth and perfect for Vegetarian Enchiladas, Chicken Enchiladas, smothered burritos, or Enchilada Pie.

Enchilada Sauce Video

Ingredients In Enchilada Sauce

Enchilada Sauce Ingredients

Ingredient Notes

  • Tomatoes– diced, fire-roasted canned tomatoes are our go-to. But regular diced tomatoes work, tomato puree or even tomato sauce. If you have an abundance of fresh tomatoes, definitely use those!
  • Vinegar- adds a tangy brightness to the sauce. Use apple cider, or any light colored vinegar.
  • Garlic– easiest to use dried garlic powder or granulated garlic but fresh is best.
  • Spices– a mix of chili powder, ground cumin, chipotle, oregano , salt and pepper totally create the depth of flavor in the sauce. Use fresh oregano if you have it!

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.     

Why You’ll Love This Enchilada Sauce Recipe!

  • No pre-cooking required! This untraditional Enchilada Sauce is made in reverse, blended then cooked. It cooks in the oven with your enchiladas- and it comes in very handy when short on time.
  • Made with simple pantry ingredients. Most everyone has these basic ingredients on hand, saving you from the dreaded last-minute trip to the grocery store. (Very similar in flavor to Trader Joe’s bottled Enchilada Sauce.)
  • Use fresh or canned tomatoes! During the summer months, use fresh tomatoes, and during the colder months, diced canned tomatoes or tomato puree work well too.
  • It’s healthy. This is such an easy way to cut back on highly processed foods. You know exactly what is in this sauce. No artificial flavors or preservatives. Make it organic if you like. We intentionally leave out the flour so its gluten-free and vegan.
blending the enchilada sauce

How to make Enchilada Sauce!

  1. Place enchilada sauce ingredients in blender. (If using tomato puree, you can whisk or stir ingredients in a bowl.)
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. It’s done and ready to use!

How to store Enchilada Sauce

Refrigerate Enchilada Sauce up to 5 days in a sealed jar in the refrigerator, or freeze for up to 6 months in the freezer. I haven’t tried canning this recipe, but I am sure it could be done easily.

A quick, easy Enchilada Sauce Recipe using basic pantry ingredients and a blender. With no cooking required, this sauce comes together in five minutes flat!

Of course, you can cook the Enchilada Sauce after you blend it- just simmer gently, over medium heat, covered in a saucepan for 10-15 minutes, but if using it on something that will be baked, or cooked, not need to simmer ahead of time.

Recipe FAQS

Can enchilada sauce be made ahead?

Yes the sauce will stay fresh in the fridge for 4 days.

Can enchilada sauce be frozen?

Yes! It freezes beautifully.

What is enchilada sauce made of?

This easy enchilada sauce recipe is made from tomatoes, chili and Mexican spices.

What is the secret to good enchilada sauce?

In this authentic enchilada sauce recipe, the key is using high quality ingredients and achieving the perfect balance between savory depth, tangy and spicy heat.

What is the difference in Enchilada sauces?

There are many varieties of enchilada sauces. This version is red made with a tomato base. Green Enchilada sauce is made with tomatillos and green chilies.

Ways to Use Enchilada Sauce

We use this homemade enchilada sauce in so many ways! Of course on our enchiladas, drizzled over nachos before baking, in casseroles, with tamales, in smothered burritos, quesadillas, and mixed with shredded chicken.

 Enchilada Sauce in a jar.

More Recipes You May Enjoy

A fast and easy recipe for Enchilada Sauce, not lacking in flavor!

Love this recipe? Please let us know in the comments and leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below the recipe card.

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Enchilada Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 64 reviews

Description

A quick and easy, homemade, red enchilada sauce recipe that requires no cooking! Can be made in 5 minutes using a blender.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Instructions

  1. Place all ingredients in a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Taste, add more chili powder or chipotle powder to desired heat level.
  4. If serving over enchiladas, the sauce will cook as it bakes with enchiladas.
  5. Or feel free to simmer gently on the stovetop, covered for 10-15 minutes.

Notes

The sauce will keep 4 days in the fridge or can be frozen. 

 

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ¼ cup
  • Calories: 47
  • Sugar: 1.2 g
  • Sodium: 377.6 mg
  • Fat: 3.7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3.7 g
  • Fiber: 0.8 g
  • Protein: 0.7 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

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Comments

  1. This homemade enchilada sauce is a powerhouse in our meal rotation. Coming from strong opinions about enchilada sauce, everyone in the house loves this flavor profile. I LOVE that I know what ingredients are in the sauce. It is seriously so easy to make. I often store leftover sauce and use it for lunch bowls the next day.






  2. I have always bought store made enchilada sauce, but never again. This was excellent! Just the right amount of heat and so easy!






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