Tamale Sauce ~
Smoky Tex-Mex sauce ready in 15 minutes or less!
Yields 2 cups, the perfect amount to generously cover a dozen tamales.
Tex-Mex-Tamale Sauce
Tamales are delicious on their own, but they’re even better when topped with a flavorful sauce! While you might be familiar with more traditional Mexican red tamale sauce, made with red chiles, this version is quicker, easier, and packed with extra Tex-Mex flavor. No roasting or blending required—just a handful of ingredients and you’re ready to go!
I like this recipe because it’s a rich, cheesy sauce that’s both versatile and ready in just minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you need something quick and easy to take a basic dinner up a notch.
Recently, I made this sauce to serve over pre-made tamales, and it was a total game-changer, similar to my Red Enchilada Sauce but smokier and with cheese. The creamy texture and flavorful kick elevated the tamales with minimal effort. I served the tamales with Taco Rice and it was an easy dinner approved by all.
This is a simple yet flavorful sauce that will quickly become your go-to for tamales, tacos, nachos, or anything that needs a little Tex-Mex flair.
Quick Tip for Success
For the best smoky flavor, use adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo instead of plain adobo sauce from a jar. The chipotle peppers add a deeper, more robust smokiness that elevates the sauce beyond the basic tangy kick of jarred adobo sauce.
As for the remaining chipotle peppers, don’t toss them! Store the leftover peppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. You can make Chipotle Pepper Gravy, blend them into a smoky salsa, stir into soups or stews, or add to tacos and burritos for extra heat and flavor.
Ingredients for Tamale Sauce
You will need the following:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegan beef-style broth
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce, from canned chipotles in adobo
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup mild cheddar cheese, shredded
Ingredient Notes
- Butter: Provides richness and helps create the roux that thickens the sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour: Combined with butter, flour forms the roux, which is essential for thickening the sauce.
- Vegan Beef-Style Broth: Adds a savory depth that mimics the flavor of traditional beef broth while keeping the sauce veg-friendly.
- Adobo Sauce from Chipotles in Adobo: Adds a smoky, slightly spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
- Taco Seasoning: A convenient blend of spices, including cumin, chili powder, and paprika, that enhances the Tex-Mex flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: Melts smoothly into the sauce for a creamy texture.
How to Make Tamale Sauce
STEP ONE: Make the Roux. Set a small saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. When the butter is melted, sprinkle evenly with flour and whisk continuously until a smooth paste forms.
STEP TWO: Add the Broth. Gradually add the broth, whisking after each addition, until smooth and slightly thick.
STEP THREE: Simmer. Reduce to low heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
STEP FOUR: Add Flavor and Cheese. Stir in the adobo sauce, taco seasoning, and shredded cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
STEP FIVE: Serve. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot over your favorite tamales.
FAQ
- Can I use a different cheese in this recipe? Yes! While mild cheddar melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.Other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or American are also good for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Is this sauce spicy? The adobo sauce adds a mild heat and smoky flavor. For a spicier sauce, mix in some chopped chipotle peppers from the can or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Can I make this sauce dairy-free? Absolutely! Swap out the butter and cheese for plant-based alternatives, and the sauce will still be rich and flavorful.
- What else can I serve with this sauce? This Tex-Mex sauce is perfect over enchiladas, burritos, or even as a dip for tortilla chips.
Storage
- Allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. To reheat, warm the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, stir in a splash of broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
More Recipes You’ll Love!
- Sour Cream Sauce
- Tomatillo Salsa Verde
- Black Bean Quinoa Tacos
- Seasoned Pinto Beans
- Poblano Potatoes
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Tamale Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups vegan beef-style broth
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from canned chipotles in adobo
- 2 teaspoons taco seasoning
- 1/4 cup mild cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Set a small saucepan over medium heat and add the butter. When the butter is melted, sprinkle evenly with flour and whisk continuously until a smooth paste forms.
- Gradually add the broth, whisking after each addition, until smooth and slightly thick.
- Reduce to low heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the adobo sauce, taco seasoning, and shredded cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot over your favorite tamales.
TLynn
This sauce is the best!!! I used it on Trader Joe’s tamales – HUGE hit!
Then I made a veggie soup and added this sauce for flavor – so good..
thiswifecooks
Awesome! I use it on TJ tamales too. 😊 Thank you so much for your kind review!
Antoinette Barker
Can you add a little peanut butter?
thiswifecooks
Hi Antionette ~ Yes, you can add a little peanut butter—it will give the sauce a nutty depth that leans more toward a mild mole-style sauce. If that’s what you’re going for, start with 1 to 2 teaspoons and stir it in when you add the adobo sauce and taco seasoning. Taste and adjust as needed so it doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.