Published: Apr 12, 2021 · Modified: Jun 24, 2023 by Anna Luther · This post may contain affiliate links ·

Copycat Taco Bell Red Sauce Recipe

Name: Copycat Taco Bell Red Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 can Tomato Sauce (8oz); ⅓ cups Water; ½ teaspoon Chili Powder; 1 ½ teaspoons Cumin; ½ teaspoon Onion Powder; 1 tablespoon White Vinegar; ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder; ½ teaspoon Garlic Salt; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe·Leave a review

This is a bonkers easy recipe! With only two main ingredients and a bunch of spices, you can whip this famous Taco Bell CopyCat Red Sauce up in no time. This isn't your typical taco sauce. The flavor is rich and perfect - you'll seriously think you're eating Taco Bell Sauce! Doubling the batch is not even reckless – once you see how fast it goes!

What to Use Taco Bell's Copycat Red Sauce For

What to Use Taco Bell’s Copycat Red Sauce For

Before we dive into how to make this easy recipe, let’s talk about all the ways you’re going to want to use it.

On beef tacos
In bean burritos
In crunchy supremes
On nachos
In quesadillas
In enchiladas
In your eggs!
On refried beans
As the sauce for pizzas (have you TRIED Mexican pizza? It's amazing!)
In taco salad

How to Make Copycat Taco Bell Red Sauce

This recipe is so easy! You’re going to mix tomato sauce (not tomato paste), water and a bunch of spices and simmer at a very low temperature for 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat, cool completely and add to your storage container to keep in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. This is a mild sauce, so it will taste perfect to some and others will want to add a dash of hot sauce.

OR – add it directly to your Mexican meal and start eating!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Taco Bell Red Sauce? And what's the big deal?

If you love Taco Bell, then you already know what the big deal is. If not, that's okay, prepare to have your taste buds blown. 🙂 This iconic red sauce is in a lot of the menu items at Taco Bell, and has become a little bit famous. It's a combination of tomato puree and tons of chili spices. It took awhile for the world to figure out the recipe, but now you can make it at home!

Can you buy Taco Bell Red Sauce?

Yes! It comes in packets with your meal at Taco Bell (you can always ask for more!) You can also find it on grocery store shelves near the flour and corn tortillas.

What is the difference between the red and green taco bell hot sauces?

Obviously one is red and one is green. Can you tell them apart by taste alone? YES! The red sauce is a mild sauce that is a little sweet. The green sauce is spicy, made with jalapeno peppers, green chili puree and tomatillos.