Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce

The easiest/tastiest homemade gluten-free enchilada sauce! This recipe is easy-to-make and way more flavorful than any store-bought sauce. Plus you can rest easy knowing it’s 100% gluten-free!

Use this sauce to make these delicious gluten-free enchiladas!

The key to making amazing enchiladas is to start with a great enchilada sauce. This enchilada sauce has become my go-to over the years!

It has the perfect balance of flavors and comes together in until 30 minutes. It’s also the base for my very favorite gluten-free chicken enchiladas!

For more naturally gluten-free Mexican recipes try these slow-cooker pinto beans, keto taco casserole, slow-cooker pork tacos, chicken enchiladas suizas or instant pot chicken tortilla soup.

Is enchilada sauce gluten-free?

Not all brands of store-bought enchilada sauce are gluten-free. Check the label carefully and look for certified gluten-free products. However, this gluten-free enchilada sauce is so tasty you won’t want to go back to the store-bought kind again.

For another gluten-free sauce, try this gluten-free stir-fry sauce we use in out favorite gluten-free chicken stir-fry. You also might like this gluten-free cheese sauce or gluten-free bbq sauce.

You also might like these recipes for gluten-free tacos and gluten-free taco seasoning.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This sauce is made with easy-to-find pantry staples. Here are a few notes on some of the key ingredients. If you have any more questions on ingredients leave me a comment below and I’d be happy to help!

• Onion/jalapeno: I love the flavor of fresh vegetables in this sauce. After the sauce has simmered you blend it until it’s smooth. The onions/jalapeno will blend up and help thicken the sauce.
• Tomato sauce: Use a canned tomato sauce you like the flavor of.
• Chili powder/oregano/cumin: For the perfect balance of seasoning and flavor.
• Brown sugar: Adds a little sweetness to the sauce and brings out the flavors.
• Chicken stock: You can easily use vegetable stock (or even water) if you prefer. Using a stock will lend more flavor than using water.
• Salt: Be sure to add an extra pinch of salt to the sauce when it’s all finished if needed!

Tip: For a mild sauce remove the ribs/seeds from the jalapeno. For a spicer sauce leave jalapeno seeds and ribs in.

How to Make the Sauce

• In a large saucepan, add the onion, jalapeno and oil. Cook on medium heat until the vegetables have softened, 8-10 minutes.
• Stir in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano, sugar and salt and cook until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
• Add the tomato sauce and chicken stock and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Blend the Sauce

Blending the sauce is optional but recommended! For a smoother/thicker sauce, carefully pour the sauce into a blender and blend until smooth. Season the sauce with another pinch of salt before using.

How to use Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce

This enchilada sauce is so versatile! It makes a flavorful base for so many dishes. Add this sauce too:

• These Gluten-Free Red Sauce Chicken Enchiladas
• Toss with chicken sprinkle over tortilla chips for nachos
• Add some sauce to meat and wrap in gluten-free tortillas
• Add to enchilada soup

More Gluten-Free Recipes

I hope you like this recipe as much as we do. If you try it please leave me a comment/rating below. We’d love to hear from you!