Add some zing and extra flavor to Mexican night with Homemade Taco Sauce! Simple to make, this tomato based sauce is a little bit spicy, sweet, and smoky. Serve this sauce with all of your favorite Mexican foods!
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Easy Taco Sauce
If you love Mexican food as much as I do, a good taco sauce is a must! Whether you use it as a cooking sauce, dipping sauce, or drizzled on top, this is an easy way to add amazing flavor to your favorite meals.
Skip the pre-made sauce and quickly whip up a batch of this from-scratch taco sauce. It’s fresh, zingy, zippy, and adds that little something extra to tacos, salads, enchiladas, and more!
Be sure to try my Crockpot Spaghetti Sauce and Marinara Sauce Recipe, too!
Why You’ll Love this Taco Sauce Recipe:
Once you make homemade taco sauce, nothing else will compare!
How to Make Homemade Taco Sauce
You can jump to the recipe card for full ingredients & instructions!
- Combine all of the ingredients in a pot.
- Simmer the sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
Taco sauce is a smooth and thick tomato based sauce. It’s made with spices that are commonly used in Mexican cooking and is smoky, sweet, and a little spicy.
This sauce has about medium heat. Adjust the spices for a milder or hotter sauce as needed.
If your taco sauce is too thin, let it simmer for another 5-10 minutes. It will also thicken as it cools.
Yes. Simply double the ingredients and follow the instructions as written. A double batch may take longer to thicken, so keep an eye on the sauce while it cooks.
Serving Suggestions
I use this taco sauce to finish so many recipes, from steak tacos to taco spaghetti or taco burgers! Some of my favorite ways to use it are:
- As the base of Mexican pizza
- In 7-layer dip
- Stirred into cooked shredded chicken for easy tacos
- Drizzled on top of taco salad or into taco bags
You’ll find so many uses for this flavor-packed sauce!
Tips!
- Make sure to really mix the ingredients together in the pot before bringing to a simmer.
- Cook the sauce uncovered at a gentle simmer, not a boil.
- Let the sauce cool completely before storing.
Adjust the spices and flavors of this homemade taco sauce recipe to your preferences! Homemade always tastes best.
How can I make this sauce spicier?
To make this taco sauce spicier, add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.
Can I make a smoky variation?
The smoked paprika adds smoky flavor to this sauce. To increase this flavor profile, try adding a little liquid smoke to the sauce while it simmers.
How long does taco sauce last?
Store cooled taco sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
More Homemade Sauce Recipes We Love
This taco sauce is a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again!
More Easy Mexican Recipes to Try:
- Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas
- Crispy Turkey Tacos
- Pulled Beef Burritos
- Chicken Quesadillas
- Esquites (Mexican Corn Salad)
- Mexican Potato Skins
If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.
Homemade Taco Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 24 ounces tomato sauce or tomato passata sauce
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup white vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons corn syrup
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¾ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground chipotle pepper
- ½ teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon table salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients together in a large saucepan set over medium-low heat and bring to a simmer.24 ounces tomato sauce, ½ cup water, ½ cup white vinegar, 1 ½ tablespoons corn syrup, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, ¾ teaspoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon ground chipotle pepper, ½ teaspoon sweet paprika, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon table salt, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring often, until desired consistency. Serve and enjoy!
Video
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
Don’t knock it until you try it!
It seems I’m not able to save this recipe to my Pinterest. This has happened to me in the past.
It could be something on your browser, as it just worked on my end!