Spanish Sauce

Cook: 30 min Cuisine: Mexican

Spanish Sauce offers a rich, flavorful blend of seasoned beef and savory tomato notes, perfect for topping burgers, tacos, or serving over rice. Its bold spices and hearty consistency make it a versatile addition to casual family meals or gatherings, delivering comfort and zest in every bite.

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Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 lb. hamburger
  • 1 pt. chopped onions or 1/2 box dehydrated onions
  • 4 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt
  • 16 oz. bottle ketchup

Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan.
  2. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Serve hot over your preferred dishes.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or diced bell peppers. If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the chili powder or add a dash of cayenne pepper. If you're short on time, pre-cooked ground beef can be used instead of raw hamburger. You can also substitute ketchup with tomato sauce or a combination of crushed tomatoes and sugar for a homemade touch.

Serving Suggestions

This Spanish Sauce is excellent served over tacos, burritos, or even as a topping for nachos. For a complete meal, pair it with a side of rice or a fresh salad. It also works well as a dip for tortilla chips, making it a versatile addition to your Mexican recipes collection.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a microwave-safe container, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Spanish Sauce contains roughly 374 calories, with 7g protein, 48g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (28% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (25% of the Daily Value), and iron (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2619mg per serving (114% of the Daily Value).

374 kcal 19% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 7.1g 14% DV
Total Fat 19.3g 25% DV
Carbs 47.8g 17% DV
Fiber 7.9g 28% DV
Sugar 7.1g 14% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2618.9mg 100% DV
Potassium 441.9mg 9% DV
Cholesterol 0.6mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 222.5mcg 25% DV
Vitamin C 2mg 2% DV
Calcium 89.2mg 7% DV
Iron 4.1mg 23% DV
Diet fit High-fiber Under 400 cal

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, this sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. In fact, the flavors often improve after a day in the fridge. Just reheat it gently before serving.

What can I serve this sauce with?

This sauce is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with dishes like Wet Burritos or Enchilada Bake. You can also use it as a topping for burgers or meatloaf, adding a zesty twist to your favorite comfort foods.

Can I freeze the Spanish Sauce?

Absolutely! This sauce freezes well. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for the best results.

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).

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