Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce Recipe

The Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce Recipe is rich, flavorful and easy to make at home. It adds bold Mexican taste to enchiladas, tacos and casseroles.

Many people love this sauce because it is smooth, slightly spicy and ready in minutes. You do not need canned sauces or complex ingredients.

With this recipe, you can enjoy homemade enchiladas anytime. It’s perfect for family dinners or casual weeknight meals. Today, I will share how to make Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce from scratch.

My Experience With This Recipe

I first tried this recipe when I wanted fresh homemade enchiladas. The sauce smelled amazing while cooking. It was thick, smooth and had just the right spice.

Pouring it over enchiladas made them look rich and delicious. My family loved the flavor and everyone asked for seconds. I liked how easy it was to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Now, I always make this sauce for enchiladas and Mexican-inspired dishes. It adds warmth and flavor to every meal.

Recipe Card info

  • Recipe Name: Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce
  • Servings: 6 servings
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Course: Sauce / Condiment
  • Cuisine: Mexican-American
  • Calories: 45 kcal per serving
Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce Recipe
Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Equipment List

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Blender or immersion blender (optional for smooth sauce)

Ingredients You Need for Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Make a Roux

Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for one minute until slightly golden.

2. Add Chili Powder

Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

3. Pour in Broth

Slowly add chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Stir until smooth.

4. Add Tomato Sauce

Add tomato sauce to the pan. Mix well until combined. Reduce heat to low.

5. Simmer the Sauce

Let the sauce simmer for ten minutes. Stir occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and have a smooth texture.

6. Season to Taste

Add salt and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust spices if needed. Remove from heat when ready.

7. Optional Smooth Finish

If you like a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or regular blender. Blend until creamy and silky.

Recipe Tips

  • Use fresh chili powder for better flavor
  • Stir constantly to avoid lumps in the roux
  • Adjust cayenne pepper for mild or spicy sauce
  • Simmer gently to prevent burning
  • Can be made ahead and stored in fridge

Nutrition Information

NutrientAmount per serving
Calories45 kcal
Fat2 g
Carbohydrates5 g
Protein1 g
Sodium210 mg

Serving Suggestions

Use this sauce for classic enchiladas, chicken or beef tacos, burrito bowls or nachos. Pour over baked enchiladas before adding cheese. It also works as a dipping sauce. Serve hot to enjoy full flavor.

Best Sides To Serve With

Mexican rice and refried beans are perfect sides. Serve with tortilla chips or a fresh salad. Guacamole and salsa complement the sauce beautifully. Cilantro and lime wedges add extra freshness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to maintain smooth texture. Can also be frozen for up to three months.

Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce Recipe

Sara Collins
The Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce Recipe is rich, flavorful and easy to make at home. It adds bold Mexican taste to enchiladas, tacos and casseroles.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine Mexican-American
Servings 6
Calories 45 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
  • 1 can 8 ounces tomato sauce
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for spice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions
 

Make a Roux

  • Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk constantly for one minute until slightly golden.

Add Chili Powder

  • Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in Broth

  • Slowly add chicken broth while whisking to prevent lumps. Stir until smooth.

Add Tomato Sauce

  • Add tomato sauce to the pan. Mix well until combined. Reduce heat to low.

Simmer the Sauce

  • Let the sauce simmer for ten minutes. Stir occasionally. The sauce should thicken slightly and have a smooth texture.

Season to Taste

  • Add salt and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust spices if needed. Remove from heat when ready.

Optional Smooth Finish

  • If you like a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or regular blender. Blend until creamy and silky.

Notes

  • Use fresh chili powder for better flavor
  • Stir constantly to avoid lumps in the roux
  • Adjust cayenne pepper for mild or spicy sauce
  • Simmer gently to prevent burning
  • Can be made ahead and stored in fridge
Keyword Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce Recipe

FAQs about Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce

Can I make this sauce vegetarian?
Yes, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The flavor will remain rich and delicious.

Is it possible to make it spicier?
Yes, add more cayenne pepper or smoked paprika. Taste gradually to avoid overpowering the sauce.

Can I use canned tomato puree instead of tomato sauce?
Yes, canned tomato puree works well. Adjust liquid by adding a little more broth to reach desired thickness.

Can this sauce be made ahead of time?
Absolutely, make it a day ahead. Store in fridge and reheat before serving. Flavors improve over time.

How long can I keep leftover sauce?
Keep it refrigerated for up to five days or freeze for three months. Reheat gently when ready to use.

Conclusion

The Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce Recipe is easy, flavorful and versatile. It transforms homemade enchiladas into restaurant-quality dishes.

With simple ingredients and short cooking steps, anyone can make it. Learning how to make Pioneer Woman Enchilada Sauce ensures delicious enchiladas anytime.

This sauce is perfect for family dinners, casual meals or party nights. Try it once and it will become your go-to enchilada sauce. Homemade flavor always tastes better.

Sara Collins is a food blogger at TastyDive. She shares simple and family-friendly recipes made with everyday ingredients. Her mission is to help home cooks enjoy tasty meals without stress.