Ever opened a can of enchilada sauce and felt a pang of disappointment? That flat, overly salty taste can totally ruin your dinner plans. We’ve all been there, staring at the grocery aisle, overwhelmed by the sheer number of red and green options. Choosing the right canned enchilada sauce feels like a gamble, and often, that gamble ends in a mediocre meal. You want that rich, authentic flavor, but most store brands just don’t deliver the real deal.
That’s where America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) comes in. Known for their rigorous testing and pursuit of perfection, ATK has tackled this common kitchen dilemma. They have put dozens of store-bought sauces through their paces. If you want to stop wasting money on bland cans and start making truly flavorful enchiladas, this review is essential. Keep reading to discover which canned sauces earned their coveted seal of approval and which ones you should leave on the shelf.
Top Canned Enchilada Sauce America’S Test Kitchen Recommendations
- English (Publication Language)
- 318 Pages - 04/15/2015 (Publication Date) - America's Test Kitchen (Publisher)
- English (Publication Language)
- 472 Pages - 03/01/2015 (Publication Date) - America's Test Kitchen (Publisher)
- SAUCE WITH KICK: Bring mild spiciness to your Tex-Mex dishes with this enchilada sauce made from green chile pepper, green chiles, and jalapeno peppers
- ENCHILADAS AND MORE: Try our recipe for Creamy Chicken and Chile Enchiladas; You can also add this sauce to stews, tacos, burritos, and other recipes for a spicy twist
- QUICK AND EASY: Enchilada sauce that's ready to be mixed and cooked; Helps save prep time in the kitchen
- FLAVOR BOOSTER: Tasty enchilada sauce is a perfect topping to add flavor to meat and veggie dishes; Pair with queso for a cheesy twist
- CONTAINS: One can of Old El Paso Mild Green Chile Enchilada Sauce, 10 oz
- SAUCE WITH KICK: Bring mild spiciness to your Tex-Mex dishes with this red enchilada sauce made from tomato puree, chile pepper, and flavorful seasoning
- ENCHILADAS AND MORE: Try our recipe for Easy Beef Enchiladas; You can also add this red sauce to stews, tacos, burritos, and other recipes for a delicious twist
- QUICK AND EASY: Enchilada sauce that's ready to be mixed and cooked; Helps save prep time in the kitchen
- FLAVOR BOOSTER: Tasty enchilada sauce is a perfect topping to add flavor to meat and veggie dishes; Pair with queso for a cheesy twist
- CONTAINS: One can of Old El Paso Mild Red Enchilada Sauce, 10 oz
- Red enchilada sauce features the flavor of red chiles with medium heat for an added kick to your meals
- Medium enchilada sauce uses a traditional pepper based formula with dried red chile peppers
- One 10 oz can of Las Palmas Medium Red Enchilada Sauce
- One, 28-ounce can
- Mild flavored salsa
- Add spice to all of your meals with Las Palmas
- Mild red enchilada sauce
- Model Number: 07786
- Item Package Dimension: 3.95" L x 3.95" W x 4.65" H
- Item Package Weight: 2.03 lb
- Organic red enchilada sauce made with traditional Mexican spices and chiles
- 15.5 fluid ounce BPA-free can
- Perfect for authentic enchiladas, tacos, burritos, and other Mexican dishes
- Made with organic tomatoes and spices
- Crafted in small batches for optimal flavor
Your Essential Guide to Buying America’s Test Kitchen Canned Enchilada Sauce
Finding the best canned enchilada sauce can make or break your weeknight dinner. America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) is famous for testing recipes until they are perfect. Their canned sauce promises that same reliable, kitchen-tested quality. This guide helps you pick the best can for your next taco night.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing ATK’s enchilada sauce, look closely at the label. These features tell you about the sauce’s quality and flavor.
- Authentic Flavor Profile: The best sauces balance chili heat, earthy cumin, and a hint of tang. ATK usually aims for a classic, well-rounded red sauce flavor that pleases most palates.
- Chili Type Used: High-quality sauces list the specific chilies. Look for Ancho, New Mexico, or Guajillo chilies. These give deep, rich flavor, not just sharp heat.
- Consistency and Texture: Good canned sauce should be medium-thick. It should coat the back of a spoon easily but still pour. Too thin, and it makes your enchiladas soggy. Too thick, and it won’t spread well.
- Sodium Content: Canned goods often have high salt. Check the nutrition label. Lower sodium options let you control the final seasoning of your dish.
Important Ingredients and Materials
The ingredients list shows you what you are truly buying. ATK focuses on simple, recognizable components.
What Makes a Good Ingredient List
- Real Tomato Base: Look for tomato paste or crushed tomatoes listed early. This provides body and natural sweetness.
- Spice Quality: Ground spices like cumin, oregano, and garlic powder should be present. High-quality brands use freshly ground spices for better aroma.
- Thickeners: Most canned sauces use a little flour or cornstarch to achieve the right texture. A small amount is fine, but avoid sauces with long lists of chemical stabilizers.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
A few simple checks can separate a mediocre can from a fantastic one.
Quality Boosters
- No Artificial Additives: The best sauce skips artificial colors or flavors. If the ingredient list is short, that usually means higher quality ingredients were used.
- Low Sugar: Some commercial sauces add too much sugar to mask lower-quality chili flavor. Taste should come from the chilies, not refined sugar.
- Oil Used: If oil is listed, vegetable or canola oil is common. High-end versions might use a neutral oil that does not interfere with the chili taste.
Quality Reducers
- Metallic Taste: If the can smells strongly of metal when opened, the lining might be poor, or the sauce has been sitting too long.
- Dull Color: A vibrant, deep red color usually means fresh spices were used. A brownish tint suggests older ingredients.
User Experience and Use Cases
America’s Test Kitchen sauce is designed for convenience without sacrificing flavor. How you use it matters.
Perfect Uses for ATK Sauce
- Quick Enchiladas: This is the main use. It works perfectly for rolling chicken, cheese, or bean enchiladas.
- Sauce Base: Use it as a shortcut base for chili, taco soup, or even simmering shredded pork for pulled pork sandwiches with a Southwestern twist.
- Weeknight Reliability: Because ATK tests everything, you know this sauce will perform consistently well across different recipes. You do not need to adjust spices much.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About ATK Canned Enchilada Sauce
Q: Is America’s Test Kitchen sauce spicy?
A: Generally, ATK aims for a medium, crowd-pleasing heat level for their standard red enchilada sauce. It has flavor first, heat second.
Q: Can I use this sauce right out of the can?
A: Yes, you can use it straight from the can. However, heating it gently often brings out the best flavors.
Q: Does this sauce need extra seasoning?
A: Because it is kitchen-tested, usually no major seasoning is needed. Taste it first, but you might want to add a pinch of salt or oregano based on your personal preference.
Q: What is the difference between this and homemade sauce?
A: Homemade sauce tastes fresher and allows you to control every spice. The ATK canned version saves significant time while offering near-homemade quality.
Q: Does ATK offer green enchilada sauce too?
A: Check the specific product line. ATK develops many recipes, but their canned offerings might focus primarily on the classic red variety first.
Q: How long does opened sauce last in the refrigerator?
A: Once opened, transfer any unused sauce to an airtight container. It usually lasts about 5 to 7 days in the fridge.
Q: Are there vegetarian or vegan options available?
A: The standard red enchilada sauce is often vegetarian and vegan, as it relies on chilies and tomatoes. Always check the ingredient list for chicken broth or lard.
Q: What makes the ATK version better than store brands?
A: ATK products are usually better because they undergo extensive recipe testing to achieve the best balance of flavor, thickness, and ingredient quality compared to standard budget brands.
Q: Can I thin this sauce if it is too thick?
A: Yes. If the sauce seems too dense for your liking, thin it slightly with water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Q: Where should I store unopened cans?
A: Store unopened cans in a cool, dry pantry away from direct sunlight. Canned goods last a long time when stored properly.