Mild Taco Sauce Deluxe (Copycat Recipe)
Recreate the iconic flavor of Taco Bell's Mild Taco Sauce right in your own kitchen! This copycat recipe is perfect for adding a zesty kick to your tacos, burritos, and any other Mexican-inspired dishes. Bursting with rich tomato flavor and a perfect blend of spices, this sauce is a fan favorite that can also serve as a base for chili or as a dipping sauce for nachos. Whether you're hosting a taco night or simply looking for a flavorful condiment, this easy-to-make sauce is sure to impress your family and friends. Enjoy the burst of flavor without any preservatives or artificial ingredients!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cold Water
1 cup (None)
Tomato Sauce
1 (8 ounce) can (None)
Arrowroot or Cornstarch
4 teaspoons (None)
White Vinegar
2 tablespoons (None)
Ground Cumin
1 tablespoon (None)
Dried Onion Flakes
1 tablespoon (None)
Lawry's Seasoned Salt
1 teaspoon (Use this brand only)
Lime Juice
1 teaspoon (None)
Orange Juice
1 teaspoon (None)
Worcestershire Sauce
1 teaspoon (None)
Dried Chipotle Powder
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Plain New Mexico Chile Powder
1/2 teaspoon (None)
A.1. Original Sauce
1/2 teaspoon (Use this brand only)
White Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Liquid Smoke
1-2 drops (Measure into a spoon first)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, combine all the ingredients: 1 cup cold water, 1 can (8 ounces) of tomato sauce, 4 teaspoons of arrowroot or cornstarch, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 tablespoon of dried onion flakes, 1 teaspoon of Lawry's Seasoned Salt, 1 teaspoon of lime juice, 1 teaspoon of orange juice, 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of dried chipotle powder, 1/2 teaspoon of plain New Mexico chile powder, 1/2 teaspoon of A.1. Original Sauce, 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper, and 1-2 drops of liquid smoke.
2
Whisk the ingredients together vigorously until well combined.
3
Place the saucepan over high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4
Once boiling, continue to cook for one full minute while whisking regularly.
5
Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the sauce to cool for about 10 minutes. Whisk occasionally during cooling to prevent separation.
6
Once the sauce has cooled, pour it into a sealable container or a convenient squeeze bottle for easy application.
7
Refrigerate any unused portion for up to 2 weeks. Before serving again, shake well to combine.
8
Serve this delicious sauce with your favorite tacos, burritos, or as a starter-base for chili. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mild Taco Sauce Deluxe?
It is a homemade copycat recipe designed to recreate the iconic flavor of Taco Bell's Mild Taco Sauce.
Is this a copycat for Taco Bell's sauce?
Yes, this recipe is specifically crafted to mimic the zesty kick and rich tomato flavor of the famous fast-food condiment.
What are the main ingredients in this sauce?
The sauce is made from a base of tomato sauce, water, and vinegar, flavored with cumin, onion flakes, lime and orange juices, and various seasonings.
Does this taco sauce require cooking?
Yes, the mixture must be brought to a boil and cooked for one full minute to activate the thickening agent and meld the flavors.
How do I thicken the sauce?
The recipe uses 4 teaspoons of arrowroot or cornstarch as a thickening agent.
Can I use cornstarch instead of arrowroot?
Yes, the recipe allows for either arrowroot or cornstarch to achieve the desired consistency.
Why is orange juice included in the recipe?
Orange juice adds a subtle hint of citrus sweetness and acidity that helps replicate the complex flavor of the original sauce.
Is lime juice necessary for the recipe?
Yes, one teaspoon of lime juice is used to provide a bright, tangy citrus note characteristic of Mexican-inspired sauces.
Why is Lawry's Seasoned Salt recommended?
The recipe specifies Lawry's brand to ensure the final taste accurately matches the intended copycat flavor profile.
What brand of steak sauce should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of A.1. Original Sauce.
Is this taco sauce very spicy?
No, it is a mild sauce. While it contains chipotle and chile powders, it is designed to be flavorful rather than intensely hot.
What provides the smoky flavor in the sauce?
The smoky notes come from a combination of dried chipotle powder and 1-2 drops of liquid smoke.
How should I measure the liquid smoke?
It is recommended to measure the liquid smoke into a spoon first before adding it to the pot to avoid adding too much.
What type of chile powder is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of plain New Mexico chile powder.
Can I use fresh onions instead of dried onion flakes?
The recipe specifies dried onion flakes to achieve the correct texture and concentrated flavor without adding excess moisture.
How long does it take to prepare the sauce?
The cooking process takes only a few minutes, followed by a 10-minute cooling period.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
You should whisk the ingredients vigorously at the start and occasionally during the cooling process to keep the texture uniform.
What is the best way to store the finished sauce?
Pour the cooled sauce into a sealable container or a convenient squeeze bottle for easy application.
How long does the sauce last in the refrigerator?
Any unused portion can be refrigerated for up to 2 weeks.
Do I need to shake the sauce before using it?
Yes, you should shake the container well before serving to ensure the ingredients are properly combined.
Can I use this sauce as a base for other dishes?
Yes, it is excellent as a starter-base for chili or as a dipping sauce for nachos.
What foods pair well with this sauce?
It is perfect for tacos, burritos, and any other Mexican-inspired dishes.
Are there any preservatives in this recipe?
No, this homemade version is free from the artificial preservatives and ingredients often found in store-bought sauces.
Can I substitute white vinegar?
While white vinegar is recommended for its sharp tang, you could experiment with apple cider vinegar for a slightly different flavor profile.
What is the texture of the sauce?
It is a smooth, pourable sauce that is slightly thickened by the cornstarch or arrowroot.
Does the sauce contain Worcestershire sauce?
Yes, one teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce is added to provide a savory umami depth.
Can I use lemon juice instead of lime?
Lime juice is preferred for an authentic Mexican flavor, but lemon juice can be used as a substitute if necessary.
Is this recipe vegan?
You should check the labels on your Worcestershire and A.1. sauce, as some brands contain animal-derived ingredients like anchovies.
Why should I whisk the sauce while it cools?
Whisking during the cooling period prevents a skin from forming on the surface and ensures the sauce remains smooth.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double the ingredients if you are hosting a large taco night or want to have more sauce on hand.