Our Homemade Enchiladas Sauce Recipe is quick and easy to make and tastes amazing! Take your next pan of enchiladas and bring it right over the top. Your friends and family will love it, and so will you!

Red Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Once you make this homemade red enchilada sauce, you’re not going back to the canned stuff. It’s rich, flavorful, and easy to throw together with pantry ingredients. Whether you're rolling up a batch of beef enchiladas or just need a bold, savory sauce for burritos or rice bowls, this one gets the job done.

It simmers low and slow just long enough to bring all the flavors together. The mix of crushed tomatoes, garlic, warm spices, and chile powder creates that classic red enchilada flavor with a little kick and a whole lot of depth.

No mystery ingredients—just real flavor.

Why You'll Love This Dish#

• Big Flavor, Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples come together into a restaurant-quality sauce.
• No Preservatives Or Additives – You control everything in the pot.
• Customizable Heat – Adjust the chile powder to match your spice preference.
• Perfect For Freezing – Make a double batch and stash it for later.
• Works On More Than Enchiladas – Try it with burritos, tacos, or even eggs.

Use on my Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas!

Recipe Shopping List

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here's the list of items you'll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

• Vegetable Oil – Neutral base for blooming the garlic and spices.
• Crushed Garlic – Sautéed for a mellow, savory foundation.
• Oregano & Basil – Earthy herbs that round out the flavor.
• Chile Powder – Optional but great for warmth and depth. Use more or less depending on your heat tolerance.
• Guajillo Chile Powder – Adds a smoky, slightly sweet chili flavor that’s traditional in enchilada sauce.
• Black Pepper & Salt – Balance and seasoning.
• Cumin – Brings warm, earthy depth and that signature Tex-Mex flavor.
• Salsa – Adds a little acidity and brightness to the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes – The rich, thick base of the sauce.

Try on our Smoked Shredded Beef Enchiladas!

Serve This With

• Mexican Rice
• Cilantro Lime Rice
• Homemade Guacamole
• Smoked Tomatillo Salsa

More Mexican-Inspired Recipes

• Chicken Fajitas
• Shrimp Fajitas
• Blackened Shrimp Tacos
• Smoked Chicken Tortilla Soup
• Grilled Shrimp Tacos
• Smoked Pulled Pork Tacos
• Ground Beef Tacos

Continue to Content

Yield: 8 servings

Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Print

This homemade red enchilada sauce is perfect to top a pan of enchiladas! Skip the store-bought canned version and make a batch at home!

Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon basil
• 3 tablespoons chile powder (optional)
• 2 tablespoons guajillo chile powder
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 cup salsa
• 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

Instructions

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
2. Add the remaining ingredients to the pan and let simmer, stirring frequently, for 20-25 minutes.
3. Can be refrigerated for several days before use or frozen for long-term storage.

Recommended Products

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• 
  11-Inch Balloon Whisk
• 
  MadeIn Stainless Clad Saucier
• 
  Guajillo Chile Powder

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 53Total Fat: 2gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 309mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 2gSugar: 5gProtein: 2g

Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.

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