Homemade Enchilada Sauce

4.52 from 45 votes
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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!

homemade enchilada sauce in a cup

 
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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.

homemade enchilada sauce in a cup

How To Make Enchilada Sauce From Scratch

  1. 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.
  2. Mix in your spices and cook for about another minute. The heat from the pan brings out the flavors of the spices.
  3. Then you gradually pour in your broth and whisk until it is completely smooth, with no lumps remaining.
  4. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until it has slightly thickened.
  5. During the last 5 minutes if you are using the dark chocolate add it in, and let it melt completely.
  6. Now it is time to taste. Add a little salt if necessary and if you like it spicy mix in some cayenne.
  7. It is ready to use immediately – pour over enchiladas or use in your favorite recipe.
homemade enchilada sauce in a cup

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.  

close up enchilada sauce in jar

How To Use Enchilada Sauce

Homemade Enchilada Sauce is so easy to make, you will never go back to the canned stuff again!
4.52 from 45 votes

Homemade Enchilada Sauce

By Erin
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!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients 

  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 Tablespoons flour
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1/4 – 1/3 cup chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
  • 1/4 teaspoon 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

Serving: 1g | Calories: 164kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 9g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 516mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Author: Erin
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Dinner Recipes
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 164
Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

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About Erin S

Welcome to Dinners, Dishes, & Desserts where my love of food meets my busy life. My name is Erin and Iโ€™m a casual home cook who loves to feed people. On this blog, youโ€™ll find hundreds of quick and easy recipes made mostly from scratch. My days are spent in the kitchen, creating new recipes to share with family and friends.

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19 Comments

  1. 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!

  2. 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?

    1. I think cocoa powder would be a little too bitter, I would just leave it out. It is great without the chocolate as well!

  3. How many ounces or cups dies this yield? Unable to find that information. Nutrition info states 6 servings? What does that mean please? Thanks.