Gluten-Free Enchilada Sauce

Name: Gluten Free Enchilada Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Ingredients: 2 tbsp. olive oil; 2 tbsp. gluten-free flour; 2 tbsp. chili powder (✅ ); 1 tbsp. cumin (✅ ); 1 tsp. garlic powder (✅ ); 1 tsp. onion powder (✅ ); 1/4 tsp. salt; 1 1/2 cups water; 10.5 oz. tomato paste

Our gluten-free enchilada sauce recipe is made from ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Made in just 10 minutes this sauce tastes amazing, saves money, and freezes great!

One of the easiest and most versatile ways to use leftover meats (chicken, pork, beef, etc.) is in enchiladas. But the star of the enchilada is not the meat, it is the sauce! Our homemade sauce is definitely a recipe that tastes better from scratch.

It has all the flavor you need to create a family friendly meal any night of the week. For more easy weeknight meals, check out No-Boil Lasagna, Oven Baked Chicken Tacos, Turkey Burgers in the Oven and our Beef Chimichanga Recipe.

homemade gluten free enchilada sauce in mason jar

Homemade Enchilada Sauce

This easy enchilada sauce recipe is so delicious and simple enough to make. We originally stumbled upon this 10 Minute Enchilada Sauce on AllRecipes.Com due to poor planning. In the middle of making dinner, we realized we had everything to make enchiladas expect the sauce. And we all know the best part of the enchiladas is…

Now that our family has gone gluten-free, we quickly turned this homemade sauce gluten-free without compromising flavor!

Not only does our homemade sauce have the perfect balance of spices, but it also passes the kid test. This recipe makes enough to use half and freeze half (find instructions below), which is always a bonus.

Ready to get started? Gather the equipment and ingredients then follow the written instructions or printable recipe card below. Enjoy!

ingredients for gluten free enchilada sauce on sheet pan

Equipment

large skillet
measuring cups and spoons
whisk

Ingredients

2 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. gluten-free flour
2 tbsp. chili powder ✅
1 tbsp. cumin ✅
1 tsp. garlic powder ✅
1 tsp. onion powder ✅
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cups water
10.5 oz. tomato paste

Gluten-Free Guide: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten.

gluten free flour and spices in pan for enchilada sauce

How To Make Enchilada Sauce

Heat olive oil in a saucepan. Whisk in the gluten-free flour, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Lower heat and stir constantly for 30 seconds. Gradually add water while whisking.

more ingredients added to enchilada sauce

Add the tomato paste

Stir in tomato paste and spices, let simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Serve

Use in your favorite recipes or freeze for later.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to thicken red enchilada sauce?

Thicken by letting the sauce simmer over low heat for an additional 5-10 minutes or until the desired thickness is reached. With time, the water will evaporate from the sauce creating a thicker consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent the sauce from burning.

How to serve this enchilada sauce recipe?

Our favorite way is definitely poured over enchiladas (find a quick recipe below!) but this sauce is also fantastic drizzled over tacos, burritos or even a taco salad.

How to store gluten-free enchilada sauce?

Store in an airtight jar for up to 3 days in the fridge or up to 3 months in the freezer.

How to freeze enchilada sauce?

Cool the sauce completely then pour into a freezer safe jar or a Ziploc bag, label and freeze. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge or place under cool running water until thawed.

How much does a single batch make?

A single batch yields 2.5 cups of sauce.

top view of enchilada sauce in mason jar

Quick Enchiladas

For easy chicken enchiladas, mix leftover shredded or diced meat, rotisserie chicken, or canned chicken with 3 TBSP chili powder, 2 TBSP cumin, and a can of diced green chilis {or just a packet of gluten-free taco seasoning}. Mix in 1 can of refried beans or use this simple and delicious Crockpot Refried Beans Recipe.

Pro Tip: I have found mixing the beans right into the meat works like a charm every time if you have a family member who is not fond of beans – they never even notice!

Scoop the mixture onto a tortilla and roll up. Place rolled tortillas in a baking dish, cover with enchilada sauce (half of this homemade recipe), and top with 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese. Cook 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.

Enchilada Recipes

Here is the fun part- you can make so many variations to this basic recipe.

Add sour cream or Greek yogurt to the enchilada before rolling them up for a creamy filling.

Add black olives, green onions, and diced tomatoes on top before, or after, baking.

Try with different meats, try without meat and use more beans, the possibilities are endless!

More Homemade Gluten Free Sauces

CKC Features both Gluten-Free Guidance and Kids Cooking Instructions: If you’re new to eating gluten-free we understand it’s overwhelming trying to figure out which foods may contain gluten and which ones don’t. All of our gluten-free recipes marked with this symbol ✅ represent foods that need to be checked for gluten or cross-contamination.

The ⭐️ symbol in the recipe below denotes the steps in which kid cooks may need a helper (depending on age). If there is no ⭐️ symbol, that step (or recipe) doesn’t require a helper.

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