21 Ways to Use Enchilada Sauce (2024)

Published: by Abbey McDermott · Leave a Comment · This post may contain affiliate links.

If you love Mexican food then you have likely made or used canned enchilada sauce many times. But what if you have sauce leftover? I'm sharing 21 recipe ideas for using this flavor-packed sauce.

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Enchilada sauce can be used in so many ways - and not just in your favorite Tex-Mex dishes.

Red enchilada sauce is deep in flavor and color and gives dishes that spicy, saucy vibe we love so much. I prefer using homemade enchilada sauce over the canned variety. Homemade is SO easy to make, comes together quickly with pantry ingredients, and the flavor is SO rich and authentic.

The next time you find yourself with leftover enchilada sauce, turn to this list of delicious suggestions... and some may surprise you!

From enchiladas, tacos, and soups to casseroles, pasta, and egg dishes... the options are endless. There is something here for everyone!

Ground Turkey Enchiladas

A comforting skillet of ground turkey, roasted peppers and onions, and cheese - with no rolling required. (Recipe uses 2 cups enchilada sauce)

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Cheesy Potato Enchilada Casserole (by She Likes Food)

Change up your side dish routine with this hearty potato casserole. (Recipe uses 2 ½ cups enchilada sauce)

Easy Pork Pozole Rojo (from The Suburban Soapbox)

This Posole is filled with pork, hominy, and a flavorful broth. A delicious and easy weeknight meal. (Recipe uses 1 cup enchilada sauce)

Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Chili (from The Magical Slow Cooker)

This chili is fork tender and is infused with enchilada flavor for a hearty dish. (Recipe uses 19 ounces enchilada sauce)

Ground Beef Enchiladas

Grilled tortillas are rolled around a filling of seasoned ground beef, onions, green chiles, roasted poblanos, and cheese. (Recipe uses 3 cups enchilada sauce)

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Street Enchiladas (from Your Home Based Mom)

These street enchiladas are everything you love about enchiladas in taco form. (Recipe uses 1 28-ounce can of enchilada sauce)

Skinny Enchilada Tostadas (from Lemon Tree Dwelling)

Rotisserie chicken makes easy work of this quick meal - and don't forget the yummy avocado cream! (Recipe uses ½ cup enchilada sauce)

Enchilada Cheese Rolls (from Emily Bites)

These eggrolls are filled with beans, cheese, and enchilada sauce. Perfect to serve as an appetizer or a main dish. (Recipe uses 8 teaspoons enchilada sauce)

Creamy Chicken Enchilada Soup

A fiesta of flavors with chicken, corn, black beans, and enchilada sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes. (Recipe uses 1 cup enchilada sauce)

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Beef Tostadas (from A Family Feast)

Crispy tortillas layered with refried beans, savory beef, cheese, and delicious toppings. (Recipe uses ½ cup enchilada sauce)

Cheesy Beef Enchilada Pasta (from Crayons and Cravings)

This cheesy pasta is made in a skillet and is ready in just 30 minutes. (Recipe uses 1 28-ounce can enchilada sauce

Cheesy Enchilada Rice Skillet (from Damn Delicious)

No rolling required! This skillet side dish is loaded with rice, corn, black beans, and plenty of gooey cheese. (Recipe uses ¾ cup red enchilada sauce and ½ cup green enchilada sauce)

Chicken Fajita Tacos

Baked tacos filled with savory chicken, fajita-style veggies, and plenty of cheese. A great addition to Taco Tuesday. (Recipe uses 1 cup enchilada sauce)

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Chicken Enchilada Mac and Cheese (from Shugary Sweets)

This twist on a classic uses rotisserie chicken and comes together in 30 minutes. (Recipe uses 1 10-ounce can enchilada sauce)

Slow Cooker Enchilada Beef Stew (by Taste and Tell Blog)

Let the slow cooker do the work for you. This comforting beef stew is full of all the enchilada flavors we love. (Recipe uses 1 10-ounce can enchilada sauce)

Simmered Chicken Breasts in Enchilada Sauce (by Sip Bite Go)

This savory chicken can be served with rice and vegetables or shred and add it to your Tex-Mex favorites. (Recipe uses 1 cup enchilada sauce)

Chorizo Huevos Rancheros

A hearty breakfast dish of tortillas, chorizo, beans, and eggs. Use enchilada sauce in place of the salsa to drizzle over the finished dish.

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Easy Breakfast Enchiladas (from Isabel Eats)

Enjoy a hearty breakfast with these tortillas filled with scrambled eggs, sausage, and veggies, then topped with enchilada sauce and cheese. (Recipe uses 1 ½ cups enchilada sauce)

Breakfast Enchiladas (by Spruce Eats)

Ideal for a crowd, these enchiladas are filled with eggs, chorizo, hash browns, and cheese and topped with a delicious enchilada sauce. (Recipe uses 2 10-ounce cans enchilada sauce)

Chicken Enchilada Lasagna

A mash-up of enchiladas and lasagna with layers of chicken, onions, peppers and plenty of cheese. (Recipe uses 2 cups enchilada sauce)

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Beef Enchilada Dip (by Add a Pinch)

This cheesy, beefy dip is a crowd pleaser that is sure to be a hit on your game day spread. (Recipe uses 2 cups enchilada sauce)

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