This easy recipe is proof that homemade taco sauce is cheaper and way more delicious than the store-bought stuff. And yet, too often we settle for jarred or canned versions as we scoop up ingredients at the market to make our favorite taco recipes, enchiladas and Mexican meat loaf. That all ends with this taco sauce recipe.
This taco sauce is made with pantry ingredients like tomato sauce, cumin and other spices, dried minced onion and honey. The sauce is ready in less than 20 minutes, and you can use it right away or stash it for later. This is one of our fave homemade condiment recipes to keep on standby in the kitchen.
Is taco sauce just salsa?
Taco sauce and salsa are both are key ingredients and condiments for Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes, and they come in mild and spicy versions. But there are some key differences between the two. Most salsa recipes are a blend of chopped vegetables like peppers, tomatoes, onions and other ingredients. Salsas may also include fruit, black beans, corn and cilantro. A salsa may be chunky, finely textured or saucy. It may be cooked or raw.
A taco sauce recipe, on the other hand, makes a smooth, reddish-orange sauce made with spicy cayenne pepper, tomato sauce, spices, vinegar for a little tang and a touch of sweetness from sugar or honey. The smooth consistency makes taco sauce versatile. It’s used to build and flavor recipes, and it can be blended into soups, dips and sauces. (And it’s the best condiment for these copycat Taco Bell recipes!)
Taco Sauce Ingredients
- Tomato sauce: This ingredient is the base of our taco sauce recipe. For the best flavor, choose a canned sauce made with good tomatoes such as San Marzano.
- Chili powder: Made with chile peppers and other spices like cumin, garlic, oregano and coriander, chili powder adds lots of flavor to taco sauce. It will also add a little heat the sauce.
- Cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper is made only with spicy-hot cayenne peppers. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper you add to control how spicy your taco sauce turns out.
Directions
Step 1: Combine the ingredients
Place all the ingredients—tomato sauce, water, vinegar, dried onion, chili powder, honey, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper and salt—in a small saucepan. Stir to combine the ingredients.
Step 2: Simmer
Set the burner to medium-low heat, and bring the mixture just to a simmer. Stir the sauce occasionally while you simmer it for five to seven minutes, until it’s slightly thickened. The taco sauce is now ready! Use it right away while still warm, or let the sauce cool before spooning into containers to store.
Taco Sauce Variations
- Bring the heat: This taco sauce has a medium heat level. You can make it extra spicy by adding more cayenne pepper. (A little goes a long way, so add just a little extra at a time!) Or for a milder sauce, use half of the cayenne pepper.
- Make it smoky: Give your taco sauce a smoky touch by using smoked paprika instead of sweet. A teaspoon or two of chipotle sauce (found in cans of chipotle peppers) will also add a smoky flavor. Just keep in mind that chipotle sauce also adds more heat.
How to Store Taco Sauce
Keep your taco sauce covered in an airtight dish in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to three days.
Can you freeze taco sauce?
Yes, you can freeze taco sauce. It’s a recipe worth doubling or tripling! Pour cooled taco sauce into freezer-safe resealable bags or airtight containers, and keep them in the freezer for up to one year. A good idea is to portion the sauce into quarter-cup- or half-cup-sized amounts to make them easy to grab for recipes. You can also freeze taco sauce in an ice cube tray, then transfer the solid cubes to a freezer-safe bag. (Each cube will be roughly 1 ounce.)
Taco Sauce Tips
Does taco sauce have to be refrigerated?
Some people may advocate for storing ketchup and other tomato-based condiments at room temperature, but it’s best to refrigerate them—and that goes for taco sauce, too. Refrigeration helps preserve the flavors, and it prevents off-flavors or mold from forming. If you need your taco sauce to be warm before using, just reheat it on the stove or in a microwave.
How do you use homemade taco sauce?
Tacos aren’t the only food you can drizzle with taco sauce. Use it with taco salads, a cheesy beef dip or even taco-filled pasta shells and cheesy taco pasta. It also makes a great dip for baked french fries and beef nachos. In the morning—or during breakfast for dinner—use it instead of hot sauce on your eggs.
