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Sauce Recipe
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15-30 minutes Makes 2 cups Easy

Ranchero Sauce

A Bold, Savory, Tomato Based Sauce for Endless Dishes

Ranchero sauce is a warm, savory, slightly spicy tomato based sauce used throughout Mexican and Southwestern cooking. It is built from tomatoes, onions, peppers and aromatics simmered together until the flavors deepen and blend. Ranchero sauce is bold and comforting, and it adds a rich layer of flavor to any dish it touches.

It is incredibly versatile, easy to prepare and perfect for making in batches. Below are three variations: a quick version, a roasted version with deeper flavor and a unique smoky chipotle version.

You Can Use Ranchero Sauce On

Huevos rancheros

Breakfast burritos

Chilaquiles

Enchiladas

Pulled pork or carnitas

Carne asada bowls

Three Delicious Variations

Choose the version that fits your time and flavor preference

1

Simple Ranchero Sauce (Quick Version)

Perfect when you want clean, straightforward flavor with minimal prep

Ingredients

  • • 1 tablespoon oil
  • • 1 small onion, diced
  • • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • • 1 can (14 oz) crushed or diced tomatoes
  • • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • • 1 teaspoon cumin (optional)
  • • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. 1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat
  2. 2. Add the onion and cook until softened
  3. 3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute
  4. 4. Stir in tomatoes, chili powder, smoked paprika and cumin if using
  5. 5. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until slightly thickened
  6. 6. Season with salt and pepper

This version is ideal for quick breakfasts and simple weeknight meals

Ranchero Sauce simmering in pan
2

Roasted Ranchero Sauce (Deeper Flavor)

Roasting the vegetables first adds a rich, smoky depth

Ingredients

  • • 4 Roma tomatoes, halved
  • • 1 small onion, quartered
  • • 2 cloves garlic
  • • 1 jalapeno or serrano pepper
  • • 1 tablespoon oil
  • • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. 1. Toss tomatoes, onion, garlic and chile with oil
  2. 2. Roast at 425 degrees for about 20 minutes until lightly charred
  3. 3. Transfer everything to a blender
  4. 4. Add chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper
  5. 5. Blend until smooth
  6. 6. Pour into a saucepan and simmer for 10 minutes

This version is deeper, richer and perfect for dishes where the sauce shines on its own

3

Smoky Chipotle Ranchero Sauce (Unique Twist)

A bold, smoky variation with chipotle and a touch of sweetness

Ingredients

  • • 1 tablespoon oil
  • • 1 small onion, diced
  • • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • • 1 can (14 oz) fire roasted tomatoes
  • • 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo
  • • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
  • • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • • 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)
  • • Salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. 1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat
  2. 2. Add the onion and cook until softened
  3. 3. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute
  4. 4. Stir in fire roasted tomatoes, chipotle peppers and adobo sauce
  5. 5. Add smoked paprika, chili powder, vinegar and honey if using
  6. 6. Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes
  7. 7. Blend until smooth or leave chunky if preferred
  8. 8. Adjust seasoning

This version is smoky, spicy and slightly sweet - incredible on breakfast dishes, braised meats and tacos

Smoky Chipotle Ranchero Sauce

How to Use Ranchero Sauce

Spoon over huevos rancheros
Drizzle on breakfast tacos or burritos
Simmer leftover pulled pork or carnitas in it
Use as a base for shakshuka style eggs
Toss roasted potatoes with it
Smother enchiladas or baked chicken
Stir into rice or beans for quick flavor

Storage

Ranchero sauce stores well and tastes even better after a day in the refrigerator.

Refrigerate

Up to 5 days

Freeze

Up to 3 months

Reheat

Add broth if needed

A Sauce for Everything

Ranchero sauce is one of those foundational recipes that elevates countless dishes. Whether you choose the quick version for busy mornings, the roasted version for deeper flavor, or the smoky chipotle twist for bold heat, you'll find yourself reaching for it again and again. Make a batch, store it properly, and you'll always have a flavorful base ready to transform any meal.

Ranchero Sauce

Recipes That Use Ranchero Sauce

Pulled Pork Huevos Rancheros

The perfect breakfast use case

Breakfast Burritos

Drizzle inside for bold flavor

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