This creamy red enchilada sauce has intense flavor from chili powder, ancho chili, cumin, oregano, onion powder and garlic powder. Tomato sauce and lime juice give it just the right amount of acidity and heavy cream adds a luscious richness. The sauce goes very well with creamy enchilada fillings and is quick and easy to make.
Sauce ingredients and notes:
Chili powder is a common ingredient in red enchilada sauce recipes but in addition to that I also added ancho chili powder here. Ancho chili (which is dried and ground poblano peppers) gives this sauce an earthy and lightly smoky flavor that adds intensity and a lot of complexity.
Photos of the recipe process:
- Melt butter and stir in flour to make a roux.
- Stir in spices and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth and tomato sauce. Cook until starting to thicken.
- Whisk in cream and lime juice.
Full Recipe
Creamy Red Enchilada Sauce
Use this creamy red enchilada sauce with creamy enchilada fillings. Makes about 1 ¼ cup.
Equipment:
Ingredients:
Method:
- Melt the butter in a pot or a large pan.1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- Whisk in the flour to make a roux. Cook until the mix is completely smooth and starts to bubble.1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- Whisk in chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, cumin and ancho chili powder. Cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).1 tablespoon chili powder*, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried oregano**, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
- Stir in chicken broth and tomato sauce. Cook, whisking continuously, until starting to thicken (1 to 3 minutes).¾ cup chicken broth, ½ cup canned tomato sauce
- Take off the heat, then stir in cream, followed by lime juice.3 tablespoons heavy cream, ½ teaspoon lime juice
- If not using immediately, store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. Consume within 3 days.
Recipe notes:
*You can use mild, medium or hot chili powder, depending on how spicy you would like the sauce to be. **I prefer Mexican oregano but you can use any variety of oregano you have available.
Did you make this recipe?Please consider leaving a review- THANK YOU!
Nutrition (estimate only):
More delicious Mexican recipes:
- This fajita taco salad recipe has flavorful fried steak bites and a creamy chili oregano dressing.
- For two great recipes with Mexican chorizo try these chicken and chorizo fajitas and these shrimp and chorizo tacos.
- This Mexican spice rub for chicken has a bold flavor from both chili and chipotle powder.
GABRIELA says
It was so easy to make and it was delicious, thank you!
Nicole B. says
I love to hear that, Gabriela! Thanks so much for making the recipe and leaving feedback!