This Copycat Hello Fresh Tex-Mex Paste Recipe is smoky, spicy, and packed with bold flavors! Made with chipotle, fire-roasted tomatoes, and warm spices—perfect for tacos, marinades, and more.
Okay, confession time. I was one of those people who got a Hello Fresh subscription just to try it once and never planned on keeping it. (You know the drill—intro discount, fun little pre-portioned meals, a good excuse to pretend I had my life together in the kitchen for a week.)
But then, something unexpected happened.
I made a Tex-Mex dish, following the Hello Fresh instructions like a good little home chef, and suddenly, I hit a step that said, “Add Tex-Mex paste.”
The second it hit the skillet, the smell alone told me this wasn’t just any seasoning blend. It was smoky. It was rich. It had depth. And when I took my first bite, I knew two things:
- I was 100% keeping that Hello Fresh subscription longer than planned.
- I needed more of that paste.
But here’s the kicker—Hello Fresh doesn’t sell their Tex-Mex Paste separately. You only get those tiny packets in their meal kits. And I’m not about that life. So, I got to work recreating it. After a few trial runs (okay, a lot of trial runs), I finally cracked the code. And let me tell you—this homemade version? Spot on.
Now, I make a big batch at a time so I can throw it into whatever I’m cooking. And trust me, once you make this, you’re going to wonder how you ever lived without it.
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste Recipe?
- Packed with smoky, spicy, bold flavor – Seriously, it makes everything taste better.
- Crazy versatile – Toss it in tacos, marinades, soups, rice, or eggs.
- Make-ahead magic – Stash it in your fridge or freezer and have instant flavor on hand.
- No weird additives – Just real, good-for-you ingredients that bring the heat.
Ingredient Notes:
This recipe is all about layered flavor. Here’s why each ingredient plays an important role:
- Chipotle Peppers in Adobo – These are the MVPs of the recipe. Smoky, slightly spicy, and packed with umami. Use 3 for mild, 5 for spicy.
- Chipotle Sauce – Adds extra smokiness and a little tang.
- Fire-Roasted Tomatoes – Gives the paste a richer, slightly charred taste. You could use regular tomatoes, but trust me—fire-roasted is the way to go.
- Tomato Paste – Thickens the paste and brings a concentrated tomato punch.
- Minced Garlic – Because garlic makes everything better, obviously.
- Vegetable Broth – Helps smooth out the texture and adds depth.
- Coconut Sugar – A tiny hint of sweetness to balance the smoky heat.
- Cocoa Powder – Yep, you read that right. A little unsweetened cocoa makes the flavors deeper and richer—without making it taste like chocolate.
- The Spice Mix – Coriander, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, oregano, and allspice come together for that Tex-Mex magic.
How To Make Copycat Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste?
Step 1: Sauté the Onion
Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a pot over medium-low heat. Add the sliced white onion and let it cook until soft and translucent. No browning here—just let it sweat and release all that natural sweetness.
Step 2: Add the Good Stuff
Once the onions are soft, stir in:
- Chipotle peppers
- Chipotle sauce
- Fire-roasted tomatoes
- Tomato paste
- Minced garlic
- Vegetable broth
- All the spices & coconut sugar
Stir it all together and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes so the flavors can really start blending.
Step 3: Blend Until Smooth
Take the pot off the heat and let it cool for a few minutes. Then, grab an immersion blender (or transfer everything to a food processor) and blend until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth to thin it out.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Step 4: Store & Use It on Everything
Pour your fresh Tex-Mex paste into a jar and pop it in the fridge. That’s it—you’re now the proud owner of a homemade flavor bomb that’ll take your meals to the next level.
Storage Options:
This paste lasts a while, so you can make a batch and have it on hand for weeks:
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions (ice cube trays work great!) for up to 3 months.
Just thaw, stir, and use as needed!
Variations and Substitutions:
Want to tweak the flavors? Here are some fun variations:
- Mild Version – Use fewer chipotle peppers and add a teaspoon of honey.
- Spicy Version – Add extra chipotle or a dash of cayenne.
- Smokier Flavor – Stir in a little smoked paprika.
- Low-Sugar Option – Swap coconut sugar for honey, or leave it out entirely.
- More Depth – A dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce adds a richer umami note.
What to Serve with Copycat Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste?
This stuff is crazy versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
- Tacos & Burritos – Stir into ground beef, chicken, or beans for instant flavor.
- Rice & Beans – Add a spoonful while cooking for a smoky kick.
- Marinades – Rub onto meat, tofu, or shrimp before grilling.
- Soups & Stews – A spoonful in chili or tortilla soup makes all the difference.
- Eggs & Breakfast – Mix into scrambled eggs or drizzle on a breakfast burrito.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned fire-roasted tomatoes?
Yep! Just roast fresh tomatoes in the oven or over an open flame first to get that smoky depth.
What if I can’t find chipotle peppers in adobo?
Try smoked paprika + a splash of vinegar + a pinch of cayenne—it’s not exactly the same, but it’s a solid backup.
How spicy is this paste?
I’d call it medium spicy, but you can adjust it by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers.
If you love big, bold, Tex-Mex flavors, this homemade Tex-Mex Paste is about to become your new go-to. It’s easy, ridiculously flavorful, and honestly? Better than the original.
So—what’s the first thing you’re making with it? Tacos? Chili? Something totally different? Let me know—I’d love to hear how you use it!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Copycat Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large white onion 8 oz, sliced
- 3 to 5 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce use 3 for mild spice, 5 for a spicier flavor
- 2 tablespoons chipotle sauce
- 7 ounces fire-roasted tomatoes canned or homemade
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic or 5 large cloves, finely chopped
- ¼ cup vegetable broth
Spices & Seasonings:
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
Instructions
Sauté the Onion
- In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced white onion and sauté until it becomes soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Ensure the onions do not brown, as this may alter the flavor of the paste.
Incorporate the Remaining Ingredients
- Once the onions are softened, add the following ingredients to the saucepan:Chipotle peppers in adobo sauceChipotle sauceFire-roasted tomatoesTomato pasteMinced garlicVegetable broth
- Stir to combine, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, enabling the flavors to blend.
Add the Spices & Simmer
- Sprinkle in the following seasonings:AllspiceGround corianderGround cuminPaprikaGarlic powderDried oreganoCocoa powderSaltCoconut sugar
- Stir well and continue to simmer for an additional 3 minutes, ensuring that the spices fully integrate into the mixture.
Blend the Paste
- Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly for a few minutes. Then, use an immersion blender or transfer the contents to a food processor and blend until smooth. If the consistency is too thick, incorporate a small amount of vegetable broth until the desired texture is achieved.
Store & Use as Needed
- Transfer the blended Tex-Mex paste into a clean, airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze in small portions for up to 3 months.
- This paste is ideal for enhancing tacos, burritos, soups, rice dishes, and marinades. Use approximately 1 to 2 tablespoons per serving for optimal flavor.
Notes
- Check the chipotle peppers and chipotle sauce – Some brands may contain wheat-based additives. Always opt for a certified gluten-free option.
- Ensure the vegetable broth is gluten-free – Many store-bought broths contain gluten-based stabilizers, so select one labeled as gluten-free.
- Use gluten-free seasonings – While most spices are naturally gluten-free, some pre-mixed spice blends may contain fillers. Opt for individual gluten-free spices whenever possible.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
