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Years ago, back when my husband Jack worked at a popular Boston-area Mexican restaurant, the dishes they prepared and served typically came with one of three sauces – a spicy white sauce (you can see that sauce used here and here), Salsa Verde or this delicious, red Enchilada Sauce.
This enchilada sauce is (in our opinion) so much better than any jarred enchilada sauce you might buy! And since it’s also very easy and quick to prepare – there’s no reason not to make this yourself at home!
This enchilada sauce is used in our recipes for Beef and Bean Enchiladas and our Beef Chimichangas, and being so versatile and delicious, you can use it in any Mexican-inspired recipe you might make. Enjoy!
We love seeing what you made! Tag us on Instagram at @afamilyfeast or hashtag #afamilyfeast so we can see your creations!
Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onions
- 2 medium garlic cloves chopped
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 14–ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon Rocket Fuel or your favorite hot sauce
Instructions
- Sauté onions in oil over medium heat for 4 minutes or until translucent. Add garlic and sauté for one minute. Add tomato paste and sauté for an additional minute. Add all other ingredients and bring to a simmer and cook for about five minutes to blend flavors.
- With an emulsion blender or in a blender, puree until smooth.
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Anne says
Been using this recipe for years… won’t buy premade sauce. This is just too good and too easy.
Martha says
Thanks Anne – so glad to read this! 🙂
Cheryl says
Amazing! So happy you shared this recipe with me. I will use it again and again now.
Martha says
Thank you Cheryl!
Rachel says
This enchilada sauce was awesome! Thanks for the recipe. 🙂
Martha says
Thanks Rachel – glad you liked it!!
Tina says
Have you ever tried canning this sauce?
Martha Pesa says
Hi Tina – No we haven’t canned it ourselves. Thanks for visiting our site!
Kathy says
I have wanted to try to make my own enchilada sauce but never have. Yours sounds fantastic!
Martha Pesa says
Thanks so much Kathy!
Ashlee @ the Crunchy Moose says
I am consistently tweaking my enchilada sauces trying to get it perfect. I’ve never added smoked paprika! Great tip! I’m going to try this recipe soon!
Martha Pesa says
Thanks Ashlee! The smoked paprika adds great flavor! Hope you enjoy the recipe!