Chipotle tomato sauce combines smoky chipotle peppers with rich tomatoes to create a flavorful sauce. This chipotle tomato sauce was made to bring bold, smoky heat and a balanced tang to dishes like enchiladas, tacos, and grilled foods.
The main specialty of this sauce lies in its deep, smoky flavor enhanced by the chipotle peppers in adobo, giving meals an authentic Mexican touch.
Below, I will present a clear step-by-step guide to making this delicious chipotle tomato sauce.
Chipotle Tomato Sauce
This chipotle tomato sauce recipe offers a smoky, flavorful addition to many dishes, combining fire-roasted tomatoes with chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Made from simple ingredients like onions, garlic, and spices, it delivers a rich depth of flavor with a mild to moderate heat.
The sauce works well as a base for enchiladas, a topping for tacos, or a dip for chips. Its balanced taste comes from the smoky chipotle peppers paired with the natural sweetness of tomatoes and a touch of lime juice.
Easy to prepare and versatile, this Chipotle Tomato Sauce enhances any Mexican or Southwestern meal with authentic smoky heat.
How To Prepare Chipotle Tomato Sauce?
To make sure this Chipotle Tomato Sauce comes out just right, we’ll walk through each step carefully! Clear instructions and helpful tips will guide you from start to finish.
I’ve also included a list of kitchen tools that can simplify the process though you don’t need every single one to succeed.
Use what you have on hand, and you’ll still create a flavorful, smoky sauce that adds a delicious kick to your meals. Let’s get started and bring bold, authentic flavors to your cooking!
Recipe Details
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Course: Sauce / Condiment
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Calories: Approx. 60 per serving (varies based on portion size)
- Yield: Makes about 2 cups of sauce

Kitchen Utensils
- Medium saucepan or skillet
- Blender or immersion blender
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 4 large ripe tomatoes (or 1 can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, about 14 oz)
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (from a can)
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lime juice (optional, for brightness)
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth (adjust for desired consistency)
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
How To Make Chipotle Tomato Sauce
1. If using fresh tomatoes, roast or char them in a dry pan or under a broiler until skins are blistered. Let cool slightly, and then chop roughly.
2. Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chipotle peppers with some adobo sauce to taste (start with 1 pepper, add more for heat).
4. Add the tomatoes (fresh or canned) and water or broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
5. Transfer sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Add lime juice for brightness if desired. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Return sauce to heat if it needs further thickening. Simmer gently for 5 more minutes.
6. Use immediately or let cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.
Tips For Perfect Chipotle Tomato Sauce
1. If you’re new to chipotle peppers, start with one pepper and gradually add more until you reach the desired spice level. You can always add more, but you can’t take the heat out once it’s in!
2. Freshly minced garlic enhances the overall flavor and aroma of the sauce. Avoid using garlic powder for the best results.
3. Allow the sauce to simmer on low heat for a longer time to fully develop the flavors. Patience is key to making a deep, rich sauce.
4. Blending the sauce after cooking gives it a silky smooth texture. If you prefer a chunkier sauce, just pulse it lightly for a more rustic finish.
5. Taste the sauce at the end of the cooking process and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. This ensures the flavors are just right!
How To Use This Chipotle Tomato Sauce
➢ Pasta: Toss with your favorite pasta for a smoky, spicy twist.
➢ Grilled Meats: Use as a marinade or dipping sauce for grilled chicken, beef, or pork.
➢ Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle over roasted vegetables like cauliflower, zucchini, or bell peppers.
➢ Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread on sandwiches, burgers, or wraps for added flavor.
Variations Of Chipotle Tomato Sauce
1. Chipotle and Mango Sauce: Add some diced mango to the sauce while it’s simmering for a sweet, tropical twist that pairs wonderfully with grilled meats or seafood.
2. Creamy Chipotle Tomato Sauce: Stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream or coconut milk at the end of cooking for a creamy version that goes great with pasta or pizza.
3. Chipotle and Roasted Garlic Sauce: Roast a head of garlic and mash it into the sauce for a deeper, milder garlic flavor with a sweet undertone.
4. Vegetarian Chipotle Sauce: Add more vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the sauce for an extra burst of nutrients and texture.
5. Spicy Chipotle BBQ Sauce: Mix in some brown sugar, vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce to create a smoky, sweet, and tangy BBQ sauce perfect for ribs or burgers.
Best Ideas Make More Delicious
To make your Chipotle Tomato Sauce even more delicious, try adding a touch of honey or brown sugar to balance the heat with a little sweetness.
A splash of balsamic vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice can also brighten up the flavors. For extra richness, stir in a dollop of sour cream or a tablespoon of butter at the end of cooking.
These small adjustments will elevate the sauce, giving it layers of flavor that will wow your taste buds!
How To Store
Allow the chipotle tomato sauce to cool completely after cooking. Transfer it to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator for up to one week.
For longer storage, use a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to three months.
To use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Proper storage preserves the sauce’s flavor and freshness for later use.
More Tomato Sauce Recipes You’ll Love
Canned Tomato Sauce Recipe – Easy & Delicious
Fennel Tomato Sauce: Flavorful
Authentic Greek Rice With Tomato Sauce
Stuffed Pepper Without Tomato Sauce | Tomato-Free Twist
Smoked Tomato Sauce – Smoky Twist
Conclusion
This chipotle tomato sauce is a simple and delicious way to add bold, smoky flavor to many dishes. Its rich taste and mild heat make it a great addition to tacos, enchiladas, and more.
The recipe is easy to follow and uses common ingredients, making it accessible for any home cook. I hope you enjoy making this sauce and find it as tasty as I do.
Give it a try, and bring a fresh twist to your meals with this flavorful chipotle tomato sauce!

Chipotle Tomato Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan or skillet
- Blender or immersion blender
- Knife and chopping board
- Measuring spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 4 large ripe tomatoes or 1 can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes, about 14 oz
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce from a can
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lime juice optional, for brightness
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth adjust for desired consistency
- Fresh cilantro optional, for garnish
Instructions
- If using fresh tomatoes, roast or char them in a dry pan or under a broiler until skins are blistered. Let cool slightly, and then chop roughly.
- Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chipotle peppers with some adobo sauce to taste (start with 1 pepper, add more for heat).
- Add the tomatoes (fresh or canned) and water or broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
- Transfer sauce to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. Add lime juice for brightness if desired. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Return sauce to heat if it needs further thickening. Simmer gently for 5 more minutes.
- Use immediately or let cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Garnish with fresh cilantro if desired.