Make your own Tex-Mex Seasoning with chili powder, cumin, and pantry spices. This homemade spice blend takes 5 minutes and tastes better than store-bought!
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Quick Recipe Overview
WHAT: A homemade Tex-Mex seasoning blend made with chili powder, cumin, paprika, and essential pantry spices.
WHY: Fresh, customizable flavor without additives; costs less than store-bought packets and takes just 5 minutes to make.
HOW: Whisk together six spices in a bowl or shake them in a jar, then store for future use.
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Why I Love Making Tex-Mex Seasoning
This homemade Tex-Mex seasoning has completely improved my weeknight cooking. Instead of reaching for those pricey store-bought packets filled with additives and mystery ingredients, I whip up this custom blend. The flavor is bold, fresh, and infinitely better than anything you'll find on grocery store shelves.
What started as a way to save money has become one of my kitchen essentials. I keep a jar of this seasoning in my spice cabinet at all times because it works on everything—tacos, fajitas, roasted vegetables, scrambled eggs, and even popcorn. The combination of chili powder, cumin, and garlic creates that authentic Mexican-style flavor I crave.
The best part? You control exactly what goes into your blend. No fillers, no weird preservatives, just pure spice. Plus, you can adjust the proportions to suit your taste preferences, making it as mild or as bold as you like.
🩷 Melissa
I love toasting my cumin powder in a dry skillet for 30-60 seconds before mixing it with the other spices. I let it cool, then whisk it in—this simple step intensifies those earthy, warm notes that make the seasoning irresistible.
Usually, I'll adjust the salt in this recipe based on how I plan to use it. If I'm watching my sodium intake or know I'll be seasoning already-salted foods, I'll cut the salt in half or leave it out entirely.
You can always add more salt later, but you can't take it away, so I like to start with less and adjust to taste.
Ingredient Notes
Chili Powder: Use standard chili powder (a blend of spices), not pure ground chilies. Check that your chili powder isn't too old, as it loses potency over time.
Paprika: Sweet paprika works best for this recipe, but you can use smoked paprika for a deeper, smokier flavor profile.
For the exact amounts needed, please see the recipe card below.
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Tex-Mex Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Whisk all of the spices together in a small bowl. Alternatively, you can pour the spices into a small jar and shake it a few times.2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons cumin powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon salt
- Store in an airtight container for as long as your spices are good, usually 6-12 months.
Notes
Nutrition
How To Make Tex-Mex Seasoning
Step 1: Measure out the chili powder, cumin powder, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
Step 2: Add all spices to a small bowl and whisk together until evenly blended.
Step 3: If using a jar, secure the lid and shake vigorously until all spices are uniformly combined.
Step 4: Transfer the seasoning to an airtight container or keep it in the jar. Label with the date and store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
FAQs for Tex-Mex Seasoning
Store your spice blend in an airtight container for up to 6 months. The seasoning will stay fresh as long as your individual spices remain potent. For best flavor, use within 3-4 months.
The heat level depends on your chili powder. Most standard chili powder blends are mild to medium. If you want more heat, add cayenne pepper or use a spicier chili powder variety.
Yes, simply multiply the ingredients by however many batches you want. A triple or quadruple batch works great and ensures you always have this seasoning on hand.
They're very similar! Taco seasoning typically contains more oregano and sometimes cornstarch as a thickener, while Tex-Mex seasoning focuses on chili powder and cumin for a bolder, more versatile flavor.
My Best Tips for Making Tex-Mex Seasoning
☞Use Fresh Spices for Maximum Flavor: If your cumin or chili powder has been sitting in your cabinet for years, it's time to replace them. Fresh spices make all the difference in this blend.
☞Store in a Dark, Cool Place: Light and heat degrade spices quickly. Keep your Tex-Mex seasoning in a cabinet away from the stove to preserve its potency.
☞Label Your Container with the Date: This helps you track freshness and ensures you're using the most flavorful blend possible.
What to Serve With Tex-Mex Seasoning
Use this Tex-Mex seasoning to flavor ground beef for tacos, or rub it on grilled beef flank steak or chicken breasts before grilling. Sprinkle it over roasted sweet potato wedges, mix it into black beans, or stir it into rice for a quick Mexican-style side dish.
It's also fantastic on scrambled eggs, in quesadillas, or tossed with crispy chickpeas. For a creative twist, add a teaspoon to your favorite chili recipe or use it to season homemade tortilla chips.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Room Temperature Storage
Store your Tex-Mex seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dark cabinet for up to 6 months. Keep it away from heat sources like the stove to maintain freshness.
Refrigerator Storage
Not necessary for dried spice blends. Room temperature storage is preferred to prevent moisture from clumping the spices.
Freezer Storage
Freezing isn't recommended for spice blends as it can introduce moisture when thawing, causing clumping and degrading flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
This recipe is perfect for making ahead! Double or triple the batch and store in small jars or spice containers. Having pre-made seasoning on hand makes weeknight cooking faster and easier.
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