Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste Recipe (Easy Copycat)

If you love the rich, smoky flavor in HelloFresh Tex Mex recipes, this homemade Tex Mex Paste is your new secret weapon. It’s bold, slightly spicy, super versatile, and takes just a few minutes to make with simple pantry ingredients.

What Is Tex Mex Paste?

Tex Mex Paste is a concentrated flavor base inspired by Tex-Mex cuisine.
It usually includes:

• Tomato paste
• Chili peppers
• Smoked paprika
• Garlic and onion
• Warm spices
• A touch of acidity and sweetness

The result is a deep, savory, smoky paste you can add to meats, vegetables, grains, sauces, and one-pan meals to get instant Tex-Mex flavor.

HelloFresh Tex Mex Paste Copycat

This copycat version is designed to:

• Taste very close to the HelloFresh Tex Mex Paste
• Use ingredients you can easily find
• Be adjustable in spice level
• Work in all your favorite HelloFresh-style recipes

You can double or triple the batch and keep it ready in the fridge for fast meals.

Ingredients for Tex Mex Paste

Makes about ½ cup

• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or neutral oil)
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lime juice
• 2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1–1½ tsp chili powder (to taste)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½–1 tsp ground chipotle or cayenne (to taste)
• 1 tsp brown sugar or honey (optional)
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp salt (plus more to taste)
• 2–3 tbsp warm water, to reach paste consistency

Start with less heat and adjust after tasting.

Laura

Hellofresh Tex Mex Chicken Bowl

This HelloFresh Tex Mex Chicken Bowl is a vibrant and wholesome meal featuring tender chicken, fluffy rice, zesty pico de gallo, and creamy lime crema — perfect for a flavorful, satisfying weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 2 bowls

Course: Main

Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex

Calories: 610

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup jasmine rice
• 1 Roma tomato, diced
• 1 lime, zested and halved
• 1 jalapeño, sliced
• 1 tbsp Southwest Spice Blend
• 2 tbsp sour cream
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 chicken stock concentrate
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• medium pot
• mixing bowls
• zester
• knife and cutting board
• large skillet

Method

 

1. Wash and dry all produce. Dice the Roma tomato. Zest the lime, then cut in half. Thinly slice the jalapeño.
2. In a pot, combine rice, 1¾ cups water, and stock concentrate. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 15–18 minutes until rice is fluffy.
3. While rice cooks, in a bowl combine tomato, juice from half the lime, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add jalapeño to taste and set aside.
4. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with Southwest Spice, salt, and pepper. Heat oil in a pan over medium-high. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through. Remove and slice.
5. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, lime zest, and 1 tsp water. Stir to make a crema. Season with salt if needed.
6. Fluff rice with a fork and divide between bowls. Top with sliced chicken, pico de gallo, and drizzle with crema. Garnish with extra lime if desired.

Notes

Top it with sliced avocado or shredded cheese for added richness. You can use brown rice for extra fiber or swap chicken with tofu for a vegetarian version. Adjust jalapeño to your spice preference.

How to Make Tex Mex Paste (Step-by-Step)

1. Combine the base
   In a small bowl, mix tomato paste and olive oil until smooth.
2. Add spices
   Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, chipotle/cayenne, salt, and sugar or honey (if using).
3. Balance the flavor
   Add vinegar or lime juice. Stir in 1–2 tbsp warm water until you get a thick, smooth paste.
4. Adjust to taste
   • More vinegar/lime = brighter
   • Pinch of sugar = softer, balanced flavor
   • More smoked paprika or chili = deeper and bolder
5. Store
   Transfer to a clean jar. Refrigerate for up to 7–10 days.

Tex Mex Paste Substitute (Quick Options)

If you don’t have Tex Mex Paste, try:

1. Simple Pantry Substitute

• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Pinch of cayenne + splash of lime juice
  Mix with a little oil and water into a paste.

2. Taco Seasoning + Tomato Paste

• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1–2 tsp taco seasoning
• 1 tsp oil
  Good quick swap for most recipes.

3. Chipotle Mix

• 1 tbsp finely chopped chipotle in adobo
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• Pinch of cumin
  Great for smoky bowls, tacos and burritos.

These options answer “Tex Mex Paste substitute” and “HelloFresh Tex Mex Paste substitute” style searches.

Where to Buy Tex Mex Paste

If you prefer store-bought:

• Check large supermarkets in the Mexican/Tex-Mex or international aisle
• Look for Tex-Mex cooking pastes, chili pastes or concentrated sauces with tomato, chili, paprika and spices
• Online shops may offer Tex Mex-style pastes or HelloFresh copycat products

If you cannot find it, this homemade version is fast, affordable and customizable.

How to Use Tex Mex Paste (5 Easy Ideas)

Use about 1–2 teaspoons at a time and adjust:

1. Taco or burrito filling
   Stir into cooked ground beef, chicken, turkey or beans.
2. Tex Mex rice or quinoa
   Mix into cooking liquid or stir through warm rice.
3. Roasted vegetables
   Toss potatoes, peppers, onions, carrots or cauliflower with oil and Tex Mex Paste before roasting.
4. Creamy Tex Mex sauce
   Stir into sour cream, Greek yogurt or mayo for a drizzle over bowls, nachos or tacos.
5. Soups, chili & skillets
   Add a spoonful to boost flavor in soups, stews, casseroles or one-pan meals.

Internal linking tip: from this post, link to your taco recipes, burrito bowls, soups, roasted veggies and rice dishes.

FAQ

What is in HelloFresh Tex Mex Paste?
It typically includes tomato paste, chili peppers, smoked paprika, garlic, onion, cumin, oil, salt, spices and a bit of acidity. This recipe recreates a very similar flavor profile.

Is this the official HelloFresh recipe?
No. It’s an unofficial copycat, developed to taste close and work in the same types of recipes.

How spicy is this Tex Mex Paste?
Medium heat. Reduce chipotle/cayenne for mild or increase for extra spicy.

Can I freeze Tex Mex Paste?
Yes. Freeze in small portions (like an ice cube tray) for up to 2–3 months.

Can I use Tex Mex Paste instead of taco seasoning?
Yes. Start with 1–2 teaspoons per serving of meat or veggies and adjust to taste.