MENUMENU
  • Logo - Crowded Kitchen - Delicious Flexitarian Recipes
  • Recipes
  • About Us
  • Shop
  • Contact
  • Sign Up
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Our Favorite Products
  • Contact
  • Sign Up
×
Home » Recipes » Sauces, Condiments and more

Taco Sauce

Published: Mar 15, 2021 · Modified: Sep 26, 2022 by Lexi
This post contains affiliate links, and I may receive commissions for purchases made through links on this post.

77 shares
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

This incredibly easy homemade taco sauce comes together in just 5 minutes and tastes just like your favorite store-bought version! Perfect for using in tacos, burritos, marinades, dips and so much more.

Savory homemade tomato sauce in a glass jar with fresh cherry tomatoes and a spoon on a dark surface.

Homemade taco sauce is made with a base of tomato, vinegar for acidity, a touch of sugar and several spices like chili powder, cumin and garlic for flavor.

Why we love this recipe

  • Super quick and easy: this taco sauce comes together in one bowl in just 5 minutes! Honestly, 5 minutes might even be a stretch – 3 minutes if you're quick at measuring spices!
  • No cook: some taco sauce recipes require up to 10 minutes of cooking, but this recipe doesn't require any time on the stovetop.
  • Versatile: we love using taco sauce as a quick way to add flavor to tacos (obviously), soups, stews, nachos, burritos, and so much more.
  • Allergy friendly: naturally vegan, gluten and soy free!

Ingredients

Here are the key ingredients you'll need to make this quick homemade taco sauce, most of which you probably already have in your pantry:

Chili spice ingredients in small glass bowls on dark surface for homemade flavorful chili or sauce.

Ingredient Notes

  • Tomato paste: tomato paste is essentially super thick, rich concentrated tomato puree. You don't need too much of it since it's so rich in flavor. The higher quality the paste, the better this taco sauce will taste.
    • Pro tip: leftover tomato paste? Use a tablespoon measurement to portion onto parchment paper (with space in between each dollop). Freeze until solid, then transfer to a sealable bag or container and freeze for up to 6 months. You can use one 1 tablespoon portion at a time without any waste!
  • Apple cider vinegar: adds the perfect amount of freshness and acidity to balance out the rich tomato flavor.
  • Agave: a small amount of sugar helps balance all of the spices in this recipe. You can use pretty much any liquid sweetener. We prefer agave because of its neutral flavor.
  • Salt: we use fine grain kosher salt in this recipe. If using coarse salt, taste before adding more.

How to make taco sauce

This homemade taco sauce really couldn't be any easier to make! Here's how to do it:

Whisk together all ingredients until smooth and no lumps remain. You can also use a blender or food processor (but we only suggest doing so if you're making a large enough batch).

Liquid ingredients of tomato-based sauces with spices and herbs, ready for cooking, on black textured background.

This recipe makes about 1 ⅓ cup total volume of taco sauce, which is enough for several (4+) uses. If you don't think you'll use it up within 2 weeks and don't want to store any leftovers in the freezer, cut the recipe in half.

I prefer to make the full batch and freeze about half of it so I have it on hand whenever needed. It's so easy to just grab a cube from the freezer and toss it in whatever I'm making!

Homemade tomato sauce in glass jar on dark table.

Storage

Refrigerator: store leftovers in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Stir before using.

Freezer: pro tip: freeze the leftovers in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or storage container and keep frozen for up to 6 months!

You can defrost in the refrigerator overnight, or you can just add it directly to whatever you're making (it will defrost quickly in the pan). So easy and convenient!

Serving suggestions

This homemade taco sauce is so versatile! Here are a few of our favorite ways to use it:

  • Add it to your favorite taco meat for a quick weeknight dinner
  • Add to tortilla soup or black bean soup
  • Use in cheesy cauliflower, black bean & rice bake
  • Use in burritos, burrito bowls or as a sauce for nachos
  • Use as a marinade for tofu or other proteins
  • Swirled into a dip or dressing
  • As a topping for scrambled tofu (or scrambled eggs)
Fresh vegan black bean soup with avocado, cilantro, and crispy tortilla strips, served in a black bowl.
Tortilla soup

Are we missing anything? Let us know your favorite use for taco sauce in the comments below!

Related recipes to try

  • Colorful-packed jars of infused vegetables and fruits, showcasing pickled and fermented recipes.
    A Guide to Quick Pickles
  • Fresh colorful bowl of vegan salad with avocado, cherry tomatoes, black beans, and chopped vegetables on a rustic table.
    Vegan Taco Salad
  • Cooked ground chicken with tomato sauce and spices.
    Chipotle Sofritas Tofu
  • Roasted chickpeas in a white ceramic bowl, ready to be served, with a spoon and seasoning in the background.
    Za'atar Spiced Crispy Chickpeas
Rich homemade tomato sauce in a glass jar.

Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with us through social media by following us on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook or by subscribing to our newsletter.

Print

📖 Recipe

clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Rich homemade tomato sauce in a glass jar with fresh cherry tomatoes and spices on a dark background.

Taco Sauce


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: Lexi
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 ⅓ cups 1x
  • Diet: Vegan
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Description

This incredibly easy homemade taco sauce comes together in just 5 minutes and tastes just like your favorite store-bought version! Perfect for using in tacos, burritos, marinades, dips and so much more. 


Ingredients

Scale
  • ¼ cup + 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • ¾ cup water
  • ¼ cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp agave syrup (or honey)
  • 3 tsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin 
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp fine grain salt (plus more to taste) 


Instructions

  1. Whisk together all ingredients until smooth and no lumps remain. You can also use a blender. 
  2. Store in the refrigerator for 2 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months. Use in any recipe that calls for taco sauce!

Notes

*This recipe makes about 1 ⅓ cups total volume of taco sauce. Feel free to halve if you don't think you'll use as much. If you only need enough for one recipe (about ¼ cup), quarter the recipe. 

Refrigerator storage: store leftovers in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Stir before using.

Freezer storage: pro tip: freeze the leftovers in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or storage container and keep frozen for up to 6 months! You can defrost in the refrigerator overnight, or you can just add it directly to whatever you're making (it will defrost quickly in the pan). So easy and convenient!

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Condiments
  • Method: No cook
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: ¼ cup
  • Calories: 38
  • Sugar: 4.7 g
  • Sodium: 440.6 mg
  • Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8.1 g
  • Fiber: 1.4 g
  • Protein: 1.3 g

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @crowded_kitchen on Instagram and hashtag it #crowdedkitchen

More Sauces, Condiments and more

  • Overhead view of quick pickled apples with whole spices in a bowl.
    Quick Pickled Apples
  • Warm apple butter spread in glass jar with fresh apples and cinnamon sticks on rustic table.
    Homemade Apple Butter
  • Creamy roasted sweet potato hummus garnished with pomegranate seeds and fresh mint.
    Carrot and Roasted Red Pepper Feta Dip
  • Bottle of grenadine syrup with pomegranate fruits in the background.
    Homemade Grenadine (Pomegranate Syrup)

Comments

    Comments

    No Comments

    Let us know what you think! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

  1. Hank says

    July 12, 2025 at 5:37 pm

    This is a good simple recipe. I find I prefer reducing the vinegar from 4 tbs to 3 tbs.

    Reply
  • Soups
  • Salads
  • Cocktails
  • Main Dishes

Trending Recipes

  • Strawberry turnover with white icing and colorful sprinkles on black wire cooling rack.
    Homemade Strawberry Pop Tarts
  • Crunchy fried chicken bites perfect for snacking.
    Homemade Cheez-Its
  • Creamy tomato soup with toasted garlic bread croutons, perfect for cozy comfort food.
    Sheet Pan Soup
  • Savory grilled chicken and tofu with vibrant purple cabbage and quinoa in a rustic bowl.
    Hot Honey Chicken Plate (Sweetgreen Dupe)

Footer

Back to top ↑

About

  • Learn About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement
  • Affiliate Disclosure
  • See our Portfolio

Contact

  • Contact Us
  • Work With Us
  • As Seen In

Copyright © 2025 Crowded Kitchen

Homemade taco sauce in a glass jar with a spoon on dark background.
Homemade tomato sauce in glass jar on dark table.
Rich homemade tomato sauce in a glass jar.
Savory homemade tomato sauce in a glass jar with fresh cherry tomatoes and a spoon on a dark surface.