Craving that signature Taco Bell enchilada sauce flavor but don't want to leave the house? You're in luck! This easy recipe lets you recreate that delicious, slightly spicy, tangy sauce right in your own kitchen. It's perfect for enchiladas, tacos, burritos, or anything that needs a boost of authentic Tex-Mex flavor. Get ready to make some seriously delicious and satisfying homemade meals with this quick dinner idea.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or more, to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions:
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Sauté Aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This simple step builds the foundation of the sauce's deep flavor.
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Combine Ingredients: Add the undrained diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), tomato sauce, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients thoroughly.
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Simmer and Thicken: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer gently for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for a richer flavor. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will meld together. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Season and Serve: After simmering, taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat, salt and pepper for balance, or a pinch of sugar if it's too acidic. Once you’ve achieved your desired flavor, your homemade Taco Bell enchilada sauce is ready! Serve it immediately or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Cooking Tips for the Best Enchilada Sauce:
- Fresh Chilies: For a bolder, fresher flavor, consider adding a chopped fresh jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the garlic. Adjust the amount depending on your spice preference.
- Spice Level: Start with less cayenne pepper and gradually add more until you reach your preferred level of spiciness. Remember, you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Blending: For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce after simmering. This creates a beautiful, consistent texture.
- Slow Cooker Option: For a truly hands-off approach, you can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Variations:
- Vegetarian/Vegan: This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, simply ensure your vegetable oil and chicken broth are vegan-friendly.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of chipotle powder or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce for extra heat.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Protein: 2-3 grams
- Fat: 4-5 grams
- Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams
This easy, delicious enchilada sauce recipe allows you to enjoy the flavors of Taco Bell from the comfort of your home. It’s a fantastic base for countless dishes and a testament to the power of homemade cooking. Enjoy!