This recipe is crazy easy! All you need are two main ingredients and a bunch of spices to make this famous Taco Bell Red Sauce. This isn’t your typical taco sauce. You’ll really think you’re eating Taco Bell sauce because the flavor is so good! Doubling the batch isn’t even risky when you see how fast it disappears!
This recipe is very simple: just mix tomato sauce (not tomato paste), water, and a lot of spices together. Then, cook it over very low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Take it off the heat, let it cool down completely, and then put it in a container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three weeks. People with mild tastes will love this sauce, while those with hot tastes will want to add a little more.
If you love Taco Bell, then you already know what the big deal is. If not, that’s okay, prepare to have your taste buds blown. Lots of things at Taco Bell come with this famous red sauce, which has become a bit famous. It’s a combination of tomato puree and tons of chili spices. The recipe wasn’t known for a while, but you can now make it at home!
Yes, it comes with your Taco Bell meal (but you can always ask for more!). You can also find it in grocery stores next to the corn and flour tortillas.
Obviously one is red and one is green. Yes, you can tell them apart just by tasting them. The red sauce is mild and sweet. The green sauce is spicy, made with jalapeno peppers, green chili puree and tomatillos.
The vibrant red sauce that accompanies many menu items at Taco Bell especially their bean burritos is an integral part of the fast food chain’s appeal. With its tangy, tomato-based flavor and hint of spice, Taco Bell’s red sauce adds an extra dimension to dishes that keeps fans coming back for more. But what exactly gives this bold condiment its signature zing? Let’s explore the ingredients, heat level, and best uses for Taco Bell’s crave-worthy red sauce.
A Mysterious Blend of Tomato, Peppers and Spices
While the exact recipe for Taco Bell’s red sauce is a closely guarded secret, it’s known to contain a blended base of tomato onions jalapeño peppers, and an assortment of herbs and spices. The fresh, high-quality ingredients provide the foundation for the sauce’s robust flavor. Onion and jalapeño likely contribute a subtle bite, while the spice blend builds heat and depth. Of course, tomato imparts the classic red coloring and rich, tangy taste. But it’s the proprietary mix of seasonings that really brings Taco Bell’s sauce to life. This top-secret blend of spices gives the red sauce its distinctive zest that customers just can’t resist.
Mild to Medium Heat Satisfies Different Tolerances
One of the keys to the wide appeal of Taco Bell’s red sauce is its versatility when it comes to spiciness. While jalapeños and spices add a kick, the overall heat level falls more on the mild to medium side. This allows the sauce to satisfy different tolerance levels. People who enjoy some warmth can appreciate the subtle bite and lingering burn from the blended peppers. Yet those who prefer less spice won’t find the sauce overly challenging. The red sauce brings flavor without excessive heat, making it accessible for kids and adults alike. Just a drizzle adds a hint of fire.
Not Currently Sold In Stores, But Homemade Recipes Exist
Devoted Taco Bell fans surely wish they could purchase bottles of the addictive red sauce to enjoy at home. Unfortunately, the company currently does not offer it for retail sale, understandably keeping their formula exclusive to restaurants. However, all hope is not lost for getting your hands on this condiment outside Taco Bell. Creative home cooks have developed DIY copycat recipes that replicate the tangy tomato flavor and mild spiciness of the red sauce. While not exactly identical to the original, these homemade versions allow you to incorporate that Taco Bell essence into family meals. With some tomato sauce, jalapeño, cumin, and paprika, you can whip up a sizable batch to keep on hand for all your Mexican-inspired cooking needs.
Hacks for Ordering Extra Sauce with Your Taco Bell Meals
The best way to fully experience Taco Bell’s red sauce is to order it in their restaurants, paired with classics like burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more. Taco Bell is generally happy to oblige requests for extra sauce or customization. When ordering your bean burrito, don’t be shy about asking for an extra side portion of that zesty red sauce for dipping. Or if you want the sauce already incorporated, request a side of tortilla chips to scoop it up. Other great items to smother in red sauce include the cheesy bean and rice burrito, the spicy potato taco, or even the Crunchwrap Supreme. Just keep in mind that the sauce does not come standard on all menu items, so customize your order accordingly. A few extra containers of this sauce go a long way towards satiating your cravings!
Uses Beyond a Burrito Condiment
While Taco Bell’s red sauce is best known as a burrito companion, its versatility extends far beyond that. Due to its balanced flavor, the sauce can be used as a cooking ingredient for tacos, enchiladas, casseroles and more. Try mixing the red sauce into ground beef or turkey for a flavor boost. You can also simmer chicken or vegetables in it to infuse that spice. Brush a mix of red sauce and oil over chicken, shrimp or fish before grilling for a nice glaze. For a cool twist, blend the sauce with mayo or Greek yogurt for a creamy dip or dressing with a kick. And don’t forget to add a splash or two to your favorite homemade salsa recipe. Taco Bell’s red sauce truly livens up all kinds of dishes beyond just drenching your burrito.
A Gluten-Free, Vegan-Friendly Condiment
Many fans will be happy to know that Taco Bell’s red sauce fits into specialty diets. The sauce contains no wheat, barley or rye, making it certified gluten-free. Individuals avoiding gluten due to celiac disease or sensitivity can enjoy this condiment without worry. The red sauce is also vegan, containing no animal products whatsoever. Plant-based eaters can douse their bean burritos and other meatless items with the sauce for an extra punch of flavor. Because it relies on spices rather than dairy for creaminess, Taco Bell’s red sauce provides a flavor boost without compromising dietary restrictions. Just be sure to verify ingredients and preparation practices with the restaurant if food allergies are a concern.
Nutritional Profile: Low Calorie, Fat Free, But High in Sodium
While Taco Bell’s red sauce adds lots of flavor, it won’t weigh you down calorie-wise. A standard 1-ounce serving provides just 20 calories and is fat-free and cholesterol-free. However, the sauce does pack 390 mg of sodium per serving. To put this in perspective, the recommended daily sodium limit is around 2,300 mg. So while the red sauce makes a flavorful low cal condiment, those monitoring salt intake may want to go light. Overall though, the sauce can be enjoyed as part of a balanced diet. Just stick to a reasonable portion rather than going overboard. A little bit of that zesty Taco Bell kick goes a long way!
Taco Bell’s red sauce may come second to their tacos in popularity, but it’s still an integral part of the brand’s appeal. With its addictive tomato and pepper flavor, mild spice level, versatility, and guilt-free nutrition stats, this condiment has earned its coveted spot alongside burritos, Crunchwraps, and other menu stars. The top-secret recipe remains locked away, but thankfully you can still get your hands on this sauce to amplify your Taco Bell experience and home cooking. So next time you visit, don’t forget to ask for an extra side or two of that red sauce magic!
What to Use Taco Bell’s Copycat Red Sauce For
Let’s talk about all the ways you’ll want to use this simple recipe before we get to how to make it.
- On beef tacos
- In bean burritos
- In crunchy supremes
- On nachos
- In quesadillas
- In enchiladas
- In your eggs!
- On refried beans
- As a pizza sauce (have you tried Mexican pizza? It’s great!)
- In taco salad
This recipe is very simple: just mix tomato sauce (not tomato paste), water, and a lot of spices together. Then, cook it over very low heat for 15 to 20 minutes. Take it off the heat, let it cool down completely, and then put it in a container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three weeks. People with mild tastes will love this sauce, while those with hot tastes will want to add a little more.
OR – add it directly to your Mexican meal and start eating!
What is Taco Bell Red Sauce? And what’s the big deal?
If you love Taco Bell, then you already know what the big deal is. If not, that’s okay, prepare to have your taste buds blown. Lots of things at Taco Bell come with this famous red sauce, which has become a bit famous. It’s a combination of tomato puree and tons of chili spices. The recipe wasn’t known for a while, but you can now make it at home!
Can you buy Taco Bell Red Sauce?
Yes, it comes with your Taco Bell meal (but you can always ask for more!). You can also find it in grocery stores next to the corn and flour tortillas.
What is the difference between the red and green taco bell hot sauces?
Obviously one is red and one is green. Yes, you can tell them apart just by tasting them. The red sauce is mild and sweet. The green sauce is spicy, made with jalapeno peppers, green chili puree and tomatillos.
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FAQ
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