What is HelloFresh Tex-Mex paste made of?

The original HelloFresh Tex-Mex paste is typically a blend of tomato paste , chipotle peppers in adobo , ancho chili , smoked paprika , cumin , garlic , and a touch of vinegar and sugar . It’s a concentrated, smoky, slightly sweet paste designed to bring bold Southwest flavor to meals. The homemade version of the hello fresh tex mex paste recipe closely mirrors this blend using fresh, pantry-ready ingredients—without the additives.

What can I use instead of HelloFresh Tex-Mex seasoning?

If you're out of HelloFresh’s Tex-Mex seasoning or paste, you can substitute with a quick mix of: 1 tbsp taco seasoning 1 tbsp tomato paste 1 tsp vinegar or lime juice Mixing these ingredients creates a fast flavor paste that mimics the texture and spice of the original. For best results, use this as a stand-in when cooking ground meat, beans, or veggie dishes.

What ingredients are in Tex-Mex?

Tex-Mex cuisine often includes ingredients like chili powder , cumin , tomatoes , paprika , garlic , onions , corn , and beans . These bold, earthy flavors are signature to Southwestern U.S. cooking. The hello fresh tex mex paste recipe combines several of these into one thick, spoonable sauce that adds instant flavor to any dish.

What is a substitute for Mexican paste?

Mexican paste—whether mole, adobo, or a tomato-based paste—can often be substituted with: Reduced enchilada sauce Chipotle salsa blended with tomato paste Homemade chili paste (chili powder, vinegar, tomato, and garlic) The homemade Tex-Mex paste recipe works just as well as a stand-in for many Mexican sauces, especially when adjusted for heat and sweetness.

Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste Recipe – The Best Homemade Copycat (2025)

Name: Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons chipotle peppers in adobo, minced; 1 teaspoon ancho chili powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon ground cumin; 1 clove garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder); 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and black pepper to taste; Optional: splash of water if paste is too thick

Description

A bold, smoky, and savory DIY Tex-Mex paste that mimics HelloFresh’s famous flavor base—perfect for tacos, enchilada bowls, and more.

Ingredients

Scale

3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons chipotle peppers in adobo, minced
1 teaspoon ancho chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon ground cumin
1 clove garlic, minced (or ½ teaspoon garlic powder)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon brown sugar or honey
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: splash of water if paste is too thick

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add tomato paste and stir for 1–2 minutes to reduce acidity.
Add chipotle, garlic, chili powder, paprika, and cumin. Cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in vinegar, sugar, salt, and a splash of water if needed.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thick and smooth.
Optional: Blend for a smoother texture.
Let cool and store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze in cubes.

Notes

Customize to taste—add more chipotle for heat, more honey for sweetness, or skip salt for a low-sodium version.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 tbsp
Calories: 25
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: Flexible
Fat: 1.5g
Saturated Fat: 0.3g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 0.5g
Protein: 0.5g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: hello fresh tex mex paste recipe, tex mex, sauce, diy, copycat, smoky paste