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Taco Bell Mild Border Sauce

This homemade Taco Bell Mild Border Sauce delivers a tangy-sweet flavor with a gentle kick that can be adjusted to suit your taste. It’s a versatile condiment perfect for drizzling over tacos, eggs, and so much more, and it’s made with pantry staples that meld beautifully when simmered together.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
  • 3 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
  • 4 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust to taste for more or less heat

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Airtight container

Method
 

  1. In a medium saucepan, dissolve the 2 teaspoons of cornstarch in 3 cups of water. Whisk well until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
  2. Add the tomato paste, 3 tablespoons of white distilled vinegar, 4 teaspoons of chili powder, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Stir everything together until evenly combined.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to allow the sauce to thicken.
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat, cover, and let the sauce cool completely. This cooling step is key as it allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
  5. Once cooled, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. The sauce will keep for up to two weeks, though it might not last that long in your household!

Notes

This sauce is highly adaptable: swap white vinegar with apple cider vinegar for a fruitier note, reduce or omit the cayenne for a milder version, or add a teaspoon of honey if you prefer a touch of sweetness. The flavors deepen after a day in the refrigerator, so consider making it ahead to let the spices meld. Use it on tacos, scrambled eggs, as a marinade for chicken, or even stirred into sour cream for a quick taco dip.