Let’s talk about the one thing from HelloFresh that has us all secretly hoarding packets like it’s culinary gold Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste. This spicy, smoky, slightly sweet miracle worker turns ordinary Tuesday tacos into full-on fiesta nights. But what if I told you that you could whip up this magic at home with real ingredients and zero mystery packets? Whether you’re trying to save a few bucks, skip a grocery run, or just want to know how to make Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste from scratch, you’re in the right kitchen.
This easy, flavor-packed Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste recipe takes just about 20 minutes to simmer up, and it freezes beautifully for later. Perfect for busy moms juggling dance recitals and dinnertime, or anyone who’s ever asked, “Where can I buy Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste?” and come up empty searching for tex mex paste grocery store options. You won’t find this in your average grocery store that’s why this homemade Tex Mex paste is a lifesaver. Let’s ditch the box and bring that Tex-Mex magic home.
Why You’ll Love This Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste Recipe
If you’ve ever cooked a HelloFresh Tex Mex meal and thought, “Wow, what is this sorcery?” this paste is the answer. It’s bold and complex, thanks to smoky chipotle, sweet honey, tangy vinegar, and just enough cocoa powder to make you go “Hmm!” in the best way. It’s a game-changer for:
- Tacos
- Enchiladas
- Chili
- Marinades
- Or even spooning it into soup for an instant flavor boost.
Bonus? It’s made from pantry staples, and it stores like a dream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The star players here are the smoky spices chili powder, cumin, paprika, and a whisper of coriander. Then we layer in real depth with tomato paste, chipotles in adobo, and a touch of cocoa powder. Don’t skip the honey and apple cider vinegar combo it balances the heat with a sweet-tart zing that makes this paste sing.
✨ Scroll down for exact measurements and full ingredient list in the recipe card.
Step-by-Step: How to Make Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste
1. Sauté to Build the Flavor Base
In a medium pot, heat up some olive oil and toss in your finely diced onion. Let it sauté for 3-5 minutes until it’s looking golden and sweet. Add minced garlic and all the dry spices cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, and coriander. This is where your kitchen starts to smell amazing.
2. Toast the Tomato Paste
Next, stir in the tomato paste and let it toast for 2 minutes. This deepens its flavor, giving you that rich, slightly sweet edge that makes this taste like a slow-cooked sauce.
3. Mix and Simmer
Add your drained fire-roasted tomatoes, chipotles, adobo sauce, vinegar, honey, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix it all together and let it gently simmer on medium-low for about 10 minutes. You want everything to meld together into a thick, aromatic base.
4. Blend Until Smooth
Let the mixture cool for a few minutes, then grab your immersion blender and puree it right in the pot. No immersion blender? Carefully transfer it to a regular blender or food processor but work in small batches so you don’t end up painting your walls Tex-Mex red!
5. Store It Like a Pro
Once it’s cool, pour it into a jar or airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to a week or freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. And yes, you’ll want to double the batch next time.
Estimated Nutrition & Prep Info
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tbsp serving, approx.):
- Calories: 50
- Fat: 2.5g
- Carbs: 6g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Sodium: Varies by added salt and broth used in cooking
Preparation Time:
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Don’t have chipotles in adobo? Try smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce for a hello fresh tex mex paste substitute.
- Want it thicker for a marinade? Simmer longer with the lid off.
- Not spicy enough? Add another chipotle or a splash more adobo sauce.
- Trying to mimic a hellofresh copycat recipe? Use this paste exactly as HelloFresh does 2 tablespoons per pound of meat with a splash of broth. Boom.
If you’re not sure what chipotles in adobo are or how to use them, I recommend checking out a helpful guide on Serious Eats it breaks everything down in a super simple way.
Let’s ditch the box and bring that Tex-Mex magic home.
Serving Suggestions
Spoon it over tacos, stir into your chili, or swirl into a rice bowl. You can even mix it into mayo or sour cream for a killer Tex-Mex spread. And if you’re doing Taco Tuesday? Add this to your beef or chicken and watch your family line up like it’s a taco truck on payday.
Make Ahead & Storage
This Tex Mex paste is a freezer’s best friend. Let it cool completely, then scoop into ice cube trays or small containers and freeze. When you’re ready to use it, just thaw and stir into your recipe like nothing ever happened. No time to defrost? Drop a cube into your skillet as it heats up it’ll melt right in.
Leftovers? Store in the fridge in an airtight jar for up to a week. You’ll find excuses to add it to everything trust me.
A Quick Story from My Kitchen
I first reverse-engineered this paste after a week of HelloFresh dinners where my wife kept saying, “Whatever this red sauce is I’d eat it on cardboard.” (High praise from her, I promise.) Now, it’s a regular in our fridge, and every time I whip it out, my kids do a little happy dance. Not bad for a sauce, right?
FAQ: All About Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste
Can I use this in other hellofresh copycat recipes?
Absolutely! This tex mex paste hellofresh recipe works in everything from burrito bowls to sheet pan fajitas. Just sub it wherever the original calls for their paste.
What’s the best hello fresh tex mex paste substitute?
If you’re in a pinch, mix tomato paste with taco seasoning, a bit of vinegar, honey, and a touch of cocoa powder. It’s not identical, but it scratches the same itch.
Can I buy hello fresh tex mex paste in a grocery store?
Sadly, no. It’s not available for retail sale at most stores. That’s why this tex mex paste recipe is such a lifesaver!
How spicy is this paste?
It’s mild to medium depending on how many chipotles you use. You can customize the heat to your liking.
Is this paste gluten-free?
Yes! As long as your ingredients (like adobo sauce) are labeled gluten-free, this whole recipe is naturally free of gluten.
How do I use it for taco meat?
Brown your meat, then stir in 2 tablespoons of the paste with 2 tablespoons taco seasoning and ¼ cup broth or water. Let it simmer until thick just like the HelloFresh Tex Mex recipe card says!
Can I freeze it in portions?
Definitely! Ice cube trays are perfect. Pop out a cube when you need it no thawing required.
What are the key hello fresh tex mex paste ingredients?
Think: tomato paste, chipotle, cumin, chili powder, honey, vinegar, cocoa, and some bold spices. Pantry staples, powerhouse flavor.
Final Thoughts: Why This Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste Recipe Belongs in Your Kitchen
This Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste recipe isn’t just a copy it’s your new kitchen essential. Instead of hunting down elusive ingredients or scouring for tex mex paste grocery store options, you now have everything you need to recreate that bold HelloFresh flavor anytime you want.
Whip up a batch, stash it in the freezer, and watch your weeknight dinners transform. Whether it’s tacos, chili, or even Tex-Mex breakfast burritos, this homemade paste brings the flavor and the fun back to your table.
Delicious Ways to Use hello fresh tex mex paste:
This paste can be used as a marinade, a base for taco fillings, or even a sauce enhancer. Consider using it in creative Tex-Mex dishes like taco lasagna or chicken and yellow rice, where its smoky undertones truly shine.
🧂 All ingredients and measurements are listed below in the recipe card for easy reference!
Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste Recipe
Equipment
- Immersion Blender
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 small onion diced fine
- 2 cloves garlic minced
Spices
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp coriander
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
Tomato & Chipotle
- 4 oz tomato paste
- 1-2 chipotles in adobo + 1 tbsp adobo sauce
- 1 cup fire roasted tomatoes drained
Flavor Balancers
- 1 1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- salt to taste
Instructions
- In a medium pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil and diced onion. Sauté for 3–5 minutes until soft and slightly browned.
- Add minced garlic and all spices. Cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 more minutes. Be sure to scrape the bottom to prevent sticking.
- Add chipotles, adobo sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, vinegar, honey, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix well.
- Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat, let cool for 5 minutes, then blend until smooth using an immersion blender.
- Transfer to a container. Let cool completely. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze in portions.
Notes