This Tex-Mex seasoning is an easy blend of basic pantry spices that is perfect for adding a touch of heat to your favorite Tex-Mex dish! Whether you are looking to spice up your taco or fajita meat or want to add flavor to your rice and beans, this seasoning is just what you need! It's so simple to prepare that you'll never want to purchase a store-bought Tex-Mex seasoning again!
Easy Homemade Tex-Mex Spice Blend
Making your own seasoning blends at home is not only cost-effective, but it's also super simple! Plus, you can easily tweak the recipe to your taste and avoid high sodium and added preservatives.
I made the swap to homemade seasoning blends a while ago, and once I tried this Tex-Mex spice blend, I had to add it to my regular rotation immediately! It's the perfect seasoning to add bold flavor and elevate the meat, vegetables, rice, and beans you'd use in your favorite Tex-Mex dishes!
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For more easy and flavorful seasoning recipes, take a look at my collection of homemade spice mixes and seasoning blends!
🥘 Tex-Mex Seasoning Ingredients
You will only need a few common spices that you might even have in your spice cabinet already. The best part about making your own seasoning is that you know exactly what is going into the blend - no added preservatives!
- Chili Powder - 1 tablespoon of chili powder or ancho chili powder. You can also use a chili powder substitute.
- Paprika - 2 teaspoons of paprika or smoked paprika. Feel free to use a paprika substitute if you'd like.
- Cumin - 2 teaspoons of ground cumin.
- Garlic Powder - ½ tablespoon of garlic powder.
- Onion Powder - 1 teaspoon of onion powder or use an onion powder substitute.
- Dried Oregano - 1 teaspoon of dried oregano or a dried oregano substitute.
- Salt - 1 teaspoon of salt.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes - ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Pepper - ½ teaspoon of ground black pepper.
- Cinnamon - 1 pinch of ground cinnamon.
- Ground Cloves - 1 pinch of ground cloves or allspice. You can use a ground clove substitute if you don't have it in your pantry.
*Be sure to see the free printable recipe card below for ingredients, exact amounts & instructions with tips!*
🔪 How To Make Tex-Mex Seasoning
Making your own homemade blend of seasonings is incredibly easy and only takes 5 minutes to prepare! You will need some measuring spoons and an airtight spice container or jar with a tight-fitting lid to get started.
One batch of this Tex-Mex seasoning will make about 4¼ tablespoons! Start with 1 teaspoon to ½ tablespoon for most recipes and adjust to taste.
- Measure ingredients. Measure out all of the Tex-Mex seasoning ingredients (1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoons paprika, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, ½ tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 pinch ground cinnamon, 1 pinch ground cloves).
- Combine. Add them all to a small mixing bowl and use a whisk to combine.
- Use or store. Use immediately to flavor your favorite Tex-Mex dishes, or store the mixture in a spice jar (or airtight container).
This tasty and versatile seasoning can be used in a large variety of Tex-Mex dishes! I like to use it to season my burrito bowls, ground beef taquitos, refried beans, and Mexican rice! Enjoy!
💭 Angela's Tips & Recipes Notes
- This seasoning recipe yields approximately 4¼ tablespoons of seasoning. Use 1 teaspoon to ½ tablespoon in most recipes (to taste).
- Add a tablespoon of light brown sugar to make this seasoning blend a rub.
- For added heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or add more chili pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Always shake the jar or container before each use to redistribute any ingredients that might have fallen to the bottom.
🥡 Storing
Transfer the seasoning blend into an airtight container or a spice jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place the container in a cool, dry place that's away from sunlight and heat sources, like your pantry! Use it within 6 months for the best flavor results.
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❓ FAQ
This homemade Tex-Mex seasoning is incredibly versatile and can be used on a variety of dishes like burrito bowls, Southwestern chili, grilled vegetables, quesadillas, rice, refried beans, and more! Use it when you want to add a burst of bold flavor to any of your favorite Tex-Mex recipes or proteins that could use a little extra heat!
This seasoning blend is mildly spicy due to the chili powder and red pepper flakes. You can leave out the red pepper flakes and use a mild chili powder if you prefer, or you can make it spicier by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper! Don't forget that you can always add spicy salsa to your Tex-Mex dishes too.
Tex-Mex seasoning and taco seasoning are similar. However, they are not exactly the same, as they contain different spices. Tex-Mex seasoning is more versatile and is used to season a wider variety of dishes, while taco seasoning is specifically tailored to flavoring tacos.
🧂 More Great Homemade Seasonings
- Porketta Seasoning - With a simple combination of herbs and spices, your pork dishes will become even more delicious!
- Fajita Seasoning - The most flavorful seasoning mix for your favorite fajita meat!
- Beef Taco Seasoning - Skip all of the added preservatives and extra sodium in taco seasoning packets and make this easy mix instead!
- All-Purpose Seasoning - This blend of spices is just what you need to add savory flavor to just about anything!
- Burger Seasoning - My homemade burger seasoning will make your burgers taste as if they came from a high-end restaurant!
- Poultry Seasoning - A simple blend of spices that will elevate any chicken, quail, or turkey dish!
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📋 Recipe
Tex-Mex Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (or ancho chili powder)
- 2 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika)
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground cloves (or allspice)
Instructions
- Measure out all of the Tex-Mex seasoning ingredients.1 tablespoon chili powder, 2 teaspoon paprika, 2 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 pinch ground cinnamon, 1 pinch ground cloves
- Add them all to a small mixing bowl and use a whisk to combine.
- Use immediately to flavor your favorite Tex-Mex dishes or store the mixture in a spice jar (or airtight container).
Equipment You May Need
Notes
- This seasoning recipe yields approximately 4¼ tablespoons of seasoning. Use 1 teaspoon to ½ tablespoon in most recipes (to taste).
- Add a tablespoon of light brown sugar to make this seasoning blend a rub.
- For added heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or add more chili pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Always shake the jar or container before each use to redistribute any ingredients that might have fallen to the bottom.
- To store: Transfer the seasoning blend into an airtight container or a spice jar with a tight-fitting lid. Place the container in a cool, dry place that's away from sunlight and heat sources, like your pantry! Use it within 6 months for the best flavor results.
Nutrition
Angela is an at home chef that developed a passion for all things cooking and baking at a young age in her Grandma's kitchen. After many years in the food service industry, she now enjoys sharing all of her family favorite recipes and creating tasty dinner and amazing dessert recipes here at Bake It With Love!
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