Enchilada Sauce With Cheese
Creamy, flavorful enchilada sauce with melted American cheese, mild chili spices, and tomato juice, perfect for topping fried cornmeal dishes or adding a cheesy kick to Mexican-inspired meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook minced onion in shortening until beginning to brown.
- Add chili powder and combine.
- Add tomato juice, salt, and sugar; simmer for 20 minutes.
- Moisten flour with cold water to thicken.
- Add cheese and simmer until cheese is melted.
- Serve hot over fried cornmeal mush.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier sauce, adjust the chili powder to your taste, starting with 1 teaspoon and going up to 4. If you don't have American cheese, you can substitute with cheddar or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Make sure to stir continuously when adding the flour mixture to prevent lumps. This sauce can also be used as a base for other Mexican recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this rich enchilada sauce hot over fried cornmeal mush for a hearty dish. It also pairs beautifully with Mexican Corn Bread Souffle for a delightful meal. Consider adding a side of Excellent Salsa for a refreshing contrast or serve it with tacos for a complete Taco Platter experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover enchilada sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain a smooth consistency. You can add a splash of water or tomato juice if it thickens too much during storage.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Enchilada Sauce With Cheese contains roughly 298 calories, with 10g protein, 41g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (105% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1711mg per serving (74% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the enchilada sauce a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Absolutely! This enchilada sauce is made entirely from plant-based ingredients, making it a great option for vegetarian recipes. Just ensure that the cheese used is vegetarian-friendly.
What can I use the sauce for besides enchiladas?
This versatile sauce can be used in various ways, such as a topping for burritos, as a dip for tortilla chips, or even as a base for chili. Its rich flavor enhances many dishes.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).