Homemade Taco Sauce Recipe

Chili Pepper Madness

Video Stats

Host: Chili Pepper Madness
Published: Jun 11, 2025
Views: 22.6k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 10 min
Cook: 20 min
Difficulty: Beginner
Serves: 4

Overview

This Homemade Taco Sauce is a game changer for anyone who loves tacos. The base of pureed tomato and vinegar creates a rich foundation, while the blend of spices like chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder adds depth and warmth. The optional honey provides a subtle sweetness that balances the heat from the cayenne, making it customizable to your taste preferences.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adjust the spice levels by adding more cayenne or even experimenting with different chili powders. The sauce is not just for tacos; it can elevate burritos, enchiladas, and even serve as a zesty dip for fries or sandwiches. The ability to tweak the ingredients means you can create a sauce that perfectly suits your palate.

After simmering for about 20 minutes, the flavors meld beautifully, and the sauce thickens to a perfect consistency. It’s recommended to let it cool and refrigerate for at least a day to enhance the flavors even more. This homemade version is free from preservatives, making it a healthier choice compared to store-bought options. Plus, it’s a fun way to add a personal touch to your meals.

Overall, this taco sauce recipe is not only easy to make but also incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a taco night or just looking to spice up your weeknight dinners, this sauce is sure to impress. Give it a try, and you might find yourself making it a staple in your kitchen!

Recipe Details

Steps & Tips

1
00:49

Get a pan set up to medium heat.

2
00:59

Add 8 oz of tomato sauce and 1 tbsp of red wine vinegar to the pan.

3
01:07

Add 2 tsp of chili powder, 1 tsp of paprika, 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, 1 tsp of honey, 1/2 tsp of freshly ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp of cayenne.

01:32

Tip: You can skip the honey if you want less sweetness.

02:00

Tip: Add more cayenne for extra heat or skip it for a milder sauce.

4
02:07

Mix all ingredients together until nicely incorporated.

5
02:15

Thin the sauce out with 3/4 cup of water.

6
02:40

Bring the sauce to a boil.

7
02:44

Let the sauce simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

03:14

Tip: Using apple cider vinegar can change the flavor slightly and make it more tangy.

03:30

Tip: Adding citrus juice can help preserve the sauce longer.

04:01

Tip: Adding more acid or vinegar can extend the sauce's shelf life.

04:11

Tip: This sauce can be frozen for longer storage.

8
05:04

Turn off the heat after simmering.

9
05:12

Get a jar ready for storing the sauce.

10
05:24

Pour the taco sauce into the jar.

11
05:41

Cap the jar and refrigerate the taco sauce.

05:46

Tip: Refrigerating the sauce for at least a day helps meld the flavors.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Red Wine Vinegar15ml
Chili Powder2 tsp
Paprika1 tsp
Garlic Powder1 tsp
Onion Powder1 tsp
Honey1 tsp
Cumin1 tsp
Cayenne1 tsp
Salt0.25 tsp
Pepper0.25 tsp

Nutrition

Calories
30
kcal per serving
Carbs
8
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Beginner
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Frequently asked questions

Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.

Got a Recipe Question? Ask Away!

Interesting Tidbits

  • This taco sauce can be customized with different types of vinegar for varied flavor profiles.
  • Adding citrus juice can help preserve the sauce longer.
  • This sauce can be used not only for tacos but also as a dip or drizzle for various dishes.
  • The sauce thickens as it simmers, so adjust the consistency with water or stock as needed.