Hey, Welcome to the Del Taco Red Sauce Recipe. Del Taco Red Sauce is a smooth, mildly spicy Mexican-style red chili sauce perfect for tacos, burritos, and nachos.
I still remember the first time I tried recreating this sauce at home after visiting Del Taco.
That rich red drizzle over my taco made all the difference, and I knew I had to make it myself. Today, I’m going to show you how easily you can make it in your own kitchen.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 8 servings
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
- Category: Side Dish
History and Origin
Del Taco’s famous red sauce comes from the Mexican-American fast-food tradition, blending classic enchilada-style chili sauce with a smoother, milder profile.
Inspired by traditional Mexican red chili sauces, it became a signature condiment in American taco culture.
What does it taste like?
This red sauce tastes savory, slightly smoky, mildly spicy, and perfectly seasoned.
It has a smooth texture with balanced chili flavor, gentle garlic notes, and a subtle tanginess. It enhances tacos without overpowering the fillings.
By the way, you can also try the Taco Bell Black Beans Recipe.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tomato sauce | 1 cup |
| Chili powder | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon |
| All-purpose flour | 1 tablespoon |
| Vegetable oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Water or broth | 1 cup |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| White vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
Equipments
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Small mixing bowl
How to make Del Taco Red Sauce
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Let it warm for about 30 seconds until slightly shimmering.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Add the flour to the hot oil and whisk continuously for about 1 minute. This helps thicken the sauce and removes the raw flour taste.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toast them briefly for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.
Step 4: Add Tomato Sauce and Liquid
Slowly pour in the tomato sauce and water (or broth), whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth.
Step 5: Simmer the Sauce
Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. It will thicken and develop a rich red color.
Step 6: Add Vinegar and Adjust
Stir in the white vinegar at the end. Taste and adjust salt or spice levels if needed. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Recipe Card
Del Taco Red Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place a medium saucepan over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Let it warm for about 30 seconds until slightly shimmering.
- Add the flour to the hot oil and whisk continuously for about 1 minute. This helps thicken the sauce and removes the raw flour taste.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toast them briefly for about 30 seconds to release their flavors.
- Slowly pour in the tomato sauce and water (or broth), whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth.
- Lower the heat and let the sauce simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally. It will thicken and develop a rich red color.
- Stir in the white vinegar at the end. Taste and adjust salt or spice levels if needed. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 35 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 4 g |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Sodium | 210 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
Serving Suggestions
I love drizzling this red sauce over tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and nachos.
You can even use it as a dipping sauce for taquitos or spoon it over breakfast burritos for that authentic fast-food flavor at home.
Storage Tips
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight and reheat gently on the stove.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Red Sauce Texture
If you want your sauce to taste just like the restaurant version, focus on texture. I always whisk continuously while adding liquid to prevent lumps.
Simmer gently, not rapidly, and let the sauce thicken slowly for that smooth, silky consistency.
Easy Ingredient Substitutions You Can Try
You can easily customize this recipe with pantry swaps. I sometimes use chicken broth instead of water for a deeper flavor.
Smoked paprika adds extra smokiness, and a pinch of cayenne increases heat without overpowering the balanced chili taste.
How to Make It Taste Even More Authentic
To bring that authentic Mexican-American fast-food flavor, I recommend lightly toasting your spices before adding tomato sauce.
You can also blend the finished sauce for an ultra-smooth texture. A tiny splash of apple cider vinegar enhances the signature tang.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One common mistake is cooking the flour too little or too long. Undercooking leaves a raw taste, while overcooking darkens the sauce.
Also, avoid high heat during simmering, as it can cause uneven thickening and spice bitterness.
Ways to Adjust the Spice Level
If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce chili powder slightly and add a bit more tomato sauce.
For more heat, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. I suggest adjusting gradually and tasting as you go.
Making a Larger Batch for Meal Prep
This sauce is perfect for meal prep. I often double the recipe and store portions in small containers.
It saves time during busy weeknights and gives you quick access to bold flavor whenever taco night rolls around.
Creative Uses Beyond Tacos and Burritos
You don’t have to limit this sauce to Mexican dishes. I love drizzling it over grilled vegetables, mixing it into rice bowls, or using it as a base for spicy soups.
It even works as a flavorful pizza sauce alternative.
Conclusion
This Del Taco Red Sauce Recipe is simple, budget-friendly, and packed with bold flavor.
Once you make it at home, you’ll never need store-bought taco sauce again. It’s the perfect finishing touch for your Mexican-inspired meals.
With these lines, we come to the end of the article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Del Taco red sauce made of?
It is made from tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, flour, oil, and simple seasonings simmered into a smooth sauce.
Is Del Taco red sauce spicy?
No, it is mildly spicy with a balanced chili flavor that most people in the United States can enjoy.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 5 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply replace all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend.
How do I make it thicker?
Let it simmer longer or add a small slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken it quickly.
You will also like the Mexican White Trash Casserole.
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