Texas Red Enchilada Sauce
This versatile sauce is perfect for beef or cheese enchiladas, with heat levels adjustable based on your choice of chili powder.

Steps for Texas Red Enchilada Sauce
Here's a step-by-step instructions for making Texas Red Enchilada Sauce:
- Melt butter/margarine in a sauce pan.
- Make a roux by browning flour in melted butter/margarine.
- Add spices and tomato paste; stir until well blended into roux.
- Add water gradually, stirring constantly.
- Heat until boiling.
- Continue simmering and stirring until desired thickness is achieved.
- Taste every so often and adjust spices as needed.
- Once desired consistency and taste is reached, coat the bottom of a pan with the sauce, add freshly rolled enchiladas, then pour the remainder of the red sauce over enchiladas.
- Place pan in oven and cook until enchiladas are done.
Why you'll love Texas Red Enchilada Sauce
- Rich Flavor Profile: Texas Red Enchilada Sauce boasts a complex and robust flavor that combines the heat of chili peppers with aromatic spices, creating a savory sauce that elevates any dish. The depth of flavor enhances traditional enchiladas, tacos, and even stews, making it a versatile addition to various recipes.
- Authentic Ingredients: This sauce is often made from high-quality, authentic ingredients, including ripe tomatoes, chili powder, garlic, and onion. These wholesome components not only contribute to its delicious taste but also ensure that you're getting a product that reflects the rich culinary traditions of Texas and Mexican cuisine.
- Easy to Use: Texas Red Enchilada Sauce is incredibly user-friendly, allowing home cooks to prepare flavorful meals with minimal effort. Whether you're creating a quick weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this sauce can be poured directly onto your dish, saving time while still delivering a homemade taste.

Texas Red Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter or 2 tablespoons margarine
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 5 teaspoons red chili powder
- 1 1⁄2 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 6 ounces tomato paste
- 2 1⁄4 cups water
- salt and pepper
Instructions
-
Melt butter/margarine in a sauce pan.
-
Make a roux by browning flour in melted butter/margarine.
-
Add spices and tomato paste; stir until well blended into roux.
-
Add water gradually, stirring constantly.
-
Heat until boiling.
-
Continue simmering and stirring until desired thickness is achieved.
-
Taste every so often and adjust spices as needed.
-
Once desired consistency and taste is reached, coat the bottom of a pan with the sauce, add freshly rolled enchiladas, then pour the remainder of the red sauce over enchiladas.
-
Place pan in oven and cook until enchiladas are done.
Notes
- When making Texas Red Enchilada Sauce, choose high-quality dried red chiles such as New Mexico or California chiles; toast them lightly before blending to enhance their flavor and aroma, and be sure to remove the stems and seeds for a smoother sauce.
- Balance the sauce's richness by adding ingredients like garlic, onion, and spices (such as cumin and oregano) while adjusting the heat level with chipotle or cayenne pepper; simmer the sauce to deepen the flavors and achieve the desired consistency before using it in your enchiladas.