This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

Red enchilada sauce is as easy as pressing the button on your blender! This homemade enchilada sauce is big on flavor while still being a relatively effortless recipe.

red enchilada sauce in a glass jar on top of a blue cutting board next to fresh ingredients
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email and we’ll send this recipe directly to your inbox! Plus, we’ll send you fresh recipes weekly to inspire you in the kitchen!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Red enchilada sauce is so versatile in a lot of Mexican and Tex-Mex cooking. Usually the slightly spicier version of enchilada sauce, it gives a depth of flavor and elevates the dishes in a way that can’t be replicated with just seasonings.

Difference between enchilada sauces

There’s a difference between this blender red enchilada sauce and authentic enchilada sauce. My version is made to be quick and easy with pantry staples while authentic enchilada sauce is made with dried chili peppers. For a more authentic version, you’ll want to head over to Isabel’s site. For my easy and still very flavorful version, keep on reading.

a spoon dips into red enchilada sauce in a glass jar on top of a blue cutting board

Ingredients for Blender Red Enchilada Sauce

  • Canned whole tomatoes – you’ll want to keep this undrained so you can use the tomato juices!
  • Chili powder
  • Ground cumin
  • Yellow onion
  • Dried oregano
  • Jalapeño – for extra kick, keep the seeds and use the whole jalapeño instead of just half.
  • Garlic
  • Salt

How to Make Red Enchilada Sauce Step by Step

  • Blend. This recipe is beyond easy. Just put all the ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth! Adjust seasonings to taste.

Ways to Use Red Enchilada Sauce

Enchilada sauce is not just for chicken enchiladas! Here are some great ways to use it:

If you want to use enchilada sauce in enchiladas, be sure to use it in Stacked Breakfast Enchiladas, Beef Enchiladas, or Stacked Chicken Enchiladas.

a spoon dips into red enchilada sauce in a glass jar

FAQs

What is the difference between red and green enchilada sauce?

The biggest difference is the ingredients used. In red enchilada sauce, red chilies are used and in green enchilada sauce mostly tomatillos and green chilies are used. Green enchilada sauce is typically milder than red, but both can be adjusted to taste by adding more or less of spicy ingredients like jalapeños or cayenne pepper.

How spicy is red enchilada sauce?

This is subjective and can always be adjusted to taste. Generally it is spicier than green enchilada sauce. If you find you are sensitive to spice, start off with smaller amounts of spice (jalapeño with no seeds, less cayenne pepper) then add more to taste. You can always add more but you can’t take out!

Storage Instructions

This will keep in an airtight jar or container in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email and we’ll send this recipe directly to your inbox! Plus, we’ll send you fresh recipes weekly to inspire you in the kitchen!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
5 from 1 vote

Blender Red Enchilada Sauce

Skip the store-bought enchilada sauce and make this homemade enchilada sauce in the blender!
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 cups

Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 28 ounce (794 g) canned whole tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 ½ tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 large yellow onion, quartered
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ jalapeno, deseeded
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions 

  • Put everything in a blender and blend!
  • Store leftovers in a jar and put in refrigerator for up to one month.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup, Calories: 143kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 1g, Fiber: 10g, Sugar: 16g

This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition information can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.

The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

You May Also Like...

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




3 Comments

  1. I SO need to freeze a batch of this!! will make winter enchiladas so much easier to deal with :)