Homemade Enchilada Sauce – Skip buying the canned stuff, it is super easy to make at home, and so much better! Just a few simple ingredients is all it takes!
When I was growing up, enchiladas were a staple in our house. Every Sunday night we had Mexican food. It ranged as to what we made, but enchiladas made a regular appearance.
But we always used jarred sauce from the store. Only since I left home did I realize how easy it is to make your own!
What’s In Homemade Enchilada Sauce
- Vegetable Oil
- Flour
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth
- Spices – chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, black pepper
- Dark Chocolate
Yep, there is dark chocolate in this recipe. It is 100% optional, but it adds a richness and depth of flavor to the recipe. It is not necessarily traditional, and you can not taste it, it just give it that something special.
How To Make Enchilada Sauce From Scratch
- Add your oil to a saucepan and heat over medium-high heat. Add in the flour and stir well for about a minute. You want all of the white streaks to disappear.
- Mix in your spices and cook for about another minute. The heat from the pan brings out the flavors of the spices.
- Then you gradually pour in your broth and whisk until it is completely smooth, with no lumps remaining.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it has slightly thickened.
- During the last 5 minutes if you are using the dark chocolate add it in, and let it melt completely.
- Now it is time to taste. Add a little salt if necessary and if you like it spicy mix in some cayenne.
- It is ready to use immediately – pour over enchiladas or use in your favorite recipe.
This homemade red enchilada sauce comes together in minutes. It is great to even make ahead. You can double or triple the recipe and then freeze for next time! All pantry staple items, so I you can make this in a pinch when you don’t have the canned stuff.
How To Use Enchilada Sauce
- Ground Beef Enchiladas
- Sour Cream Enchiladas
- Enchilada Pasta Skillet
- Chicken Enchilada Chili
- Pork Enchiladas
- Hash Brown Enchilada Skillet
- Enchilada Dip
Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Homemade Enchilada Sauce - Skip buying the canned stuff, it is super easy to make at home, and so much better! Just a few simple ingredients is all it takes!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 3 Tbsp flour
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 - 1/3 cup chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 oz dark chocolate (optional)
Instructions
- On a large pan heat oil over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for about a minute until no white streaks remain.
- Add chili powder and the rest of the spices. Stirring constantly, cook for another minute.
- Whisk in chicken broth and stir until smooth and no lumps remain.
- Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- During the last 5 minutes add the chocolate and stir to melt. Season with salt if necessary.
Notes
Start with 1/4 cup chili powder, and taste to see if you need more.
You will NOT taste the chocolate, it just gives it a richness and depth of flavor
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 164Total Fat 13gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 3mgSodium 516mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 2gSugar 5gProtein 2g
Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.
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Jessica @ Sprinkle Some Sugar says
Love this! Homemade enchilada sauce is SO much better than store-bought.
Annie says
I love a good enchilada dish! This is so great because you know just what you are getting!
Becky Hardin | The Cookie Rookie says
What a great mix
Kacey @ The Cookie Writer says
I don’t think I have ever bought canned enchiladas sauce, and even if I did, I just KNOW yours would be so much better! Seriously, looks amazing!
Patricia @ Grab a Plate says
Homemade is always better! We eat Mexican food at home a lot, and love to add enchilada sauce to a bunch of different things – this is great! So easy, too!
Cookin Canuck says
Homemade enchilada sauce is the best, and I love the richness of yours with the bit of chocolate.
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Enchilada sauce is always one of those things I never have on hand when I need it – being able to whip it up on your own so easily is awesome!
Rusty says
This looks wonderful and plan to try it this weekend. Is the dark chocolate unsweetened? Beaucoup thanks!
Erin S says
Dark chocolate is slightly sweetened, but it isn’t as sweet as milk chocolate. Just look for anything that says dark chocolate or gives a percentage. I think I used 60% cacao.
Amanda says
The sauce makes an enchilada, and this looks incredible!
Jo says
It is indeed better than store-bought! yay! so glad I found your recipe, Thanks!
Amanda Livesay says
This is the perfect homemade enchilada sauce! I keep a jar on hand for easy dinners!
katerina @ diethood.com says
We love enchilada sauce! This looks incredibly delicious!! Can’t wait to give it a try!
Beti | easyweeknightrecipes says
Homemade Enchilada Sauce can’t be beat! This looks and sounds AMAZING! YUM!
Beth says
I love being able to make homemade anything, so much better than store bought! This was perfect for our enchilada night and I’ll definitely be making this again!
Shelly Horn says
I am excited to try, I have never cooked enchiladas for my family and can’t wait to try your recipe. Can the 2 oz. chocolate be substituted with unsweetened powder cocoa?
Erin S says
I think cocoa powder would be a little too bitter, I would just leave it out. It is great without the chocolate as well!