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Homemade Hot Taco Sauce

A tangy, spicy homemade hot taco sauce made with tomato paste, vinegar, taco seasoning, and jalapeño powder—ready in minutes.
About 3 cups
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Level:
Beginner

This Homemade Hot Taco Sauce is a quick pantry recipe with bold heat and tang. Tomato paste creates the rich base, vinegar brings the sharp kick, and taco seasoning plus jalapeño powder builds the classic taco-sauce flavor. Use it on tacos, nachos, burrito bowls, or as a spicy dip.

Ingredients

8 oz tomato paste4½ cups water1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon onion powder½ cup vinegar¼ cup vinegar (for later, optional for extra tang)2 tablespoons taco seasoning1 tablespoon jalapeño powder1 teaspoon jalapeño powder (extra)⅛ cup lemon juice1 teaspoon salt10 ice cubes (optional, for quick cooling)

Instructions

  1. In a large pot, whisk tomato paste and water until smooth.

  2. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, taco seasoning, jalapeño powder, lemon juice, and salt until fully combined.

  3. Heat over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  4. Stir in ½ cup vinegar until incorporated. (Optional: add the extra ¼ cup vinegar for a sharper, tangier sauce.)

  5. Cool to room temperature. For faster cooling, stir in ice cubes until melted.

  6. Transfer to a jar or airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.

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