A great sauce can make any meal better. This homemade ranchero sauce is perfect. With zesty tomatoes, spicy peppers, sweet onions, and savory garlic, it adds a delicious kick to breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Be warned that once you take your tastebuds to flavor town, they may never be the same. So if you are not ready to stop eating bland, tasteless food, then this recipe may not be for you.
However, if you are ready to embrace more heat, color, vibrancy, and flavor in your meals, then you are going to fall in love with this easy ranchero sauce.
Table of Contents
Recipe Video
Why This Recipe Works
This authentic ranchero sauce recipe works well because it is quick and easy to make. You can prepare it in just a few steps, saving you time and energy in the kitchen. The ingredients are simple, affordable, and easy to find, meaning you don’t need special or expensive items to make a delicious sauce.
Additionally, this quick ranchero sauce is so versatile that it can be paired with anything, from eggs and tacos to grilled meats and vegetables, making it a great addition to any meal.
Ingredients
Tomatoes:
Tomatoes are the star ingredient in ranchero sauce, so Roma tomatoes are ideal due to their low moisture content and intense flavor. For the best results, use fresh tomatoes, as they offer a vibrant taste and texture. However, high-quality canned tomatoes can be a good substitute if fresh ones aren't available. Alternatively, if you want to change up your homemade sauce, try using roasted red peppers instead.
Onion:
While this recipe uses white onions, you can choose from a variety of options for your ranchero sauce ingredients. Yellow onions are commonly used due to their rich, sweet taste, while red onions can also be used for a milder flavor and a touch of color. If you need a substitute for onions, consider shallots for a similar sweetness and milder taste.
Green onions or leeks can also work, though they will provide a different flavor. For a non-allium alternative, use celery or fennel to add a hint of sweetness.
Jalapeno Pepper:
Garlic:
Fresh minced garlic brings both sweet and savory flavors to the party, however, you can also use garlic powder in the absence of fresh. Or, if you want to omit the garlic altogether, you can do that or substitute it with chives, shallots, leeks, or onion powder.
Seasonings:
This easy ranchero sauce keeps it simple, using just salt, pepper, and cumin. Paprika and oregano can be added in keeping with the authenticity of the sauce. If you want to change up the recipe for your own homemade rancher sauce, you can also experiment with a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or crushed red pepper flakes.
How to Make Ranchero Sauce
Step One:
Prepare your ranchero sauce by dicing the tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno into uniform size and thickness.
Step Two:
Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Ensure the pan is hot before adding any food. This step will help prevent the veggies from sticking to the pan while cooking.
Step Three:
Add the onions to your hot pan and saute them for approximately 1 or 2 minutes until they begin to turn opaque. Then add the garlic and saute that until it becomes aromatic. This should take only 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Step Four:
Now, stir in the tomatoes and jalapenos and saute them until they begin to soften, approximately 2-3 minutes. Once they have softened sufficiently, you can use a masher to mash the ingredients into a sauce or remove the contents and blend them.
Step Five:
Once your sauce is to your desired consistency, add the seasonings and bring it to a simmer. Cover it with a lid and continue to simmer for 10-15 minutes. This will let all of the flavors meld together. If you feel like the sauce is too thin, you can simmer without a lid to allow the excess moisture to cook off.
Step Six:
Once your sauce has simmered for long enough, stir in the cilantro, and then remove it from the heat.
Step Seven:
Serve your homemade ranchero sauce with some fresh tortilla chips, and enjoy!
Tips
- Using a masher will result in a thicker and chunkier ranchero sauce. If you want a finer texture, you can blend the sauce in a blender or food processor.
- If your sauce tastes too acidic, balance it with a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey. This minor adjustment can perfect your easy ranchero sauce recipe.
What to Serve With Ranchero Sauce
Whether you’re making a traditional Mexican dish or looking to spice up your everyday meals, ranchero sauce is a versatile and flavorful addition to many dishes. Serve it over huevos rancheros or scrambled eggs for a classic Mexican breakfast. Drizzle it on enchiladas for a tangy, spicy kick. It's also perfect for topping grilled meats like chicken, steak, or pork, adding a burst of flavor to your proteins.
To enhance the flavor of your vegetarian fare, pair ranchero sauce with stuffed peppers or grilled vegetables. It makes a delicious dip for tortilla chips or a zesty topping for tacos and burritos. Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, any meal can benefit from the added flavor and spice that this authentic ranchero sauce brings.
FAQs
What is "Ranchero Sauce"?
Ranchero sauce is a traditional Mexican sauce made from tomatoes, onions, peppers, and spices. It's often used to top eggs, enchiladas, tacos, and other Mexican dishes.
Is this a vegan ranchero sauce? Gluten-free?
Yes, this ranchero sauce recipe is suitable for anyone who adheres to a vegan or gluten-free diet.
Is this a spicy ranchero sauce?
Ranchero sauce can be spicy, but the heat level can be adjusted based on your personal preferences. If your tolerance for spice is low, use a milder pepper like jalapenos, serranos, or poblanos, and always ensure you eliminate any seeds and pith from the inside of the peppers, as this is what brings the majority of the heat. If you are looking to add more heat to your spicy ranchero sauce, you can always add some of the seeds to your sauce or use a spicier pepper like scotch bonnet, habanero, or chipotle peppers.
What's the best way to store leftover ranchero sauce?
Leftover ranchero sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To freeze it, store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
More Sauce Recipes
A good sauce can elevate your meal. A great sauce, like this Mexican ranchero sauce, can elevate any meal! For more great sauces that can help you take your next meal to the next level, check out this collection of some of our favorite sauce recipes.
Ranchero Sauce
Ingredients
- 4 Roma tomatoes
- 1 white onion
- 1 jalapeno pepper
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro diced
Instructions
- Begin by dicing the tomatoes, onion, and jalapeno.
- Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add the onions to the hot pan and saute until they turn opaque, about 1-2 minutes. Then, stir in the garlic and saute for 30 seconds to 1 minute until aromatic.
- Stir in the tomatoes and jalapeno and saute until they are softened. Use a masher to mash everything together until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Bring your sauce to a simmer and add salt, pepper, and cumin. Continue to simmer for another 10-15 minutes.
- Stir in the cilantro and remove from heat.
- Serve with fresh tortilla chips, and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
- Using a masher will result in a thicker and chunkier ranchero sauce. If you want a finer texture, you can blend the sauce in a blender or food processor.
- If your sauce tastes too acidic, balance it with a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey. This minor adjustment can perfect your easy ranchero sauce recipe.