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Home · Recipes · Tex-Mex | Mexican Food · Ranchero Sauce

Published: Apr 18, 2024 by Kelly Anthony · 107 CommentsThis post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

Ranchero Sauce

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This quick Ranchero Sauce recipe makes it easy to bring the flavors of your favorite Mexican dishes, like Huevos Rancheros, to your kitchen in less than 30 minutes. Savory, slightly smoky, and completely delicious, this tomato-based sauce is infused with tons of flavor and spice thanks to simple ingredients like canned tomatoes, peppers, and chili powder.

Ranchero Sauce topped with fresh cilantro in a white serving bowl alongside crunchy tortilla shells, jalapenos, and whole vine-ripe tomatoes

Being a Houstonian, I grew up in the heart of a booming Tex-Mex restaurant culture. This particular ranchero sauce is inspired by a renowned Mexican restaurant in Downtown Houston, one of my favorites. Huevos Rancheros has been my go-to breakfast/brunch order for as long as I can remember, and this recipe ranks up there with the best of the best.

Overhead shot of Ranchero Sauce topped with fresh cilantro

Table of contents

  • What is Ranchero Sauce?
    • Ranchero Sauce vs. Enchilada Sauce
  • Why This Recipe Works
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make Ranchero Sauce
  • What to Serve with Ranchero Sauce
  • More Mexican Recipes to Love

What is Ranchero Sauce?

Ranchero sauce is a savory, tomato-based Mexican sauce with a hint of smokiness and a whole lot of savory. Although it contains hot peppers (usually jalapeños or Serranos), it is not necessarily a spicy sauce.

It's totally worth mentioning that this sauce is for way more than just eggs. With it, you can enhance the flavors of just about any Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes, such as chicken flautas, ranchero chicken, or breakfast tacos!

Ranchero Sauce vs. Enchilada Sauce

Enchilada sauce (or rojo sauce) and ranchero sauce are not the same thing, although both are used to top enchiladas. Confusing, right? They look almost identical, but unlike ranchero sauce, enchilada sauce is heavy on the chili powder and light on the tomato flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

We can relate to the idea that making authentic Mexican sauce from scratch can be intimidating; however, this particular recipe is extremely simple and easy to execute. Looking for more condiment recipes to complement your dishes? We've got you covered!

Too many ranchero sauce recipes are invading the internet with overcomplicated steps and unnecessarily long ingredient lists. Our recipe is painless, straightforward, authentically Tex-Mex, and overflows with flavor. Plain and simple -- you're gonna love it.

A close up of Huevos Rancheros on a plate with slices of avocado.

Ingredients

  • Olive Oil
  • Onion
  • Hot Peppers (Jalapeños or Serranos)
  • Garlic
  • Crushed Tomatoes
  • Unsalted or Low-Sodium Chicken Broth
  • Spices (Salt, Pepper, Cumin, and Paprika)

How to Make Ranchero Sauce

Sauté | Add olive oil to a medium-sized sauté pan and allow to come to temperature. Add diced onions, peppers, and garlic and sauté for about 5 minutes.

Diced onion and jalapeño cooking in a skillet.

Add Canned Tomatoes, Broth, and Spices | Pour crushed tomatoes carefully into the pan with peppers and onions. Stir in the chicken broth, salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Reduce the heat to medium and allow to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Steps to add crushed tomatoes and spices to Ranchero Sauce

Serve and enjoy!

This ranchero sauce can be served chunky or smooth. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender, a blender, or a food processor to puree it.

Steps to blend Ranchero Sauce for a smoother consistency

Hot tip! Just because this sauce isn't typically spicy doesn't mean you can't add a little heat. To spice it up, don't deseed the peppers.

What to Serve with Ranchero Sauce

Ranchero sauce is most popular and well-known because of Huevos Rancheros, a Mexican dish in which corn tortillas, beans, and over-easy eggs are topped with cheese and ranchero sauce. But the fun certainly doesn’t stop there.

An overhead look at a plate of Huevos Rancheros. The sauce is bright red, the eggs are sunny-side-up and there are avocado slices on the plate as well.

This zesty Mexican sauce is also served on top of:

  • Enchiladas
  • Chili Rellenos (We use it in our Chili Relleno Casserole!)
  • Burritos
  • Tacos
  • Tamales (Can't forget that Tamale Sauce!)
  • Eggs
  • Steak
  • Shrimp

In our house, we use it on Mexican-inspired dinnertime creations like shredded chicken tacos, beef steak ranchero, and so much more.

It's a family-friendly sauce that goes with almost anything and makes pretty much everything better.

Overhead shot of Ranchero Sauce topped with fresh cilantro in a white serving bowl alongside sliced jalapenos

More Mexican Recipes to Love

  • Chuy's Salsa Fresca
  • Tex-Mex Beef Enchiladas
  • Migas
  • Homemade Beef Chimichangas
  • Chicken Verde Enchiladas
Overhead shot of Ranchero Sauce topped with fresh cilantro
Print Recipe
4.65 from 111 votes

Easy Ranchero Sauce

A quick and easy recipe for Ranchero Sauce, a tomato-based sauce infused with sauteed vegetables like jalapenos, onions, and fresh garlic.
Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time15 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Keyword: easy ranchero sauce
Servings: 10
Calories: 31kcal
Author: Kelly Anthony

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ of a white onion, diced
  • 3 jalapeños, stemmed, seeded, and diced
  • 1 clove of garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces whole crushed tomatoes, preferably San Marzanos
  • ¾ cup unsalted chicken broth (or water)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  • Add the oil to a medium-sized saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir in the onion and jalapeño and sauté for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and sauté 1 minute more. 
  • Carefully pour in the crushed tomatoes. Stir in the chicken broth, salt, pepper, cumin, and paprika. Reduce the heat to medium and allow to simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Optional: for a smoother sauce, transfer the contents of the saucepan to a blender or food processor. Remove the feed tube (to prevent a build-up of steam and pressure), cover with a dish towel, and process until smooth. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

Makes 2 cups. About 3 tablespoons per serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 31kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 463mg | Potassium: 168mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 187IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1mg
Ranchero Sauce | Image for Pinterest
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Comments

  1. Sherri says

    February 21, 2019 at 9:52 pm

    I totally need to make your ranchero sauce for our next Mexican food night! It will be the perfect accompaniment for tacos, rice and beans and everything in between!

    Reply
  2. Karen @ Seasonal Cravings says

    February 21, 2019 at 9:54 pm

    I love recipes like this that I can make ahead and use in a million ways throughout the week. My kids love all things Mexican so I know this will be a weeknight hit!

    Reply
  3. Lisa | Garlic & Zest says

    February 21, 2019 at 10:02 pm

    Your ranchero sauce looks like it would be delicious on all my Mexican favorites -- or just a piece of grilled chicken or fish. This sauce would elevate the flavor in any dish!

    Reply
  4. Liz says

    February 21, 2019 at 10:06 pm

    I want to put this sauce on EVERYTHING!!! I mean seriously, it's so versatile! Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
  5. Juli says

    February 21, 2019 at 11:27 pm

    This ranchero sauce looks so delicious! I love how easy it is to make it. I am going to have to make it when I make burritos! Can't wait to try it. PINNING!

    Reply
  6. Kacie Morgan says

    July 04, 2019 at 10:00 am

    Ranchero sauce sounds a lot more defined and tastier than enchilada sauce; I never really knew the difference between the two. I think I'd love the smokiness of Ranchero sauce.

    Reply
  7. Geoffrey says

    July 04, 2019 at 1:38 pm

    I love putting ranchero sauce on everything, but never thought to make my own at home. Printing this recipe and going to the store!

    Reply
  8. Stine Mari says

    July 05, 2019 at 12:42 pm

    This ranchero looks mouthwateringly delicious! I love the smokiness from the cumin, it sounds fabulous.

    Reply
  9. Erika says

    July 05, 2019 at 4:34 pm

    I love ranchero sauce and how versatile it is. So many great foods to top it with. Great recipe!

    Reply
  10. Ramona says

    July 05, 2019 at 5:40 pm

    This loos and sounds delicious. Definitely must make this soon as I always try and love making my own sauce. This sounds gorgeous 😉

    Reply
  11. Jenni says

    July 06, 2019 at 6:38 pm

    I love the sound of this ranchero sauce and its so simple to put together! I bet it would be wonderful on tacos, chicken, or even eggs!

    Reply
  12. Jacqueline Debono says

    July 07, 2019 at 4:02 pm

    Nothing beats homemade sauces and your Ranchero sauce looks and sounds delicious. I recently found fresh jalapenos for the first time here in Italy. Can't wait to use them in this!

    Reply
  13. April says

    July 07, 2019 at 11:53 pm

    I remember trying a similar sauce at my friend's house and it was the best sauce I have ever tried. I will be so happy if it is it - can't wait to make it myself!

    Reply
  14. Cheese Curd In Paradise says

    July 08, 2019 at 2:44 am

    What a delightfully simple sauce! I love these types of sauces because they are nice and spicy. I love to have them with my eggs for breakfast!

    Reply
  15. Lathiya says

    July 17, 2019 at 7:31 pm

    Wow, I love the simple sauce. I love the ingredients that went inside this recipe. So simple yet delicious.

    Reply
  16. Elaine Benoit says

    August 06, 2019 at 2:25 pm

    I love ranchero sauce and used to have it a lot but for some reason, I haven't made it recently! Your recipe looks perfect and delicious and I'm glad I got your recipe so once again I can enjoy some delicious ranchero sauce.

    Reply
  17. SHANIKA says

    August 06, 2019 at 11:38 pm

    This Ranchero Sauce looks so easy and delicious! I'd devoured this with a bowl of chips right about now!

    Reply
  18. Michelle says

    August 07, 2019 at 12:05 pm

    I've made this so many times now I just wanted to pop by again and say we absolutely love it! It's so good!

    Reply
    • Kelly Anthony says

      August 08, 2019 at 12:46 pm

      That's amazing! Thank you, Michelle! 🙂

      Reply
  19. Danielle says

    August 07, 2019 at 1:19 pm

    I am so ready for this sauce - it looks (and I am sure - tastes, too) absolutely amazing! Love the idea of adding it to a few of my favorite dishes - that must make a big difference!

    Reply
  20. Jacquelyn Hastert says

    August 08, 2019 at 2:27 pm

    This would take so many dishes to the next level with flavor. I love that it is bursting with flavor, but so easy to make. Thank you!

    Reply
  21. Tammy says

    August 09, 2019 at 4:46 pm

    I've never made ranchero before but I love the cumin and paprika mixed into there! Sounds so good!

    Reply
  22. Cathleen @ A Taste of Madness says

    August 11, 2019 at 3:33 am

    I am glad you explained what ranchero sauce was, because this is completely new to me!! I am dying to try this!

    Reply
  23. Kathryn says

    August 11, 2019 at 1:26 pm

    I'm a big fan of cumin so this sounds like my kind of sauce. I can think of so many things to put it on!

    Reply
  24. Veronika's Kitchen says

    August 11, 2019 at 5:33 pm

    This ranchero sauce looks so delicious! I already can imagine all the dished I can use it with! I would make a double batch and use it later during the week!

    Reply
  25. Kushigalu says

    August 12, 2019 at 1:39 am

    Never tried this sauce before. Looks fantastic. Adding it to my to do list!

    Reply
  26. Amanda Mason says

    August 12, 2019 at 2:13 am

    Have you used smoked paprika in this recipe before? I bet the smoked paprika taste really enhances the flavors! I cant wait to try this!!

    Reply
  27. Kathy Little says

    September 08, 2019 at 4:19 pm

    Regarding the nutritional label...how many oz. is considered a serving? I understand the total yield is 2 cups.

    Reply
    • Kelly Anthony says

      September 09, 2019 at 10:46 am

      About 3 tablespoons is 1 serving. There are 10 servings total.

      Reply
  28. Stacey says

    November 03, 2019 at 5:45 pm

    Excellent recipe, simple & delicious. I added a bit of sweet smoked paprika & also some spicy smoked paprika, it was YUMMY!

    Reply
    • Kelly Anthony says

      November 04, 2019 at 12:51 am

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  29. Kathy says

    April 14, 2020 at 1:50 pm

    Is there anything you can substitute for the jalapeno peppers?

    Reply
    • Kelly Anthony says

      April 14, 2020 at 7:59 pm

      You can leave them out altogether or sub in serrano peppers!

      Reply
  30. Laura says

    October 03, 2020 at 2:51 pm

    I can’t find a recipe for Rojo sauce, that you mention, but it’s the one I always use when I’m in Mexico. The link just took me to Wikipedia, would you consider creating a similar easy recipe? You’ve got tons of recipes it could be used with! (And linked too!) 😉

    Reply
    • Kelly Anthony says

      October 05, 2020 at 11:14 am

      It is TOTALLY on my list, Laura 😉 Thank you!

      Reply
  31. Merrilee says

    May 12, 2021 at 7:58 pm

    I just made this and it's not only simple, it's absolutely delicious! Thanks, for sharing1

    Reply
    • Kelly Anthony says

      August 29, 2021 at 10:49 pm

      Thank you, Merrilee! So much!

      Reply
  32. Danny says

    September 26, 2021 at 1:38 pm

    How long will rancheros sauce keep in refrigerator?

    Reply
    • Kelly Anthony says

      November 15, 2021 at 2:54 pm

      Up to 5 days. You can freeze it if you'd like it to keep longer!

      Reply
  33. Danny Alexander says

    November 29, 2021 at 1:56 am

    Love your Ranchero Sauce and so does everyone else!

    Reply
    • Kelly Anthony says

      December 18, 2021 at 2:16 pm

      Thank you, Danny! 🙂

      Reply
  34. Dan says

    September 19, 2023 at 12:06 am

    I made this recipe tonight to top my homemade spinach enchiladas, and it was very good, the right consistency and very flavorful. I'll definitely make this again.
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • Kelly Anthony says

      October 30, 2023 at 1:24 pm

      Thank you, Dan!

      Reply
  35. Linda Cohen says

    February 09, 2025 at 9:47 pm

    Oh my goodness, I'm making this ranchera sauce right this very minute for the Super Bowl.
    The flavor is ON POINT and SUPERB!
    Thank you, Kelly. This will be my go to ranchera sauce for all my Mexican dishes.

    Reply
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4.65 from 111 votes (44 ratings without comment)

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I’m Kelly Anthony — a baker, home chef, and mom with a passion for food and an adoration for entertaining.

Comfort food is my specialty, and it is truly my pleasure to share these recipes with you. If you’d like to get to know me a little better, click here.

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