5 Best Packaged Red Enchilada Sauce Brands
5 best packaged red enchilada sauces: a review
High quality packaged foods provide a much-needed shortcut to getting the foods you are craving on the table in a fraction of the time.
If your cravings include spicy Tex-Mex you have some options that will allow you to throw together a satisfying meal in a hurry that doesn’t involve dining out or delivery.
Here’s how to make enchiladas If you aren’t familiar with them. They are simply tortilla shells filled with cheese, shredded meat, refried beans, or any combination, rolled up, topped with cheese and sauce, and baked until the cheese is melted and the sauce is just bubbling.
Enchiladas are so easy to make and with a good premade enchilada sauce you have a satisfying quick meal for a busy week night
I’ve looked at 5 packaged red enchilada sauce brands that are readily available in most national grocery store chains or on Amazon so that you can stock up, keep them on hand and have them when the cravings strike.
Red enchilada sauces are typically milder and have broader appeal. Not everyone likes or can tolerate higher levels of spice or heat.
As with any cuisine, there are regional variations of the authentic version. Some red sauces are made without tomatoes. Other recipes require ancho chiles or pasilla chiles. Try different versions and see which one appeals to you.
Of course, there are variations in quality, taste, and nutritional values, as well. Keep reading, I’ve covered these key aspects with respect to each brand. You can decide which brand is right for you and your family.
All of the brands listed here are spicy but have mild heat. Be forewarned if you or any family members don’t tolerate chili powder.
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Frontera red chile Enchilada Sauce
Of the five store-bought brands tested, this was the tastiest. It was also the most expensive.
While this and all of the sauces I tried had mild heat levels the Frontera enchilada sauce ingredient list was more appealing. Fire-roasted tomatoes and bell peppers. Organic apple cider vinegar. It was a list of recognizable foods, not a crash course in Chemistry. Frontera was closer to a restaurant-quality enchilada sauce that you might find at your favorite Tex-Mex restaurant.
It was also more expensive. I would buy it again and serve it to company…but I’d prefer to buy it on sale, maybe with a coupon.
| Calories | Total Fat | Sodium | Sugars |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 3% | 21% | 2g |
Pros
- High-quality ingredients
- Less sugar
- Gluten-Free
- BPA-free packaging
Cons
- Expensive
- High sodium
Rosarita Enchilada Sauce
Rosarita products are of excellent quality and readily available. They are also reasonably priced, so they are a good value overall. It’s a popular brand for making traditional Mexican-style dishes.
| Calories | Total Fat | Sodium | Sugars |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 0% | 19% | 2g |
Pros
- Affordable, easy to stock up on
- Zero added sugars
- Keto-friendly
Cons
- High sodium
- MSG
Old El Paso red enchilada sauce
This red sauce has a good flavor, a little salty, but mild heat. It would probably appeal more to the person who does not want foods that are too spicy. Don’t be afraid to use this on other Tex Mex dishes such as tacos, or burritos. Try it on eggs!
Old El Paso brand is readily available, economical and has a wide range of products to complement their enchilada sauce.
| Calories | Total Fat | Sodium | Sugars |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 | 0% | 13% | 1g |
Pros
- Economical
- Milder than other brands
Cons
- Packaging includes liner w/BPA
- Contains soy
- Contains some GE ingredients
La Preferida red chile enchilada sauce
By far the most robust sauce of them all. It’s still a mild heat, but this was a richer, thicker sauce than any of the others. It’s no surprise that it’s higher in fat, calories, and sodium.
| Calories | Total Fat | Sodium | Sugars |
|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 5% | 11% | 0% |
Pros
- Low sodium
- BPA-free can liner
- Contains 2g protein
Cons
- High in calories and carbs
- Relatively expensive
Las palmas enchilada sauce
Las Palmas brand is a good value for a large family. I found this only in 28 oz cans. That translates to over a dozen servings. Of course, if you don’t have a large family and don’t eat 12 servings at a clip you can always freeze the unused portion for up to 3 months.
It’s mild, almost to the point of being bland. That’s not a bad thing for people who like Tex Mex but don’t care for or can’t tolerate foods that are spicy or hot.
Don’t expect a kick from this enchilada sauce.
| Calories | Total Fat | Sodium | Sugars |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 1% | 16% | 2g |
Pros
- Mild enough for the whole family
- Economical
- Low calories
Cons
- High sodium
- Bland
Use red sauce for other dishes
Red sauces are extremely versatile. Not only are they necessary for enchiladas, use the enchilada sauce for tacos, burritos, or nachos. Feel free to use a splash to add zest to eggs or meatloaf.
All of the sauces I recommend are ready to eat. Any unused sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or repackaged in an airtight container and stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Make minor changes to suit your taste
To improve the taste of a packaged sauce you can add any or all of the following:
- 1/4 cup chopped, sauteed onion
- 1 clove minced garlic
- 1 t of ancho or pasilla chili powder
- A splash of your choice of hot sauce
To thicken a thin sauce, heat equal parts oil and flour (for a 10 oz can of sauce I would use 1 Tablespoon of flour and 1 Tablespoon of oil) in a saucepan mixing constantly so as not to burn. Add the sauce and stir until thickened.
To get rid of bitterness add a dash of sugar or a tablespoon of minced onions.
Labeling on packaged foods
Always check the labels to get accurate nutrition information so that you can avoid adverse health issues. Sodium, sugars, soy may not pose a problem for you, but they may for a family member or for guests who might be sharing a meal with you.
Labeling is improving to include more information about the product that consumers need to make good decisions.
Is the product
- Gluten-free?
- Kosher?
- Packaged in BPA free packaging?
- Keto-friendly?
Let me know if you have a favorite or if this information helps you choose one. All of these foods can be included in a healthy (spicy) diet.
