This is the best ranchero sauce recipe I have ever tasted, with a base of diced tomato, jalapeno and onion, seasoned with a mixture of chili powders and seasonings. Perfect on huevos rancheros or any Mexican or Tex Mex dish.
Ranchero Sauce Recipe
A good ranchero sauce recipe is a must for any spicy or zesty food lover, and with this one, you've got yourself a GREAT recipe.
Ranchero sauce is incredibly easy to make, and with its collection of vibrant, earthy ingredients, you'll be drizzling it over anything and everything for a pop of flavor. It's a super versatile sauce that is flavorful and piquant, and this is the best one I've ever made.
What is Ranchero Sauce?
Ranchero sauce is a flavorful tomato and chili pepper based sauce seasoned with a mixture of chili powders and herbs. You'll find it in many Mexican and Tex Mex dishes around the border between the southern U.S. and Mexico, though because of its awesome flavor, it has quickly spread north through the states.
You may have tried a version of the sauce if you frequent Taco Bell, served in those tiny little packets you can pour over your tacos. This particular recipe is superior and far more authentic, though you'll also find it's rather addictive once you start cooking with it.
Let's talk about how we make this awesome ranchero sauce recipe.
Authentic Ranchero Sauce Ingredients
To make a great ranchero sauce, you need the following ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 16 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro (or more as desired)
- 1 tablespoon ancho powder
- 1 tablespoon guajillo powder
- 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice from 1 lime (optional)
How to Make Homemade Ranchero Sauce
First, heat a large pan to medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
Cook the onions and peppers down about 5 minutes to soften.
Add the garlic and cook another minute, stirring a bit.
Add the tomato, cilantro and chicken broth. Stir.
Stir in the seasonings.
Bring to a quick boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes to let the flavors develop. The sauce will thicken up for you.
Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor (or use an immersion blender) and pour in the lime juice. I used my stick blender.
Process until nice and smooth.
Use immediately or store in the refrigerator in a covered glass container.
You can squeeze a bit of lime juice if you'd like at this point for a nice, fresh citrus pop, though it isn't necessary. It's wonderful on its own, but I love a good lime squeeze.
What to Serve with Ranchero Sauce?
Huevos Rancheros are most popularly served with ranchero sauce, but it's great on enchiladas and other Mexican or Tex Mex dishes.
Try spooning it over your tacos and burritos, drizzling it over plates of loaded nachos, though you don't have to limit yourself to Mexican food.
Spoon some over grilled burgers or chicken, or better yet, add some to a ground meat mixture for making zesty ranchero burgers.
Try it with some of my popular Mexican recipes:
- Chorizo con Huevos
- Tacos al Pastor
- Pulled Pork Torta
- Carnitas
- Beef Enchiladas
- Carne Asada - Mexican Grilled Steak
It's also great served as a salsa with tortilla chips.
The Best Sauce for Huevos Rancheros
I would be remiss if I didn't emphasize how wonderful ranchero sauce is with the classic dish of Mexican Huevos Rancheros. It doesn't get any better than lightly fried eggs served with easy homemade refried beans and this outstanding ranchero sauce spooned over it.
I could go on and on about how much I love this, but see it for yourself. Go make this Huevos Rancheros Recipe and let me know how much you love it. Don't forget the ranchero sauce!
Why This Ranchero Sauce is the BEST!
Why is my ranchero sauce recipe different and better than others out there? Because of the combination of chili powders.
I'm using a mixture of ancho, guajillo, chipotle and red pepper, such as cayenne or paprika that makes it very rich and earthy.
Such awesome flavor. Mine is the best! Bragging rights! Make it and you'll know.
Ranchero Sauce Vs. Enchilada Sauce: What's the Difference?
Ranchero sauce is more tomato based, more of a tomato sauce with lots of peppers, where enchilada sauce is usually made without tomatoes, and if it does contain tomatoes, they aren't the focus. Enchilada sauce is usually milder in flavor and spice level, though you can often use them interchangeably.
Ranchero Sauce Vs. Salsa: What's the Difference?
Ranchero sauce is meant to be used as a cooking sauce or as a serving sauce to drizzle over finished dishes, however, you can actually serve it as a salsa. Salsas tend to be more chunky, so you can skip the step of processing your ranchero sauce and serve it up chunky, just like a salsa. It is great served warm or cold.
If you prefer your salsa with a thinner consistency, more pureed, you can easily do that as well. You might want to simmer it a bit in a pot to thicken it up if you prefer a thicker salsa. The choice is yours. So many options.
That's it, my friends! I hope you enjoy your ranchero sauce! Let me know how you serve it up. I'd love to hear!
Try Some of My Other Popular Sauce Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! It's such a good sauce. 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. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Authentic Homemade Ranchero Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion chopped
- 2 jalapeno peppers chopped
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 16 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro or more as desired
- 1 tablespoon ancho powder
- 1 tablespoon guajillo powder
- 1 tablespoon chipotle powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice from 1 lime optional
Instructions
- Heat a large pan to medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
- Cook the onions and peppers down about 5 minutes to soften.
- Add the garlic and cook another minute, stirring a bit.
- Add the tomato and chicken broth. Stir.
- Stir in the cilantro and seasonings.
- Bring to a quick boil then reduce the heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes to let the flavors develop. The sauce will thicken up for you.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor and pour in the lime juice. I used my stick blender.
- Process until nice and smooth.
- Use immediately or store in the refrigerator in a covered glass container.
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
Paul:-) says
Hi Mike & Patty,
I’ve just used this recipe as a template for a sauce to serve with your Juicy Lucy recipe.
I replaced the Chicken Stock with Live Cyder Vinegar and added 1/4 cup of brown sugar. Another addition was a tsp died Epazote but I omitted both the Jalapeños and cayenne (him indoors would find it too hot; I have Papaya Habanero hot sauce!). It tastes amazing on its own so 5* for this alone.
I’ll let ya know how the Juicy Lucy’s go down.
Cheers,
Paul:-)
Mike Hultquist says
Sounds awesome to me, Paul! I love it!
HoneyBee says
This one is going into the file to continue to make. Just made killer huevos rancheros with this. I was worried it would be too hot, but it was just super flavorful, not scorching. Easy, yum. Will keep this on hand for all kinds of Mexi goodness!
Mike Hultquist says
Boom! Thanks, HoneyBee! I love it!
Sue says
Mike,
Absolutely loved this ranchero sauce! Made it for chicken tacos and my husband said 3 or 4 times that this is the best F-ing sauce he's ever had! he said "you know what this would be great on is eggs!" I laughed and told him that's what the sauce is originally for: huevos rancheros. Thanks so much for your recipes!!
Mike Hultquist says
Haha, nice!! I love to hear it, Sue! Very happy you both enjoy it! Thanks for sharing. =)
Nicholas Starin says
Great recipe. Only comment is that I have never seen a 16 oz can of tomatoes. it's either 14 or 28 oz.
Mike H. says
Thank you, Nicholas!
Alison says
Made this last night to have with huevos in the morning. Used my spice grinder to make guajillo chili powder, and swapped out the cayenne for some habanero chili powder.
And OMG, it was amazing. Best huevos we’ve ever made at home. Plenty of ranchero sauce leftover, so I will freeze it in single portions. May thin it out a bit with chicken broth in the future to serve as a sauce for enchiladas.
Mike Hultquist says
Excellent! Thanks, Alison! One of my favorites for sure.
kim says
This sauce is so good! I had all the ingredients and made it- just reducing the chipotle powder to 1/2 tsp.. Spicy, smoky taste. I layered it with seasoned black beans, tostadas and grated cheese in the crock pot on low for 4-5 hours. I can see lots of uses for this in the future. Thank you for such a great recipe.
Mike Hultquist says
Excellent! Glad you're enjoying it, Kim!
Ascension Paiz says
Love your recipes, I don't cook but am going to lean. Thank You! for all your post.
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Ascension! Glad to be helpful! Happy cooking!
Denise says
Is this recipe good for canning? I usually can salsa, but wondered if you knew if anyone had processed this recipe in jars for later use.
Mike Hultquist says
Denise, you should be able to can with a water bath, but may need to add more acid. Shoot for a pH of 3.5 or lower for home preserving/storage. Or look into pressure canning.
Val Rantis says
I made this sauce as close to possible except could not find guajillo powder. It was delicious. I gave a small jar to a friend who grew up in Texas and he loved it too! I am now thinking of processing some small jars in a water bath or pressure canner so. I am thinking 20 minutes in a water bath.......hope it works and doesn't change the sauce.
Mike Hultquist says
Excellent! Glad you enjoyed it, Val! Thanks for sharing this.
Jen R says
Hi! Should I drain the can of tomatoes first?
Mike Hultquist says
Jen, you don't need to. Enjoy.
Kate says
Can I use canned chopped jalapeños?
Mike Hultquist says
You can, Kate, yes. Fresh jalapenos are preferred, but canned can work for this. Or use some other fresh green chili, like bell pepper, for a milder version.
Alan Winterrowd says
I am going to give this a try on Thursday (Cinco 2022). I have a sampler of dried chiles, so plan to use those instead of the powders. Since it is going into a blender at the end, I think I should be able to soak the dried chiles in the chicken broth, then rough chop and cook with the rest, then blend.
Mike Hultquist says
Enjoy, Alan!
Lisa Parr says
How was it with the dried chiles?
Jenny says
I made this recipe but doubled it since I had a large can of tomatoes. Doubling the amount of chile powders may not have been a good idea. It seems a bit overwhelming with chile powder flavor. Still good, but I will try the recipe as listed next time.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Jenny, next time you can simmer longer as well to help better meld the chili powder flavor. Take care.