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Chili Relleno Sauce

A rich, thick, hearty and flavorful Chili Relleno Sauce to use over the top of your chili relleno casserole OR try it on any other dish you want! We love it on burritos, tacos and even on a turkey sandwich!

sauce in a bowl

Chili Relleno Sauce Recipe

Nothing could be easier to whip up than this simple tasty sauce! You’ll be so happy that you made your own instead of using a sauce from a jar.

Besides, I’ve got an easy casserole for you to try it on that is simply “dump and go”. Added with this quick chili relleno sauce and you’ll be the star of the show with this dish!

It’s perfect for pot lucks or when you have friends coming for breakfast or dinner. Simply pair it with a fun taco bar or some breakfast foods and you’ve got a winner!

Is this an authentic chili relleno recipe? Well, I’m not sure, as you know I’m just a plain ol gal, but I’ve watched some videos of authentic sauces being made and I know it hits the flavor points. So, while it isn’t an authentic chili relleno sauce, it is Ding Dang Delicious!

Here’s What You’ll Need

  • Cumin
  • Cinnamon
  • Garlic Powder
  • All Purpose Flour
  • Beef Broth
  • Tomato Paste
  • Chili Powder
  • Oregano or Italian Seasoning
  • Salt
chili relleno sauce on burritos

Here’s How You Do It

  1. Toast the spices in the pan.
  2. Add the flour and allow that to toast as well
  3. Add the beef broth and tomato paste,
  4. Heat well and allow to simmer to desired thickness.
spices in spoons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

What Is Mexican Red Sauce Made of?

This is one type of mexican red sauce, so you can see the ingredients below, however, generally red sauces are made of a blend of spices, a liquid (like broth or wine) and then some type of tomato base.

What IS a Chili Relleno?

The term chili relleno means, “stuffed pepper”. In most cases, this is a Pablano pepper that is stuffed with a variety of stuffings. In the United States, you will often find these peppers stuffed with cheeses and then deep fried.

Is This Sauce Hot?

This sauce is physically hot because first it is cooked to simmering on the stove and then it is poured over a hot casserole or served on a hot dish, however, the spiciness will depend on how you prefer to make it. If you follow the directions here, it has a very mild spiciness.

spices in container

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Chili Relleno Sauce

  • While you could just pour everything in together, you’ll find that your sauce has a lot more flavor if you allow the spices to toast for a bit first. It brings out the flavors more.
  • Always allow raw flour to toast a bit before adding the liquid, this cooks out the “flour” taste, allowing the flour to do its job of thickening the sauce.
  • If you watch the video, you will see that I am using homemade tomato paste, you will probably be using the tomato paste in the small can, and that is just fine.
  • After you have made this according to the directions the first time, it is a lovely sauce to adjust to your own tastes. If you prefer more heat, add more chili powder, more hints of cumin, add more of that, etc.
  • While this sauce is great over the top of my easy chili relleno casserole, it also works as a sauce for tacos, eggs, sandwiches, burritos, deli wraps, you get the idea, it’s great with a lot of things.
  • If you really want to blow your own mind, mix some cultures and drizzle a little bit of my Yum Yum sauce over the top of the chili relleno sauce, you won’t believe how good that is!
A side view of CHORIQUESO DIP
CHORIQUESO DIP

If You Enjoyed This Chili Relleno Sauce, You Might Also Enjoy These Fun South of the Border Flavors

Watch Me Make Chili Relleno Sauce

Can You Give Me a Hand?

Please leave a 5 STAR comment in the comment section below, this helps others to find the recipes at Loaves and Dishes. Thank you!!!

sauce in a bowl

Chili Relleno Sauce

A flavorful bright EASY Chili Relleno sauce that's ready in minutes and is so much better than store bought, you'll wonder why you ever bought some in a can!
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Save Rate
Course: sauce
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Chili Relleno Sauce
Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 77kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbs Chili Powder
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 3 tbs all purpose flour
  • 3 tbs vegetable oil
  • 2 cups beef broth or any other broth
  • 4 oz tomato paste

Instructions

  • Add the spices to a pan over medium heat on the stove top and allow the spices to toast in the pan (about 1-2 minutes). Add the flour and toast that as well for 1 minute.
  • Add the vegetable oil, broth and paste. Bring to a simmer and serve. Sauce will thicken as you simmer it. If it becomes too thick, add a little water or broth. If you want it thicker, simmer more.

Notes

  • While you could just pour everything in together, you’ll find that your sauce has a lot more flavor if you allow the spices to toast for a bit first. It brings out the flavors more.
  • Always allow raw flour to toast a bit before adding the liquid, this cooks out the “flour” taste, allowing the flour to do its job of thickening the sauce.
  • If you watch the video, you will see that I am using homemade tomato paste, you will probably be using the tomato paste in the small can, and that is just fine.
  • After you have made this according to the directions the first time, it is a lovely sauce to adjust to your own tastes. If you prefer more heat, add more chili powder, more hints of cumin, add more of that, etc.
  • While this sauce is great over the top of my easy chili relleno casserole, it also works as a sauce for tacos, eggs, sandwiches, burritos, deli wraps, you get the idea, it’s great with a lot of things.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Chili Relleno Sauce
Amount Per Serving
Calories 77 Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Fat 6g9%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g
Monounsaturated Fat 1g
Sodium 643mg27%
Potassium 210mg6%
Carbohydrates 6g2%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 2g4%
Vitamin A 518IU10%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 18mg2%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Tried this recipe?Mention @loavesanddishes or tag #loavesanddishes!

A Verse To Share

I don’t know who needs to read this, but here it is…

1 Peter 3:7

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered

Wendi is the writer, CEO and dishwasher at Loaves and Dishes! When not in the kitchen or behind the computer, you can find Wendi serving on International Food Conference Boards, Speaking at various conferences, Leading and Cooking for the local Arts Council's "Taste of Stokes" events or donating home cooked goodies to various local non profits such as the Danbury Songwriters and Stokes Partnership for Children. Wendi is also a Registered Nurse with a Master's Degree and serves on her town's board of councilmen.

Recipe Rating




Donna M

Friday 6th of September 2024

Easy to make and turned out great.

Louise P.

Tuesday 9th of April 2024

I do not see the 'serving size' under Nutrition...

Wendi Spraker

Monday 29th of April 2024

It's something that was probably overlooked, I apologize! 1/4 cup serving size. Thank you!

Wendi J Spraker

Tuesday 28th of September 2021

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