This easy taco sauce is better than store bought, ready to add tanginess, spicy zing and flavor to your tacos, burritos, nachos and so much more.
Homemade Taco Sauce Recipe
Looking for a great Homemade Taco Sauce? This is the recipe you need. You may have enjoyed taco sauce options from the bottled stuff offered in grocery stores, but this homemade version is so much better.
It's easy to make with tomato sauce, vinegar, splash of honey, and spices that you control. Make it as spicy as you want! Plus, no weird preservatives.
It's a bit like what you might find in a packet at your local Taco Bell, tangy and sort of addictive. And it's quick and easy to make! But this out for taco night and make everyone happy!
Let's talk about how to make taco sauce, shall we?
Taco Sauce Ingredients
The full ingredients list with measurements is listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Tomato Sauce. Pureed tomatoes, or passata.
- Red Wine Vinegar.
- Honey.
- Spices. Chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. You can also use homemade taco seasoning.
How to Make Taco Sauce - the Recipe Method
Simple whisk everything together and simmer it in a small pot or sauce pan for 15 to 20 minutes and you're good to go!
Boom! Done! Your taco sauce is ready to serve. So easy to make, isn't it? Get those tacos ready! You're going to love this sauce!
Recipe Tips & Notes
- For best flavor, refrigerate your taco sauce for a day, allowing the flavors to mingle for more developed flavor.
- Consider any of the following additions - lemon or lime juice, apple cider vinegar swap, or a splash of hot sauce.
Ways to Use Taco Sauce
Drizzle over tacos, of course, but it's also great for burritos, nachos, quesadillas, tortas. Jazz up Mexican rice, Mexican Pizza, or refried beans.
There are many ways to use this sauce, even as a general sauce for dipping fries, or spreading over sandwiches.
Storage
Taco will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container. Use it anytime.
You can also freeze it for 3 months or longer. We like to freeze ours in small portions, like in an ice cube tray, so we can thaw just enough as needed.
That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy this taco sauce recipe. I'd love to hear your comments!
Cookbook Recommendation
If you enjoy spicy cooking, I hope you'll check out my cookbook! 75 easy recipes with big, bold flavor.
- The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook, by Mike Hultquist (affiliate link, my friends!)
Amazon Affiliate links, my friends! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Try Some of My Other Popular Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. Thanks! — Mike H.
Homemade Taco Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can 8 ounces tomato sauce
- 1/3 cup water or more for thinner sauce
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar you can use white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika use hot or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon honey optional
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Stir all of the ingredients together in a saucepan.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to let the flavors develop.
- Taste and adjust.
- Store in the refrigerator in sealed container. The flavor is better after it sits for a day.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 9/20/24 to include new information and video. It was originally published on 1/10/24.
Aaron Hooks says
Made for taco dinner last night. Delicious!! Thanks for the recipe
Mike Hultquist says
Great! Thanks, Aaron!
Dave says
can this recipe be canned and if so please let me know how. thank you.
Mike Hultquist says
Dave, you'll need to check the acidity. Shoot for a pH of 4.0 or lower for home canning. You might need to add more vinegar. See this page as a starter for canning: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/preserving-chili-peppers/canning-or-jarring-chili-peppers/
Andrew says
Making this tonight! Speaking of Taco Bell, I'm dying to find a recipe for the red sauce they put in their bean burritos. Know where I can find one? 🙂
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Andrew! I'll have to play with the bean burrito sauce. Hmmm.
Patt , in sunny Florida says
Thanks Mike. How long will this keep in the refrigerator? Can I put it into canning jars and process it for future use, or give as gifts? Follow you and love your recipes.
Mike Hultquist says
Patt, this will last 5 days or longer (likely longer), though you can freeze it. For canning, check the acidity/pH. Shoot for a pH of 4.0 or lower for home canning. You might need to add more vinegar. I appreciate it!
Don Zelazny says
Can't wait to try. Going to make Venison tacos!!
Mike Hultquist says
Nice! I'll take some!
Sharonk says
I made your taco sauce it's awesome good and honestly idk what the taco bell stuff taste like I kinda frown from packaged condiments.
Anyways I'll continue 2 make this sauce. I used it on stuffed taco shells.
I'm a follower with your YouTube thanks
Mike H. says
I appreciate your support, Sharonk. Enjoy the sauce!
Rebecca says
we love your taco sauce!! Gonna make it again, it's so much better than store bought, and we can use healthy Ingredients!
Mike Hultquist says
Awesome! Glad you're enjoying it, Rebecca! I love it.
Paul says
A cracking sauce!
Mine turned out with a ketchup like consistency and is amazing on a bacon sandwich!
Mike Hultquist says
Great! Glad you enjoyed it, Paul! =)
mary Rivettte says
I made it tonight (I didn't have honey so I left it out). This recipe is amazing! I tried it before cooking it and it was amazing! the flavors combined to make the taco sauce better than store bought!! Very happy. Husband liked it too.
Mike Hultquist says
Excellent! Glad you both enjoyed it, Mary! =)
Debb says
As always, just what I was looking for
Mike H. says
Awesome, Debb - enjoy!
John Weber says
I liked it, At first I didn't read the whole recipe then realized I had to cook it, What a pleasant surprise ( It'll sneak up on ya ) Tacos tomorrow!
Mike H. says
Haha, thanks, John. Enjoy!
paul smith says
yes please
Lisa says
Hi Mike, TY for all the yummy recipes! What I really like is the simplicity and the common ingredients that you use for such great tasting recipes!
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Lisa! Always glad to be helpful!
Rachel Symes says
Hi Mike,
This looks tasty.
I'm wondering what the equivalent of your tomato sauce would be in Australia. Any thoughts?
Best,
Rachel
Mike H. says
Hi Rachel, 8 oz = 227 ml.
Christopher Morello says
It looks as though the Australian equivalent of this tomato sauce would be canned tomato puree, possibly like Leggo's smooth tomato puree 410 g can. It wouldn't have been cooked with onion powder and garlic powder (or very little) according to its ingredients label, but that might not matter since this taco sauce recipe includes both.
The Australian tomato sauce, which we call ketchup/catsup, would lend a sweeter profile that you might not be after although might taste OK and akin to our commercial brand red taco sauces like La Victoria. Good luck!
Mike Hultquist says
Yes, a more accurate answer, most likely. Sorry for any confusion.
Mark says
Very good master chef Love it.
Mike H. says
Awesome, thanks, Mark!
Philip Leone says
Could you preserve this in a water bath?
Mike Hultquist says
Philip, you can, though you may need to add acidity (vinegar or citrus). Shoot for a pH of 3.5 for home preserving.
LARKIN LOTTES says
Would you consider this recipe close to Taco Bells Hot Sauce?
Mike H. says
Hey, Larkin, well... the Taco Bell hot sauce recipe is a closely guarded secret LOL but you can say that this taco sauce is somewhat similar 😉
Barbeee says
This sauce recipe made up so quick and the flavor is awesome. Taco Night...
Mike H. says
Yes, taco night every night!
Lee says
Loved it. I also used it to mix with the meat. So much better than the powder crap!
Mike H. says
Enjoy, Lee!
Kathy Beeston-Downs says
what would be the time for a water bath? I like to make up batches so it's ready when I need it.
Sincerely Kathy Beeston-Downs
Mike Hultquist says
Kathy, 10 minutes is usually enough, though up to 20 minutes for higher elevation. You may need to add acidity (vinegar or citrus). Shoot for a pH of 3.5 for home preserving. Enjoy!
Cheong kok Shing says
Very good master chef
Mike H. says
Thank you, Cheong!
Ramya says
Cant wait to make this soon for me i never had taco sauce before perfect for snacks love your recipes as always brightens up my day everyday after work
Mike H. says
Awesome - enjoy, Ramya!