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Condiment - Homemade Taco Sauce

This easy homemade taco sauce rivals store-bought brands in flavor and price. It’s perfect for three meals for a family of four. Freeze extra portions to always have delicious taco nights ready!

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🕒 Prep & Cook Time

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Servings: 12

🧂 Ingredients

  • 1 can (16 oz / 454 g) tomato sauce
  • ⅔ cup (160 ml) water
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) white vinegar (can increase to 3 tbsp for better preservation)
  • 1 tablespoon (9 g) ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons (4 g) onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon (3 g) garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon (4 g) garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon (1 g) chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon (1 g) paprika
  • ½ teaspoon (2 g) white sugar
  • ½ teaspoon (1 g) cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

🍳 Instructions

  1. Combine all ingredients
    In a saucepan, mix together the tomato sauce, water, vinegar, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, garlic salt, chili powder, paprika, sugar, and cayenne pepper.

  2. Simmer
    Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat. Cook uncovered for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce slightly thickens.

  3. Cool & Serve
    Let the sauce cool slightly before serving. Use immediately or store.

🧊 Storage Tips

  • For Immediate Use: Let the sauce cool, then transfer to a sterilized glass jar or airtight container.
  • In the Fridge:
  • With standard prep: lasts up to 1 week.
  • With extra vinegar (3 tbsp total), a sterilized jar, and clean utensil use: lasts up to 4 weeks.
  • In the Freezer:
  • Divide into three equal portions (approx. 1 cup / 240 ml each).
  • Freeze extra portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.

💡 Bonus Tips to Extend Shelf Life

  • Add ½ to 1 tsp lemon juice or citric acid to lower pH and inhibit spoilage.
  • Always use a clean spoon to prevent contamination.
  • Label containers with the date made and expiration.

🔍 Nutrition (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 15
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Sodium: 352 mg
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Sugars: 2 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Vitamin C: 3 mg
  • Iron: 1 mg
  • Potassium: 147 mg
  • Calcium: 12 mg

Enjoy your next taco night with this flavorful, homemade taco sauce that’s always ready when you are! 🌮🔥