We’re all about making meals fun, especially when enchilada sauce is MIA. Imagine craving that saucy hit, only to find none in your pantry. No worries, we’ve got substitutes that save the day.
We’ve tried them all—each one has saved us during those desperate moments. Substitutes with unique twists sure to intrigue. Mix flavors and textures like we do. Cooking remains a joy and never mundane.
We share our personal faves so you can improvise like pros. Our options bring excitement back to the table. Enjoy, experiment, and swap out with confidence. Spice things up, but keep it simple. Adjust these ideas to fit your tastes.
7 Enchilada Sauce Alternatives You Can Use
Here are our top 7 picks for enchilada sauce substitutes:
1 – Tomato Sauce with Spices
Tomato sauce steps in smoothly. When enchilada sauce is absent, we grab tomato sauce. We kick it up with a dash of cumin and chili powder. Our go-to for that spicy layer. Tomato sauce blends well with spices. It carries flavors effortlessly. The texture is just right.
A can is usually in our pantry. Pair experts suggest 1 cup tomato sauce for 1 cup enchilada sauce. Easy-peasy recipe. Feel free to mix it up. We sprinkle some garlic powder in ours. Testing different spices is fun for us. Personal tweaks make it ours.
2 – Salsa
We grab salsa when we’re out of enchilada sauce. It’s a quick swap. Salsa has a spicy kick, adding interesting depth of flavor. It brings onions, peppers, and tomatoes in a chunky form. You might find it a bit thicker than the usual enchilada sauce. Adjust with water if needed. A texture change is sometimes fun.
Pair salsa with equal parts enchilada sauce in recipes. Use 1 cup salsa for 1 cup enchilada sauce. Any spice level works. We switch between mild and hot when friends come over. Keep a jar in the pantry for taco emergencies.
3 – Taco Sauce
Taco sauce swoops in as a great enchilada sauce stand-in. Flavor? Deliciously spicy. Texture? Smooth with a slight tang. Bonus: it’s already packed with rich flavors.
Use sparingly; a little goes far. We suggest a 1:1 ratio. One cup of taco sauce equals one cup of enchilada sauce. Easy swap, folks.
We keep it stocked for quick dinners. Pleased with the result every time. Taco sauce brings a simple spicy zest. Enhances any dish with minimal fuss. Great alternative for enchiladas. Grab that bottle, folks, and get versatile with taco sauce.
4 – Tomato Paste with Water and Chili Powder
We often grab tomato paste to replace enchilada sauce. Works great with chili powder. Bold flavors emerge quickly. Mix paste with water. Texture changes yet stays relevant. Ratio is simple: combine 1 tablespoon each paste and water with chili spice.
Quick pantry hero shines again. We improvise when sauces are missing. This blend adjusts spice levels easily. Extra cumin spices things up. Tomato paste is budget-friendly. Chili powder keeps it spicy. Substitutes like this make meals manageable. Using paste lets us control thickness, a pro for tweaks. Handy for spicy seasoning. Enjoy our quirky concoction!
5 – Ranchero Sauce
We know ranchero sauce as the nod to Mexican flavors our meals need. Rich tomatoes and warm spices come together. It’s like that classic movie you play again and again. Swap equal parts ranchero for enchilada sauce.
Ranchero sauce channels earthy chili vibes. Pair it with beans or eggs for kicks. Store-bought versions hit the mark. You’ll appreciate its spicy hit and zesty color.
Pours seamlessly over dishes, keeping them moist. Easy mix in the pot, no mess. Ranchero plays the saucy role effortlessly. Restaurants have nothing on our home trials with this. Keep some handy; it’s a flavorful ace.
6 – Adobo Sauce
Adobo sauce stands out. We pour it thick over dishes in place of enchilada sauce. Flavor jumps at you with smoky, pepper-kissed essence. Ideal for twists and quick fixes.
Try using adobo sauce for half the amount of enchilada sauce needed. Ratio usually works as 1/2 cup adobo to 1 cup enchilada sauce. Adobo hugs flavors tight. Spice lingers, no problem with bold taste.
We enjoy its vibrant kick. Differentiate your meal with a new level of heat. It melds with meats and veggies. Keep a can of this spicy amigo nearby. The result? Zesty dishes in a snap.
7 – Homemade Enchilada Sauce
We all know that homemade enchilada sauce stands as an option. It’s a breeze. One cup homemade sauce substitutes for one cup of enchilada sauce. We whisk up a mix of tomato sauce, spices, and broth. The spices pack flavor.
We adjust the thickness by tweaking the ingredients. Making this sauce allows for spice level control. Experimentation keeps it fresh. Ingredients are easy to source. Our blend develops a nice finish.
We savor the handmade touch. Every batch is unique. Measurements cater to personal taste. Regular pantry stocks suffice. This homemade variant feels comforting.
Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.