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thick hello fresh tex mex paste recipe in white bowl with spoon

Hello Fresh Tex Mex Paste Recipe: The Ultimate Homemade Copycat Guide


  • Author: Laura Mitchell
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: ~1½ cups (enough for 6–8 servings)
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This bold and smoky Hello Fresh Tex Mex paste recipe is the perfect DIY copycat. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients like chipotle peppers, fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices. Use it to elevate tacos, rice bowls, or grilled meats. Easy to freeze, store, and meal-prep!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp oregano
  • 1 chipotle pepper in adobo + 1 tsp adobo sauce
  • ½ cup fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
  • ½ tsp salt (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the onions for 3–5 minutes until translucent.
  2. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Stir in tomato paste, spices, and cook for 1–2 minutes to bloom flavors.
  4. Add chipotle pepper, diced tomatoes, cocoa powder, vinegar, honey, and salt. Stir to combine.
  5. Simmer on low heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
  6. Blend using an immersion blender or regular blender until smooth.
  7. Cool and transfer to an airtight jar. Store in the fridge up to 1 week or freeze in cubes.

Notes

  • Use more chipotle for extra heat
  • Freeze in ice cube trays for portion control
  • Add a squeeze of lime for a citrusy twist
  • For a smoky boost, add ¼ tsp liquid smoke
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Sauces & Condiments
  • Method: Sauté + Blend
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tbsp serving
  • Calories: 45 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 160 mg
  • Fat: 2.5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: hello fresh tex mex paste recipe, tex mex paste, hello fresh copycat, taco sauce, tex mex condiment