Blending Taco Sauce
This sauce can be enjoyed as is, but will be slightly chunky due to the onions. For a smooth sauce, use a blender or an immersion blender after cooking. Be careful when blending hot liquids – let the sauce cool slightly and blend in batches if necessary. This taco sauce is no different. It is made with simple spices and a tomato base. It is easy to make, and so delicious on tacos. You will love this simple and delicious sauce!
Olive oil: Used to cook the garlic and onion. Yellow onion: Adds a savory depth and slight sweetness to the sauce. I like to blend the sauce at the end, but if you don’t want to do that, make sure to dice the onion fine. Garlic: Adds another layer of flavor to the sauce. Kosher salt: If you’re using table salt, start with half of the amount. Cumin: Adds an earthy and slightly spicy flavor to the sauce. It’s a common spice in many Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, contributing to the distinctive taste of taco sauce. Chili powder: Adds a smoky and subtle heat to the sauce. Paprika: Provides a mild, sweet, and slightly peppery flavor to the sauce. It also gives the sauce a vibrant red color. Cayenne pepper: Adds a fiery kick to the sauce. A perk of making your own sauce is adjusting the heat to your preferences. If you like a spicier sauce, increase the amount of cayenne pepper after you taste the sauce. Tomato sauce: Canned tomato sauce is just pureed tomatoes. It forms the base of the taco sauce, providing a rich, tangy flavor and smooth texture. Chicken stock: Thins the sauce so it pours easily and adds depth and richness that plain water wouldn’t. White vinegar: Provides acidity and tanginess to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes and sugar which helps to enhance the overall flavor of the sauce. Sugar: Brings a touch of sweetness to the sauce, rounding out its flavors and balancing the acidity of the tomatoes and vinegar, just like in my homemade spaghetti sauce recipe.
Make it spicier: Add more cayenne pepper to make the taco sauce spicier. Decrease heat: Adding a bit more sugar can help balance the heat by adding sweetness. Adjust the consistency: If the sauce still seems too thick, or was simmered over too high of a heat, add more chicken broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
How to Use Taco Sauce
Using taco sauce is easy and adds delicious flavor to your tacos and nachos! Once you’ve prepared your taco ingredients (this taco meat recipe is delicious), simply spoon some taco sauce over the top. Taco sauce adds a zesty kick to your tacos with its blend of spices and tomatoes. It is also delicious on my Mexican Pizza and on taco pizza!
Storing Leftover Sauce
Store any leftover taco sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. I love to keep mine in a glass jar with a lid for easy use for lots of recipes. Always use your best discretion with anything leftover.
Freezing Taco Sauce
If you want your taco sauce to last longer than a week, freeze it! Put it in a freezer-safe container and keep it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the sauce in the fridge or on the counter and enjoy!
Other Taco Inspired Recipes
Taco Pinwheel Recipe Taco Salad Recipe Walking Taco Casserole
After you make this taco sauce recipe, leave me a comment and let me know how you like it. It makes my day to hear from you!
