Keto Enchilada Sauce is a bold-flavored, low-carb version of the Mexican staple and is wonderful to use to make keto-friendly enchiladas, casseroles, and even soups. Many enchilada sauces include either flour or cornstarch for thickening, which would add even more carbs, but here they are not needed. It doesn’t, instead relying on a mixture of chili pepper, tomato paste, broth, olive oil, and spice to deliver a luscious, silky texture without extra carbs.
Garlic, cumin, paprika, and onion powder flavor them, and then either apple cider vinegar or lime juice brightens them. For those who like some spice, throw some cayenne or chipotle powder in there for some extra heat. Depending on the chilies or tomatoes you use, the sauce can be red or green, so it’s flexible enough to go with a variety of dishes.
It is easy to whip up and is on your table under 20 minutes, and then it’s easy to store in the fridge or the freezer to use on your favorite low-carb enchilada recipes any day. It’s great served over low-carb tortillas stuffed with chicken, beef, or veggies, or as the base for Mexican-themed casseroles. Featuring bold flavor with zero added sugars, this sauce allows you to enjoy the bright flavors of Mexico without the carbs.
Keto Enchilada Sauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat some oil (I use olive oil here) in a saucepan that is on medium heat.
- Stir in chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Whisk 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in chicken broth and tomato sauce gradually until smooth.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes until it's slightly thick.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10-12 minutes until it's slightly thick.
- Serve it.
Notes
Flavour Profile of Keto Enchilada Sauce
- Smoky & Spiced- Spiced with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic, they lend a rich smoky warmth.
- Tangy & Savory- Bright tang comes from tomato paste or puree, balanced with spices and broth.
- Rich & Earthy- Cumin and oregano provide a robust, earthy backbone.
- Smooth & Velvety- Olive oil or butter, as they simmer with the sauce, give it a silky texture.
- Customizable Heat- Starting with chili, the leading condiment, is only as mild or as hot as you choose.
Keto Enchilada Sauce Nutrition and Calories
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 35–45 kcal |
| Total Fat | 2–3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 0–1 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Total Carbohydrates | 4–5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Net Carbs | 3–4 g |
| Sugar | 1–2 g (natural from tomato) |
| Sodium | 250–300 mg |
FAQs
Q1. Is enchilada sauce keto-friendly?
A1. Yes — if you’re not using any extra flour or sugar, it’s low carb.
Q2. How Many Carbs In Keto Enchilada Sauce?
A2. Approximately 3–4 net carbs for a ¼ cup serving.
Q3. Is store-bought enchilada sauce keto-friendly?
A3. Certain brands are fine, but many have starches or sugars added (always read labels).
Q4. Red or green enchilada sauce, which is best for keto?
A4. Both can be keto-friendly (red is smoky and tomato-based; green relies on tomatillos and green chiles for its tangy flavor).
Q5. Is there a way to turn this sauce creamy?
A5. Yes, just whisk in a little cream cheese or heavy cream for richness.
Hi, I’m Candice Knauer!
I’m passionate about creating delicious, healthy meals that make the keto lifestyle simple and enjoyable. What started as my personal journey into low-carb cooking has grown into a collection of recipes that I love sharing with others who want to feel their best while still enjoying great food.