Say goodbye to store-bought taco sauce filled with preservatives and high fructose corn syrup and hello to this easy 15-minute homemade taco sauce recipe. Made with fresh, simple ingredients, it’s quick to prepare and perfect for elevating Taco Tuesday or any Mexican-inspired dish. Make a big batch, store it in the fridge, and enjoy a flavorful, homemade touch all week long!
Original post: July 2019 | Updated: September 2021 and January 2025
Why This Recipe Works
- Made with a few simple fresh ingredients, this easy homemade taco sauce takes only a few minutes to make.
- There are almost no calories in this stuff!
- It is so nice to have control over what goes into your sauces. Have you ever looked at the labels on store-bought taco sauce (high fructose corn syrup, preservatives, etc)? I don’t even know how to pronounce most of the ingredients!
- There’s nothing better than a good homemade taco sauce. Make a big batch, throw it in the fridge and use it throughout the week on your favorite dishes.
- Add a homemade touch to taco night!
- No more stealing dozens of Taco Bell sauce packets!
- This recipe is quick and easy (made in 15 minutes!) and will elevate Taco Tuesday in your home.
- Perfect dipping sauce or topping for any Mexican cuisine or even fresh vegetables or French fries.
Ingredients – Taco Sauce Recipe
Tomato sauce – Tomato puree or ketchup can be substituted for tomato sauce. Tomato paste can also be used, but cut the amount by half if going this route.
Water
Apple cider vinegar – Replace with another variety such as white vinegar, if desired.
Spices and seasonings – Cumin, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika and cayenne pepper make the absolute perfect seasoning combo for this flavorful sauce! If desired, omit granulated sugar entirely for a less sweet end result.
How To Make Your Own Taco Sauce Recipe
Step 1
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
Step 2
Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce to simmer over medium-low heat. Let simmer (stirring occasionally) for 15 to 20 minutes, or until thickened.
Let cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready for use.
Recipe Notes
- Fresh herbs can replace dried, but ensure they are very finely chopped first and double the amount. Another option is to run them through a food processor.
- Add spice to this homemade version of taco sauce by adding any of the following: ancho chili powder, hot peppers, an extra pinch of cayenne pepper (a little goes a long way) or red pepper flakes. When adding peppers or flakes, blend the entire mixture first before cooking.
- The best way to create a mild sauce is to omit the cayenne pepper entirely.
- A squirt of lime juice or lemon juice adds a fresh flavor.
Uses for Taco Sauce
- Drizzle it over your next batch of Taco Cups, Baked Tacos or Mexican pizza.
- Replace it with salsa in your next taco salad, or regular old salad, for that matter.
- Drizzle it over your next heaping plate of nachos!
- Use as a simple dip for tortilla chips.
- Taco sauce tastes great in all Mexican recipes, including fish tacos or shrimp tacos.
- Replace your standard hot sauce of choice with taco sauce.
- Use it in place of ketchup for just about anything! Eggs, hash browns, burgers and so much more.
- Chicken Burrito Bowls
Taco Sauce Substitutes
If taco sauce isn’t your thing, there are some other good options to add to your tacos or taco salads!
- Cilantro Lime Sauce – Also great as a fish taco sauce.
- Spicy Fresh Salsa – This is a great low calorie option.
- Avocado Ranch Dressing – This dressing can also be a topping or dip.
How To Store Taco Sauce
Store leftover sauce in a glass bottle or mason jar in the fridge for up to 3 weeks for best results.
How Long Does Taco Sauce Last
Once the taco sauce has cooled, pour it into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. It can also be frozen in freezer bags for up to 4 months.
How To Get Taco Sauce Out of Clothes
Here’s a quick tip for getting taco sauce out of your clothing! Combine one tablespoon of liquid dishwashing detergent with two cups of warm water and stir. Dip the edge of a clean cloth into the mixture and blot the stained portion of the clothing with it.
Repeat this until the stain has disappeared. Use a different clean portion of the cloth each time you dunk it into the cleaning mixture.
Delicious Homemade Sauce Recipes
Making homemade sauces is a great way to know exactly what ingredients are going into them, they are more affordable than store-bought and they’re just tastier! Homemade all the way!
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15-Minute Taco Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 16 oz tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce to simmer. Let simmer (stir occasionally) for 15 minutes, or until thickened.
- Let cool and store in an air-tight container in the fridge until ready for use.
Notes
Uses for Taco Sauce
- Drizzle it over your next batch of Taco Cups, Baked Tacos or Mexican pizza.
- Replace it with salsa in your next taco salad, or regular old salad, for that matter.
- Drizzle it over your next heaping plate of nachos!
- Use as a simple dip for tortilla chips.
- Taco sauce tastes great in all Mexican recipes, including fish tacos or shrimp tacos.
- Replace your standard hot sauce of choice with taco sauce.
- Use it in place of ketchup for just about anything! Eggs, hash browns, burgers and so much more.
- Chicken Burrito Bowls
Is this sauce considered mild? If not, could I cut down on the chili powder and leave out the cayenne pepper?
Hey Crystal, depending on a persons sensitivity to spice some might consider this medium but I consider it mild. To cut down on the spice I would first try cutting out the cayenne pepper.
I made this recipe loved the amount it made. I didn’t have cumin so I replaced with paprika. I also found it a bit sour so I added some salt and it really brought the flavour together. Great recipe thank you
Paprika’s a great idea. Glad you found the right combination!
I’ve used this recipe innumerable times. I love its ease and flavor – so much better than store-bought!
That’s great to hear, Nicole! Thank you for sharing.
Can this recipe be canned for storage?
I’ve not canned this particular recipe but you should be able to follow canning rules to store it!
My family, like so many others, have been suffering through food insecurity, so I made a few changes to the recipe based on ingredients I try to keep on hand. I also cut the recipe in half.
▢8 oz ketchup
▢1/2 cup water
▢1/4 tsp cumin
▢1 tbls granulated sugar
▢1/2 tsp onion powder
▢1.2 tsp garlic powder
▢1/4 tsp chili powder
▢1/4 tsp paprika
▢1/4 tsp cayenne pepper or Slap Your Mama (our favorite cajun seasoning with a kick)
We’ve had some extended family over as well as a few friends and since Mexican is easy to make I just put this wonderful homemade taco sauce into my gravy boat, put it on the table I set up as a buffet table and let everyone make their tacos, burritos and fajitas themselves. Everyone loved the taco sauce. From ages of 4 to 93, everyone loved it.
Thank you, Ana, for sharing that. I’m glad it was enjoyed and you found a way to use what you had and be with family.
how long does it last in the fridge?
Great question, Katie. I have this information in the recipe notes. Place in a small container, glass bottle or mason jar and store in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
tastes great, with great texture, and was quick&easy to make. inexpensive too. worth noting that taco sauce can be frozen. so this is also extremely economical since it makes a large batch, yet in a small pot. thank you so much for the recipe!! wish this comment box would enable pics! I just feel my review almost sounds fake but this is all how it is so I wanted to leave proof lol.
oh just saw you already included in the recipe that it can be frozen. oh well! thanks again for the great recipe!
I appreciate the feedback!