The Taco Bell Diablo Sauce recipe is bold, spicy and smoky. It is one of the hottest sauces served at Taco Bell.
Fans love its deep flavor with real heat that lingers. Making it at home is easy and allows you to adjust the spice.
This sauce is great for tacos, burritos, quesadillas and even grilled meats. The mix of peppers, vinegar and spices creates a sauce that tastes very close to the original. If you love fiery flavor, this recipe is perfect for you.
When I First Introduced To Taco Bell Diablo Sauce Recipe
I first tried the Taco Bell Diablo Sauce on a road trip. The heat surprised me, but I loved the taste. That moment made me curious to recreate it at home.
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Servings: About 2 cups sauce
- Calories: ~15 per tablespoon
- Course: Sauce / Condiment
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Equipment List
- Medium saucepan
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender or food processor
- Fine strainer (optional)
- Storage jar or bottle
Ingredients List
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 dried guajillo chilies
- 2 dried ancho chilies
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo (canned)
- 3 fresh jalapeños, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Step by Step (Preparation)
Step 1:
Soak guajillo and ancho chilies in hot water for 20 minutes.
Step 2:
Drain and remove seeds from chilies.
Step 3:
Place chilies, jalapeños, garlic and onion in a blender.
Step 4:
Add water, tomato paste, vinegar and chipotle peppers. Blend smooth.
Step 5:
Pour mixture into a saucepan over medium heat.
Step 6:
Add paprika, cayenne, salt, black pepper and sugar. Stir well.
Step 7:
Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened and flavors blend.
Step 8:
Taste and adjust spice level if needed.
Step 9:
Cool, strain if desired and store in a jar.
Recipe Tips
- Use dried chilies for authentic flavor depth.
- Add more cayenne if you like extra heat.
- A blender makes the sauce smooth and silky.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Always taste and adjust spice before storing.
Best Ways To Use Taco Bell Diablo Sauce
- Tacos: Add a fiery kick to beef or chicken tacos.
- Burritos: Drizzle inside for a spicy surprise.
- Quesadillas: Use as a dipping sauce for cheese-filled quesadillas.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Let the sauce cool completely before storing.
- Store in a clean, airtight glass jar.
- Keep refrigerated for up to two weeks.
- Always use a clean spoon when serving.
- Freeze in small portions for longer storage.
- Thaw frozen sauce overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat gently on low heat in a saucepan.
- Stir often to avoid sticking or burning.
- Do not boil the sauce while reheating.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Conclusion
The Taco Bell Diablo Sauce recipe is hot, smoky and full of flavor. It brings the same fiery taste you love from the restaurant.
With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can enjoy this sauce anytime at home. Perfect for spice lovers who enjoy bold flavors.
Taco Bell Diablo Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup tomato paste
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 2 dried guajillo chilies
- 2 dried ancho chilies
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo canned
- 3 fresh jalapeños chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 small onion chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
Step 1:
- Soak guajillo and ancho chilies in hot water for 20 minutes.
Step 2:
- Drain and remove seeds from chilies.
Step 3:
- Place chilies, jalapeños, garlic and onion in a blender.
Step 4:
- Add water, tomato paste, vinegar and chipotle peppers. Blend smooth.
Step 5:
- Pour mixture into a saucepan over medium heat.
Step 6:
- Add paprika, cayenne, salt, black pepper and sugar. Stir well.
Step 7:
- Simmer for 15–20 minutes until thickened and flavors blend.
Step 8:
- Taste and adjust spice level if needed.
Step 9:
- Cool, strain if desired and store in a jar.
Notes
- Use dried chilies for authentic flavor depth.
- Add more cayenne if you like extra heat.
- A blender makes the sauce smooth and silky.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Always taste and adjust spice before storing.
FAQs About Taco Bell Diablo Sauce Recipe
Is Taco Bell Diablo Sauce very spicy?
Yes, Diablo Sauce is very spicy compared to other Taco Bell sauces. It has a strong chili heat with smoky flavor. You can reduce spice by using fewer chipotle peppers or less cayenne.
Can I store homemade Diablo Sauce in the fridge?
Yes, you can store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to two weeks. Always use a clean spoon when serving to keep it safe.
Can I freeze Taco Bell Diablo Sauce?
Yes, this sauce freezes well. Pour it into small freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before using again.
What can I use Diablo Sauce for besides tacos?
You can use it on burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and burgers. It also works well as a dipping sauce or marinade for chicken and beef.
How can I make Diablo Sauce less spicy?
Remove chili seeds and reduce cayenne pepper. You can also add a little honey or tomato paste to balance heat and flavor.
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.
