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Tex Mex paste recipe card layout with labeled ingredients

Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste Recipe

Julie
If you've ever scraped the last bit of Tex Mex paste from a HelloFresh packet, you're not alone. This homemade version is smoky, zesty, and totally addictive—and now you can make it yourself with pantry ingredients and zero additives. Whether you're cooking tacos or burgers, this DIY paste adds a restaurant-quality punch to any dish.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Condiment
Cuisine Tex-Mex
Servings 1 cup
Calories 45 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 –1 tsp chipotle chili powder to taste
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tbsp olive oil plus more if needed
  • 1/4 tsp salt or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Toast smoked paprika, cumin, and garlic powder in a dry pan over medium heat for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
  • Add tomato paste, chipotle powder, brown sugar, and vinegar. Stir until combined.
  • Slowly drizzle in olive oil while stirring until mixture becomes smooth and glossy.
  • Season with salt and adjust heat, sweetness, or tang as needed.
  • Let cool, then store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Notes

This homemade Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste is great in tacos, rice bowls, burgers, or mixed into marinades. Customize the heat level to your liking, and try pairing with our Hello Fresh Tuscan Heat Spice for even bolder flavor.
Keyword hello fresh copycat, hello fresh tex mex paste recipe, spicy tomato paste, tex mex paste, tex-mex condiment