Easy Recipe for Red Enchilada Sauce With Tomato Paste (2024)

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This is the absolute best (and easiest) recipe for red enchilada sauce. Not only can you make it in five minutes from start to finish, but it's packed with flavor and is completely customizable.

With just a few simple ingredients from your pantry, you can make this easy enchilada sauce for your family right now.

Easy Recipe for Red Enchilada Sauce With Tomato Paste (1)

When I was in graduate school, my roommate made the best enchiladas from scratch. We would often make a big dish of enchiladas and have them for lunch throughout the week.

When grad school was over, we went our separate ways, and I never forgot those enchiladas. She gave me a loose description of how to make the sauce via text message, and I recreated it from her description, to taste.

This is the recipe we use in our family every time we have enchiladas. We love it, and everyone who's tried it does too.

Ingredients needed to make this enchilada sauce from tomato paste

  • Tomato paste - This is the secret ingredient to this enchilada sauce. It adds a rich tomato flavor and sweetness that you just can't get from tomato sauce. We use this kind and love it because it only has one ingredient!
  • Avocado oil (or olive oil) - Use oil with a neutral flavor (like this avocado oil). Garlic powder (or granulated garlic) - It provides a yummy savory flavor to the sauce.
  • Chili powder - Chili powder is one of the main seasonings in this sauce. You can get a mild variety or hot - pick the one that works best for you.
  • Ground cumin - Cumin is key in this easy enchilada sauce recipe. Cumin is a spice that is used in a wide variety of savory cuisines from all over the world, so it's totally worth it to have in your spice cupboard.
  • Water - The water in this recipe thins out the sauce (since the tomato paste is so thick).
  • Salt - Don't forget to add salt to your sauce. It'll make the flavors pop. We use this kind because it still has trace minerals in it - unlike refined table salt.

How to make this easy recipe for Red Enchilada Sauce With Tomato Paste

This enchilada sauce really couldn't be easier. Use the pictures below to walk you through the process every step of the way.

  1. Heat the oil and spices in your saucepan
  2. Add the tomato paste and stir for a minute
  3. Add water & stir to combine

1. Heat oil in a small saucepan and add granulated Garlic, cumin and chili powder.

Whisk the spice/oil mixture and continue to heat it while stirring. You can use garlic powder or granulated garlic. Don't use garlic salt or it'll be too salty.

2. Add the tomato paste

Easy Recipe for Red Enchilada Sauce With Tomato Paste (4)
Easy Recipe for Red Enchilada Sauce With Tomato Paste (5)

Next, turn the heat down to low and add the tomato paste and stir to mix the spices throughout.

3. Add water

Easy Recipe for Red Enchilada Sauce With Tomato Paste (6)

Add water. After that, continue stirring until everything is evenly distributed throughout the mixture (try to get the clumps out).

FAQ & Recipe Tips

How do use your red enchilada sauce to make enchiladas?

To make the pan of enchiladas, first drizzle a little sauce on the bottom of your 13x9 pan (love this design...especially the handles). Then take your tortillas and roll them up with the filling inside (veggies, beans, rice, cheese, meat, - you decide).

Next, line the rolled up tortillas in the pan and then cover them with more sauce. Top it with cheese. After that, cook it until the cheese is melted on top but you can always omit the cheese for dairy-free enchiladas.

Related: Homemade Tortillas Made Easy With A Tortilla Press

Another way to use this easy enchilada sauce is in a burrito bowl or on a taco salad. You can also mix it in with meat or veggies for a boost of flavor anytime you want it.

What can I use as a substitute for enchilada sauce?

Homemade enchilada sauce is the best substitute for store bought enchilada sauce, and you can make it without preservatives by seasoning it with your chosen spices and altering the heat level. You could potentially swap enchilada sauce for tomato sauce, taco sauce, salsa sauce, ranchero sauce, or picante sauce but the flavor will be different, for sure.

What's the difference between red sauce and enchilada sauce?

Green enchilada sauce has a mild flavor and is produced using different components than red enchilada sauce.On the other hand, red enchilada sauce has a distinct earthy flavor and aroma.

Can you make this enchilada sauce ahead and how do you store it?

Yes! You can definitely make a double or triple batch of the easy enchilada sauce and freeze it to use it at a later time. Just make sure to store it in a container that won't let air in (mason jars work great).

Is enchilada sauce gluten free?

The enchilada sauce with tomato paste in this recipe is gluten free since the ingredients only include tomato paste, garlic powder, salt, ground cumin, avocado oil, and chili pepper which are all gluten-free ingredients.

Easy Recipe for Red Enchilada Sauce With Tomato Paste (7)
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Easy Recipe for Red Enchilada Sauce With Tomato Paste (8)

Easy Enchilada Sauce From Tomato Paste

Yield: 3 cups

Prep Time: 1 minute

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

Homemade enchilada sauce made with tomato paste and simple ingredients.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoon oil (avocado oil or olive oil)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 2 tablespoon cumin
  • 12 oz tomato paste
  • 1.5 cups water
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Heat the oil in a small saucepan on medium heat.
  2. Add spices to the oil and cook until fragrant, while stirring (about 1 minute).
  3. Turn off the heat and add the tomato paste, stir to get spices mixed in tomato paste.
  4. Add water and stir until clumps are gone and everything is mixed well.

Notes

  • Use single ingredient tomato paste (should only have tomatoes in it).
Nutrition Information:

Yield: 12Serving Size: ¼ C
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 50Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 136mgCarbohydrates: 6gFiber: 2gSugar: 4gProtein: 2g

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Easy Recipe for Red Enchilada Sauce With Tomato Paste (9)
Easy Recipe for Red Enchilada Sauce With Tomato Paste (10)
Easy Recipe for Red Enchilada Sauce With Tomato Paste (2024)

FAQs

Can I make tomato sauce with tomato paste? ›

Substitute Tomato Paste For Tomato Sauce

All you need is the tomato paste and water. Mix together 1 part tomato paste and 1 part water until well blended. Then, season your "sauce" to taste. Tomato sauce is typically seasoned with herbs, garlic, and onion.

What can I use if I don't have enchilada sauce? ›

Tomato sauce is a good way to replace enchilada sauce if you're looking for a milder alternative. It's easy to take a pre-made tomato sauce and spice it and add other ingredients to get closer to a real enchilada sauce.

What is red enchilada sauce made of? ›

Red enchilada sauce may also be called salsa roja, salsa roja para enchiladas or mole rojo. It is a sauce made out of ancho/ pasilla/New Mexico and/or Cascabel chiles, onion, garlic, tomatoes, broth, cumin, oregano, etc. all blended together then simmered until thickened.

How do I make my enchilada sauce taste better? ›

To make your canned enchilada sauce taste homemade, grab some butter, a little flour, and some chicken stock. This trifecta of ingredients infuses a canned enchilada sauce with a satisfyingly thick texture and a rich, savory flavor.

What is the ratio of tomato paste to sauce? ›

You don't have to dash out to the store if you're out of tomato paste; tomato sauce and tomato puree are both an excellent substitute. For every 1 tablespoon of tomato paste needed, use 3 tablespoons of tomato puree or sauce.

Can I use tomato paste instead of crushed tomatoes? ›

Dilute this with equal parts water or broth (so mix ¼ cup tomato paste with ¼ chicken broth, for example, to replace ½ cup crushed tomatoes) to mimic a similar consistency to tomato sauce. This won't have the chunks, but shouldn't taste too far off.

Is there a difference between red enchilada sauce and enchilada sauce? ›

The main difference is that red sauce is made from dried red chile peppers instead of green peppers, and the spices used are sometimes slightly different.

What is the secret to non soggy enchiladas? ›

To prevent your tortillas from tearing or becoming soggy, quickly fry each corn tortilla in any oil you like for about 10 seconds on each side, until it starts to get crispy but is still pliable. This will add a barrier that will keep the tortilla from absorbing too much sauce, and also adds a little extra flavor.

What is a good mild enchilada sauce? ›

Use Las Palmas® Mild Red Enchilada Sauce to make a delicious Mexican staple. Offering a mild level of spice to enhance but not overpower your enchiladas, this sauce is sure to make your meal a hit.

What is the red sauce in Mexican restaurants? ›

Salsa roja ( lit. 'red sauce') is a type of spicy red sauce in Mexican cuisine. It is made of jitomate (red tomato), ground with onion, garlic, chilli, salt and pepper to taste.

What is normal enchilada sauce called? ›

The most common “red” enchilada sauce may also be called salsa roja, salsa roja para enchiladas, or mole rojo. This is a sauce made out of ancho/pasilla/New Mexico and/or Cascabel chiles, onion, garlic, tomatoes, broth, cumin, oregano, etc.

Why is red enchilada sauce so bitter? ›

If you taste your enchilada sauce and find it has a bitter or sour aftertaste, this could be simply due to the acidity of the peppers or tomato, if added. Not to worry. Mix in agave syrup or brown sugar, starting with 1/2 teaspoon and adding more until the taste is evened out to your liking.

How to turn tomato paste into sauce? ›

Tomatoes are flexible and you switch paste for sauce with a little kitchen wizardry. Add one cup of water to three-quarters of a cup of tomato paste to get a tomato base with the same consistency as tomato sauce. Then add a little sugar and a generous amount of salt, pepper, and garlic and onion powder.

What makes enchiladas taste better? ›

Sliced radishes, crunchy pickled red onions or jalapenos, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro lighten a heavy, cheesy sauce, lending fresh flavor and bold color. Take simple beef enchiladas in a Tex-Mex direction with dollops of sour cream and chopped raw onion.

How do you reduce bitterness in enchilada sauce? ›

Before you assemble your enchiladas, heat the sauce up and whisk in a little flour and sugar to taste. The flour will neutralize some of the bitterness and thicken the sauce a bit in the process. This can be a good thing, too, as canned enchilada sauce is usually a little thin in consistency.

What can I use if I don't have tomato sauce? ›

Tomato Paste

This umami-rich paste can transform into a makeshift tomato sauce when mixed with water. Here's how: Sauté tomato paste in olive oil with minced garlic, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Add water, roughly following a ratio of 1:1, tomato paste to water, and mix well.

Does tomato paste work the same as tomato sauce? ›

Tomato sauce is thinner than both tomato puree and tomato paste and it is seasoned. Tomato puree provides a rich tomato taste in a thick sauce with no seasonings whatsoever. Tomato paste has the thickest texture and consistency of all three and is used to add a savory, cooked brown note to your dishes.

How much tomato paste for 8 ounces of tomato sauce? ›

Tomato Paste Substitute From Tomato Sauce

Simmer, stirring constantly, for about 7 minutes, or until reduced by about two-thirds. Use a splatter screen to avoid a mess from the bubbling as the mixture thickens. You should have about 3 ounces of tomato paste from an 8-ounce can.

How to thin tomato paste? ›

You can thin out tomato paste by adding equal parts liquid (such as plain water or broth) to paste and whisking the two together until you get a thinner product. If it's hard to combine the two, heating the mixture gently on the stovetop can help blend them together.

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