Go Back
Making your own taco sauce

Get Homemade Taco Sauce Recipe

Making your own homemade sauce for tacos not only enhances the flavor of your meals, but it also gives you the flexibility to tweak the sauce to suit your tastes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 20 kcal

Equipment

  • Saucepan:  For cooking the sauce.
  • Whisk or spoon:  To stir and combine the ingredients.
  • Airtight container:  To store the sauce in the fridge or freezer.
  • Measuring spoons and cups For precise measurements.

Ingredients
  

  • 1 16 oz can tomato sauce – This forms the base of your sauce.
  • ½ cup water – To adjust the consistency.
  • 2 tbsp white vinegar – Adds tanginess.
  • 1 tbsp cumin powder – Gives the sauce a warm earthy flavor.
  • 1 tsp chili powder – For the heat.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder – Notes of salt to smooth out the spice.
  • 1 tsp onion powder – This gives the food more taste
  • ½ tsp paprika – A subtle sweetness with smokiness.
  • ½ tsp sugar – Balances acidity with a hint of sweetness.
  • Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust to your preference.
  • Optional: Add cayenne pepper for extra heat or lime juice for a citrus kick.

Instructions
 

  • Put the tomato sauce, water, vinegar, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and sugar in a medium-sized pot. Stir until everything is mixed together.
  • taco sauce ingredients
  • Simmer: Put the mixture on medium-high heat and stir it around a few times. Then, turn the heat down to medium-low and let it simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every now and then. The sauce will get a little thicker.
  • Taste the sauce and make any necessary changes to the spices. Add hot sauce or chili pepper for more heat. Add a little more vinegar or lime juice for more tang.
  • Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool down before putting it in a jar that won’t let air in. Store it in the fridge for five days or freeze it for three months.

Notes

Cook Tips

  • Consistency Control: If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit more water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a few extra minutes.
  • Taste as You Go: Adjust spices based on your preference.
  • Thicker Sauce for Canning: For a taco sauce recipe for canning, you may want a thicker consistency. Simmer the sauce longer to reduce it.

Storage and Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the sauce in small portions for up to 3 months. Defrost in the fridge and reheat in a saucepan.
  • Reheating: Warm the sauce on low heat before serving. Add a little water if it thickens too much in storage.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

  • Too Watery: Simmer longer until the sauce thickens.
  • Too Thick:  Add little bits of water until the density you want is reached.
  • Too Spicy: Mix in more tomato sauce or sugar to balance the heat.
  • Too Tangy: Reduce the vinegar or add a pinch of sugar.

Nutrition

This healthy taco sauce recipe has minimal calories per serving. Usually, each tablespoon comprises roughly:
  • Calories: 20
  • Fat: 0g
  • Carbs: 3g
  • Protein: 1g
  • Sodium: 200mg (varies depending on how much salt you add)
Share on Facebook

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a 5-star review ⭐ below if you loved it! Tag @Heat_recipes on Instagram.