Taco night just got better with this Homemade Taco Sauce! It's a quick stovetop sauce made with pantry staples, and it brings that bold, tangy flavor we all love.
I started making this sauce during a year when I was focused on simplifying and cutting back on store-bought items. It reminds me of how satisfying it is to make your own staples - just like I do with my Green Enchilada Sauce. This taco sauce has become a regular in my fridge and I love how it adds the perfect finishing touch to Turkey Tostadas, Loaded Nachos, and even a plate of Garlic Scrambled Eggs!
Jump to:
Why You'll Love Homemade Taco Sauce
Pantry-friendly: No need to run to the store. You probably already have everything you need.
No junk added: No thickeners, preservatives, or mystery ingredients.
Versatile flavor: Use it on eggs, tacos, burritos, tostadas, or even in casseroles.
Key Ingredients
Tomato Sauce: The base of the sauce. I use canned tomato sauce unless I've got homemade on hand.
Distilled Vinegar: Adds the right amount of tang to balance the sweetness and spice.
Dark Brown Sugar: Rounds out the acidity of the tomato and gives a deeper flavor than white sugar.
Chili Powder & Cumin: Bring the warmth and mild heat that's classic in taco flavoring.
Smoked Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth.
Cayenne, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: For that extra kick and aromatic flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Swap vinegar for fresh lime juice for a citrusy twist.
- Use light brown sugar, maple syrup, or even granulated sugar if that's what you have on hand.
- Replace all spices with 1-½ tablespoons of Homemade Taco Seasoning if you've already made a batch.
Variations
- Add a teaspoon of chipotle in adobo for a smoky heat.
- Mix in a tablespoon of tomato paste for a thicker, richer sauce.
- Stir in a splash of hot sauce for extra spice.
Recipe Tips
- Simmer low and slow to let the sauce thicken and flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness or heat to your liking.
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months in a freezer safe container.
Serve With...
- Drizzle over Breakfast Quesadillas
- Stir into Chipotle Cranberry Sauce
- Drizzle over top of Pulled Pork Nachos
- Serve with Mexican Casserole
More Homemade Sauce Recipes to Try
When you make this recipe, please comment below and let me know what you think. I'd love it if you tag me on Instagram @grumpyshoneybunch or #grumpyshoneybunch so I can see your photos!
If you love this recipe, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating
📖 Recipe
Easy Homemade Taco Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Mason jar , or airtight container for storage
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 15 ounces tomato sauce
- ⅔ cup water
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a medium sized saucepan, over medium-heat, whisk together the tomato sauce, water, vinegar, cumin onion powder, garlic powder, salt, brown sugar, chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring to a boil and immediately reduce heat to a simmer. Cook for 20 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
Frankie says
Awesome sauce. I made mine with fresh tomatoes, fresh garlic and fresh onions, etc... I puréed it in the nutribullet with a tad extra salt since I was not using processed tomatoes and it came out awesome! Yum! Yum!