What To Do With Leftover Enchilada Sauce?

what to do with leftover enchilada sauce

If you’re like me, you always seem to have leftover enchilada sauce.

The easy answer is to just freeze it, but there are plenty of other things you can do with it as well.

In this blog post, I’ll share some ideas for how to use up that extra sauce.

So if you’re ever in a bind and don’t know what to do with leftover enchilada sauce, read on.

Pour leftover enchilada sauce into ice cube trays to store

The easiest choice is to pour the leftover enchilada sauce into ice cube trays, then freeze them to use later.

Just pop a couple of the cubes into your next recipe where you need some extra flavor, such as a pot of chili or queso dip.

Make an enchilada lasagna

Another idea is to combine leftover enchilada sauce with salsa and cream cheese for an easy enchilada lasagna.

Simply spread a layer of cream cheese across the bottom of your baking dish and top with a layer of the sauce, lasagna noodles (broken into pieces), and salsa.

Repeat until you run out of ingredients and top with shredded cheese.

Then bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes or until bubbly and browned on top.

Use it to spice up the flavor of your other foods

You can simply add some cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder to spice up the flavor of your food.

If you’re looking for a way to add some extra flavor to something that doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with taste, try this:

Stir together equal amounts of your leftover sauce and olive oil in a jar, along with a pinch each of cumin, garlic powder, and chili powder.

Then drizzle it on top of whatever it is you’re eating.

It’s a fantastic way to top tortilla chips, for example.

Add it to your chili

Got leftover chili?

Just like you can add enchilada sauce cubes to any recipe, you can also stir some into leftover chili along with diced tomatoes and green chilies to give it a bit of extra flavor.

It’s one of my favorite ways to use up the leftover sauce.

Use it as a pizza sauce

And speaking of tangy tomato sauces, if you’ve ever eaten grilled pizza and dipped the crust in marinara sauce, you know how yummy that is.

Well, instead of using the jarred marinara sauce for your next grilled pizza, try stirring together a little bit of leftover enchilada sauce with pizza sauce and some seasoning.

Then simply brush it onto the top of your crust, grill as usual, and be prepared for an explosion of flavor.

Use it for taco meat or add it to a soup

You can also use the leftover sauce as a base for taco meat or add it to the soup when you’re looking for more flavor.

The great thing about leftover enchilada sauce is that it’s fairly thick and has a strong flavor, so you can use it as a base for taco meat or even add some to the soup when you’re looking for more flavor.

Just be sure to check your recipe instructions—you might need to thin out your sauce with a little bit of water or extra salsa if it’s too thick.

Make an enchilada dip

Looking for something to serve at your next party? Combine leftover enchilada sauce with cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, onion powder, chili powder, garlic powder, and salt.

Then top the dish with extra shredded cheese and bake it until everything is melted and bubbly.

Serve right away with tortilla chips or crackers for dipping.

Add it to pasta sauce

A little bit of enchilada sauce can go a long way in terms of adding flavor to your next jarred marinara sauce, so you might as well give it a try.

Just stir a little bit of enchilada sauce into the jarred pasta sauce and simmer for a few minutes before you serve.

Add it to rice for a Tex-Mex twist

My favorite way to use this leftover sauce is mixing it in with my fried rice—the extra tangy flavor adds something special to my favorite comfort food.

Here’s what you do:

Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add leftover rice, enchilada sauce, salsa, soy sauce or fish sauce (optional), olive oil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and green onion.

Then stir it all together until everything is mixed well and heated through.

You can also compost any leftover enchilada sauce

Composting your leftover enchilada sauce is also a good idea.

It may be a better option than simply throwing it away since the sauce is made from organic material and could add some nutrient value to your garden.

What can I do with enchilada sauce?

what to do with leftover enchilada sauce

Yes, it is great for cooking.

There are lots of recipes you can make with it.

You could make something like chicken enchiladas or soup with it.

How do you store leftover enchilada sauce?

It should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container.

This will keep it good for 5-7 days.

If it thickens up while it is being refrigerated, just add some water or chicken broth to thin it out.

How long does enchilada sauce last in the fridge?

It will be good in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can enchilada sauce be used as a marinade?

Yes, you can.

It is really good for a lot of other dishes, too. (source)

What is enchilada sauce made of?

It is typically made from a mix of flour and oil, ground spices, Mexican peppers chili powder, and more.

The red coloring typically comes from the addition of a little tomato as well as the red-hued chiles and powders. (source)

How do you make canned enchilada sauce less spicy?

To make canned enchilada sauce less spicy, you can add yogurt, sour cream, or cream. (source)

Can enchilada sauce be left out overnight?

No, it is not safe to leave the sauce out overnight.

How long is an open can of enchilada sauce good for?

It will stay good on your shelf for up to around a year if it is at the right temperature.

Once it is opened, you should put it in the fridge and use it within 7 days.

What are the different types of enchilada sauce?

There are three main types of enchilada sauce: red, green, and mole. Red enchilada sauce is made with chili peppers, tomatoes, and spices. Green enchilada sauce is made with tomatillos, chili peppers, and spices. Mole enchilada sauce is made with a variety of different spices and chocolate. Each type of enchilada sauce has its own unique flavor and taste.

Is enchilada sauce spicy?

Some people might find enchilada sauce to be a little spicy, while others might not find it spicy at all. It really depends on the person. If you are unsure whether or not the enchilada sauce is spicy, it is always best to ask the person who made it.

What are some recipes that use enchilada sauce?

There are many recipes that use enchilada sauce. Some popular recipes include enchiladas, tacos, and burritos. Enchilada sauce can be used in a variety of different dishes, so it is a great ingredient to have on hand.

Do you have any tips for making enchilada sauce?

Here are some tips for making enchilada sauce:

  • Make sure to simmer the sauce slowly so that it can develop a rich flavor.
  • If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little bit of water to thin it out.
  • If the sauce is too spicy, you can add a little bit of sugar to balance out the flavors.
  • Enchilada sauce is best when it is fresh, so try to make it in small batches.

Where can I buy enchilada sauce?

You can buy enchilada sauce at most grocery stores. It is usually located in the Mexican section of the store. You can also find it online.

Can I use enchilada sauce in other dishes?

Yes, you can use enchilada sauce in other dishes. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of different recipes. Enchilada sauce is perfect for adding a little bit of spice to your meal.

What are the nutritional benefits of enchilada sauce?

Enchilada sauce is a healthy ingredient that provides a number of nutritional benefits. It is high in antioxidants, which can help protect against cell damage. Enchilada sauce is also high in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium. It is a great way to add some nutrition to your meal.

Conclusion

All in all, there are many delicious ways to use up leftover enchilada sauce.

Whether you’re looking for a new way to add flavor to your food or you need a dish to bring to your next party, we’ve got you covered.

So the next time you make enchiladas, be sure to make the extra sauce so you can enjoy these tasty ideas.

Tamara Pierce

Tamara Pierce is a food writer at Elapasony, passionate about exploring diverse cuisines and sharing recipes and food experiences. From trendy restaurants to local hotspots, she's always on the lookout for new and exciting flavors.

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