Tex-Mex chili gravy is neither Mexican style red enchilada sauce nor brown gravy, but rather a combination of the two.
- Try one of our 12 salsa recipes to help you master Taco Night.
Most likely, Tex-Mex chili gravy (sometimes called Mexican brown gravy, Mexican Gravy, or brown gravy enchilada sauce) was invented by Anglo settlers in Texas using their recipes and local ingredients in an attempt to recreate Mexican red enchilada sauce.
The major difference between the two sauces is that, like brown gravy, Tex-Mex enchilada sauce begins with a flour-based roux.
To make the roux, heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat, then add the flour, constantly whisking until the flour is cooked and starting to brown gently to a caramel or peanut butter color.
You don’t want to get it too dark (like a Cajun-style roux for gumbo). A dark roux could easily overpower your sauce.
- Use your chili gravy to top a Tex-Mex Burrito Mojado or the quintessential Tex-Mex recipe, cheese enchiladas.
Once your roux is ready, pour in the beef stock, then the spices, constantly whisking until smooth.
Finally, turn down the heat and simmer until thickened.
Nothing to it.
Tex-Mex Chili Gravy
Equipment
- Large pan
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup lard or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp. chili powder
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. Mexican oregano
Instructions
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat, then add the flour whisking constantly until it turns the color of peanut butter. About 5 minutes.
- Add stock, whisking constantly, then add the seasonings. Whisk until smooth and starting to thicken.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Add more beef stock, if necessary, to maintain a gravy-like consistency.
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