Enchilada Sauce

N/A Sauce, Mexican Cuisine, Pantry Staple

Enchilada Sauce Sauce, Mexican Cuisine, Pantry Staple

At a Glance

  • Category Sauce, Mexican Cuisine, Pantry Staple

The Forktionary Angle

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

Definition

A savory, often spicy, chili-based sauce fundamental to Mexican enchiladas, providing rich, complex flavors from various dried chiles and spices.

Canned Shelf Life (Unopened) 12-18 months
Key Flavor Compounds Capsaicin (spicy), Pyrazines (earthy from chili)
Primary Application Coating and flavoring enchiladas

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Enchilada Sauce are:

Savory earthy umami spicy (variable) rich tangy

Chef’s Secret

For a richer homemade sauce, toast dried chiles lightly before rehydrating and blending. This deepens their smoky notes and enhances overall flavor complexity.

Best Substitutes

Taco Sauce

for general Mexican flavor, milder
Ratio 1:1

Chili Powder + Broth

build your own, adjust ratios

Salsa Roja

for topping, thinner
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Read labels for heat level and ingredients. Canned versions vary greatly in quality; look for those with minimal additives.

Recipes Using Enchilada Sauce

Main Dish Time To Make Main Dish Cuisine

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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Meat Low In Something Time To Make Preparation

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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Beans Preparation Beans Main Ingredient

Beef And Bean Oamc Enchiladas

Craving a quick and delicious weeknight meal? These make-ahead Beef and Bean Enchiladas are your new freezer staple! Packed with flavor and ready in under an hour (plus freezing time!), this recipe is perfect for busy families. Simply thaw and bake for a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying dinner.

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Number Of Servings Cheese Preparation Meat

5 Minute Cheesy Enchilada Grande For 1

Craving a cheesy, satisfying enchilada but short on time? This 5-minute microwave recipe delivers big flavor in a flash! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying solo meal, this single-serving enchilada is packed with family-favorite flavors. Get ready for cheesy goodness!

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Main Dish Mexican Main Dish Main Ingredient

Basic Bean Enchiladas

This adaptable recipe for Basic Bean Enchiladas is your gateway to a quick and delicious Mexican meal! Customize the spice level to your liking and easily freeze leftover ingredients or even assembled enchiladas for future feasts. Made with gluten-free corn tortillas (check sausage for gluten-free options), this recipe is a family favorite waiting to happen. Get ready for a burst of flavor in just 20 minutes!

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5 Ingredients Or Less Easy Crock Pot Slow Cooker 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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Course Preparation Mexican Time To Make

Quick Easy Chicken Tostadas

Craving a delicious, family-pleasing meal that's ready in under 30 minutes? These Quick & Easy Chicken Tostadas are your answer! Crispy corn tortillas are piled high with juicy shredded chicken, seasoned to perfection, and topped with all your favorite fixings. A simple yet vibrant recipe perfect for a weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering.

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Time To Make Main Dish Main Ingredient Course

Beef Mushroom Chilies Casserole

A hearty and flavorful casserole combining savory beef and mushroom master mix with spicy chilies and crunchy corn chips. This recipe is easily customizable to your spice preference! Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish. Get ready for a taste explosion!

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Ground Beef Main Dish Taste Mood Ground Beef

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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Main Dish Tex Mex One Dish Meal Preparation

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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Beans Main Ingredient Black Beans One Dish Meal

Bean Enchiladas

These delicious bean enchiladas are a fantastic make-ahead recipe, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining! Simple to assemble and bursting with flavor, they're a crowd-pleasing dish that's both comforting and satisfying. Get ready for a taste of Mexico in your kitchen!

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4 Hours Or Less Ground Beef Time To Make European

Beef Enchilada Lasagna

Craving a flavor explosion? This Beef Enchilada Lasagna combines the best of Mexican and Italian cuisine in one unforgettable dish! A simplified Sandi Richards recipe, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for busy weeknights. Prep the ingredients ahead, then assemble and bake for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal. Get ready for layers of cheesy beef, enchilada-spiced sauce, and tender noodles – a delicious twist on a classic!

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Easy Cuisine Low Cholesterol 60 Minutes Or Less

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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Black Beans Dietary Vegetarian Equipment

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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Time To Make 60 Minutes Or Less Main Dish Main Ingredient

Amazing Beef Enchilada Casserole

This family-favorite Beef Enchilada Casserole recipe has been a crowd-pleaser for years! Originally from a mail-in recipe card, this easy-to-make casserole boasts tender beef, melty Monterey Jack cheese, and a rich enchilada sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. Get ready for a comforting and flavorful meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

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Cuisine Easy Ground Beef Preparation

Bean And Beef Enchilada Casserole

This hearty Bean and Beef Enchilada Casserole is a family-friendly favorite, amped up with extra ground beef and cheese for ultimate comfort food satisfaction! Inspired by a Better Homes & Gardens recipe, this casserole features tender beef, flavorful beans, and a creamy, cheesy topping that will leave everyone wanting more. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck, this dish is easily adaptable – try it with chicken for a delicious twist! This recipe uses a smaller baking dish (like a lasagna pan) for a richer, heartier casserole.

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North American Mexican Main Dish North American

Awesome Enchiladas

Craving comfort food? These Awesome Enchiladas are a flavor explosion! Inspired by a beloved family recipe, this twist on classic cheese enchiladas is quick, easy, and unbelievably delicious. Get ready for a cheesy, spicy, and satisfying meal that will become your new go-to! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual get-together.

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Time To Make Pasta Rice And Grains 5 Ingredients Or Less Eggs Dairy

Beef N Rice Enchiladas

These irresistible Beef N' Rice Enchiladas are a flavor explosion! Loaded with tender beef, melty cheese, and a savory rice mix, this recipe is surprisingly quick and easy to make. Your guests will rave about these delicious enchiladas, thinking you spent hours in the kitchen – but your secret's safe with us! Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish.

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