Description

This easy homemade Taco Bell-inspired red sauce is perfect for busy home cooks looking to add a familiar, tangy kick to weeknight meals. It brings beloved drive-thru flavor to your kitchen using simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale

15 g (1 tbsp) Ancho Chili Powder
5 g (1 tsp) Ground Cumin
2 g (0.5 tsp) Garlic Powder
2 g (0.5 tsp) Onion Powder
2 g (0.5 tsp) Smoked Paprika
1 g (0.25 tsp) Cayenne Pepper (optional)
Salt to taste
170 g (6 oz) Tomato Paste
250 mL (1 cup) Vegetable Broth
15 mL (1 tbsp) White Vinegar
5 g (1 tsp) Granulated Sugar
30 mL (2 tbsp) Vegetable Oil

Instructions

Sauté Spices: In a medium saucepan, heat 30 mL (2 tbsp) vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the spices are fragrant.
Whisk in Wet Ingredients: Carefully add the tomato paste to the saucepan, stirring it into the bloomed spices. Then, whisk in the vegetable broth and white vinegar until the mixture is smooth and evenly combined. Stir in the granulated sugar and salt to taste.
Simmer and Thicken: Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Allow it to cook for 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon. Adjust consistency if needed.

Notes

Adjust cayenne pepper for desired heat. Use fresh spices for best flavor; replace old spices regularly. Use vegetable broth for a vegan option. To adjust consistency, simmer longer if too thin, or add broth (or water) if too thick. A whisk or immersion blender can remove lumps for a smoother finish.

Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop, Simmering
Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (30 g)
Calories: 70 calories
Sugar: 6 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 2 g
Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 11 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 1 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: taco bell, red sauce, easy recipe, weeknight meal, homemade sauce, Mexican-inspired, quick, spicy, vegan option