Quick & Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce Recipe
A quick and easy, homemade, red enchilada sauce recipe that requires no cooking! Can be made in 5 minutes using a blender.
How to Make the Best Quick & Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce
Forget the canned stuff—this homemade enchilada sauce is ready in just 5 minutes and tastes infinitely better than anything from a jar. All you need is a blender and a handful of pantry staples to create a rich, flavorful red sauce that’s perfect for enchiladas, burritos, chilaquiles, or any Mexican-inspired dish.
The beauty of this no-cook recipe is its simplicity. Fire-roasted tomatoes provide a subtle smoky depth, while the combination of chili powder, cumin, and oregano delivers that classic enchilada flavor you crave. A splash of apple cider vinegar brightens everything up, and you can easily adjust the heat level to your preference with a touch of chipotle or cayenne.
Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for a larger gathering, this sauce comes together so fast you’ll never reach for store-bought again. The sauce will continue to develop flavor as it bakes with your enchiladas, or you can simmer it briefly on the stovetop if you prefer a slightly more cooked taste.
Quick & Easy Homemade Enchilada Sauce
A quick and easy, homemade, red enchilada sauce recipe that requires no cooking! Can be made in 5 minutes using a blender.
Ingredients
Enchilada Sauce
Instructions
Make the Sauce
- Place all ingredients in a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Taste, add more chili powder or chipotle powder to desired heat level.
- If serving over enchiladas, the sauce will cook as it bakes with enchiladas.
- Or feel free to simmer gently on the stovetop, covered for 10-15 minutes.
Notes
- Substitute crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato puree, or 1½ cups fresh tomatoes for the diced tomatoes.
- Use onion powder or 2-3 fresh garlic cloves instead of granulated garlic.
- For a smoky flavor without heat, use smoked paprika instead of chipotle powder.
- Fresh oregano can be used—double the amount to 2 teaspoons.
