Sauce | Vegan Vegetarian Gluten Free

Enchilada Sauce

N/A Allergen-Free
enchilada sauce

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine Mexican
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Chili Peppers,Tomato,Spices

The Forktionary Angle

"Master the art of enchilada sauce, from classic to creative."

Definition

A savory, often chili-powder based sauce, used in Mexican cuisine to smother enchiladas and other dishes.

Sensory Profile

TasteSavory,Umami,Spicy,Earthy,Slightly Acidic
TextureSmooth,Thick,Viscous
AromaChili,Cumin,Garlic,Onion
AcidityMedium

Technical Metrics

Canned Shelf Life (Unopened)

12-18 months

Key Flavor Compounds

Capsaicin (spicy), Pyrazines (earthy from chili)

Primary Application

Coating and flavoring enchiladas

Nutrition Facts

Per 60g (1/4 cup)
Calories40 kcal
Total Fat1.5g
Saturated Fat0.2g
Trans Fat0g
Cholesterol0mg
Protein1.5g
Total Carbohydrate6g
Dietary Fiber1g
Total Sugars2g
Calcium30mg
Iron1mg
Potassium200mg

Chef’s Secret

For a richer, deeper flavor, toast your chili powder lightly in oil before incorporating liquids.

Substitutions

Best Match

Homemade Red Enchilada Sauce (Chili Powder + Broth + Flour/Cornstarch + Spices)

1:1

Best flavor and allows control over spice and sodium.

Chili Gravy

1:1

Similar consistency and chili-based flavor, common in Tex-Mex.

Tomato Sauce + Chili Powder & Cumin

1:1 (sauce) + To Taste (spices)

Pantry staple, requires seasoning to mimic enchilada flavor.

Salsa Roja (blended smooth)

1:1

More fresh, vibrant tomato flavor, less rich and savory than traditional enchilada sauce.

Buying Guide

Check for natural ingredients; look for varieties labeled "authentic" or "mild/medium/hot" according to preference.

Flavor Pairings

Tortillas cheese chicken beef beans rice corn.

Recipes Using Enchilada Sauce

Main Ingredient Cheese Main Ingredient Course

3 Cheese Chicken Enchiladas

Dive into a cheesy, comforting explosion of flavor with these 3 Cheese Chicken Enchiladas! Tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and a tangy enchilada sauce combine in this easy-to-make recipe. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these enchiladas are sure to become a family favorite. Get ready for a cheesy, saucy, and satisfying culinary adventure!

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Poultry Chicken Time To Make One Dish Meal

5 Can Chicken Enchiladas

Craving delicious enchiladas but short on time? This recipe uses 5 cans of chicken for a ridiculously fast, easy, and minimal cleanup meal! Perfect for busy weeknights, this adaptable recipe uses flour tortillas (or warmed corn tortillas for extra pliability) and is easily customizable with ground beef or turkey. Get ready for a flavor explosion in under 30 minutes!

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Kid Friendly Course Low Fat 15 Minutes Or Less

6 Can Chicken Tortilla Soup

Quick, easy, and ridiculously delicious! This 5-can chicken tortilla soup recipe is ready in under 20 minutes. Perfect for a weeknight meal, this recipe uses convenient canned ingredients to deliver big flavor without the fuss. Enjoy a hearty and satisfying soup bursting with authentic Mexican flavors!

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Oven Comfort Food North American Occasion

Almost Like Ginger's Enchiladas

Craving authentic, homemade enchiladas? This recipe is inspired by Ginger's legendary, from-scratch enchiladas (even the tortillas!), a family favorite that's almost impossible to replicate. While it might not be *exactly* the same as Ginger's masterpiece, this adaptation delivers incredible flavor and convenience. Get ready for tender beef, perfectly seasoned potatoes and carrots, all nestled in warm tortillas and smothered in rich enchilada sauce. This comforting dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a make-ahead freezer meal.

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Poultry Meat Course Main Dish

Anasazi Enchiladas

Recreate the magic of Steamworks Brewing Co.'s legendary Anasazi Enchiladas! This Durango, Colorado favorite, featured in the Rocky Mountain News, boasts a rich flavor profile inspired by the ancient Anasazi ruins at Mesa Verde National Park. Chef Scotty Krick's creation is now in your kitchen – get ready for a taste of Southwestern culinary history!

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Course North American Time To Make Cuisine

Avocado Cashew Enchiladas

Creamy Avocado Cashew Enchiladas from Mollie Katzen's Enchanted Broccoli Forest! These rich and delicious enchiladas are bursting with healthy fats and protein. A vibrant, satisfying vegetarian meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to be amazed!

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Main Dish Ground Beef Main Ingredient Cuisine

Awesome Beef Enchiladas

Get ready to experience pure enchilada bliss! This recipe delivers unbelievably flavorful beef enchiladas, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. While corn tortillas are traditional, we're embracing the richness of flour tortillas for an extra-decadent touch. Feel free to add black beans to the meat mixture for added heartiness. This recipe is easily customizable to your preferences – make it your own!

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Preparation Preparation Equipment 5 Ingredients Or Less

Awesome Shredded Beef Burritos Or Tacos Crock Pot

Craving restaurant-quality burritos without the restaurant prices? This incredibly easy crock-pot recipe delivers melt-in-your-mouth shredded beef, perfect for both burritos and tacos! Imagine tender, flavorful beef smothered in rich enchilada sauce, then piled high with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, zesty onions, creamy sour cream, and melty cheese. Top it all off with your favorite salsa (we recommend our homemade recipe #239651!) for a flavor explosion that'll have everyone begging for more. My dad even says they're better than the best burrito joints! Get ready for the easiest, most delicious weeknight meal ever.

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Preparation Main Ingredient 60 Minutes Or Less Beef

Baked Steak Burritos

Craving a flavor explosion? These Baked Steak Burritos are packed with spicy beef, hearty beans, and melted cheese, all wrapped in a warm tortilla. A simple yet satisfying recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun family meal. Get ready for a south-of-the-border fiesta in your kitchen!

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Oven Mexican Oven Vegetarian

Baked Vegetarian Enchiladas

Craving a comforting and flavorful vegetarian meal? These Baked Vegetarian Enchiladas, adapted from a Pillsbury Bake-Off favorite, are incredibly versatile and easy to customize! Use mild or spicy salsa to control the heat, and experiment with corn or flour tortillas – both work wonderfully. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Serve with fluffy white rice for a complete and satisfying experience.

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Easy Cuisine Beef Low In Something

Bean And Beef Enchiladas

Craving a delicious and authentic Mexican meal without spending hours in the kitchen? Our Bean and Beef Enchiladas are the perfect solution! This easy recipe offers two methods – a layered casserole or classic rolled enchiladas – both delivering a flavorful explosion of beef, beans, and melted cheese. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, this recipe is quick, healthy, and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

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Beef Beginner Cook Beef Mexican

Beef And Tortilla Bake

Craving a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner? This Beef and Tortilla Bake is your weeknight hero! Savory seasoned beef, layered with creamy beans, zesty enchilada sauce, and crunchy tortilla chips, then baked to bubbly perfection. Top with a dollop of sour cream and guacamole for an extra-delicious touch. Ready in under an hour!

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Vegetables Equipment Taste Mood Main Dish

Beef Enchiladas

Indulge in our incredibly rich and flavorful Beef Enchiladas! This crowd-pleasing recipe features tender beef simmered in a luscious homemade sauce, all wrapped in warm tortillas and baked to perfection. Get ready for a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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