Homemade Mexican Seasoning Blend
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This Mexican Seasoning blend is a perfectly balanced mixture of aromatic ground chiles and authentic Mexican spices. The seasoning is mildly spicy, with warm smokey notes. Use this Mexican spice mix to add flavor to casseroles, skillet meals, chili, enchiladas, or any other Mexican dishes!
Homemade spice blends are just the best!! Not only are they cheaper than the pre-made, store-bought stuff, but they’re also way fresher and tastier.
I think you’ll flip for this incredible blend of Mexican spices!!
Mexican Seasoning
This Mexican spice mix gives a smoky and savory flavor, without being salty or too spicy — it’s just perfect!
Instead of overwhelming your meals, you’ll just enhance them! And that’s just the way a great spice blend should work.
If you like making your own spice blends, you will want to try out my Tex-Mex and homemade taco seasoning recipes next!
Those recipes use a few different Mexican spices than this Mexican seasoning recipe, for a completely different but equally tantalizing, tongue-tingling flavor!!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions
- Chili Powder and Chipotle Chile Powder – I want to differentiate between these two spices.
Regular chili powder is a blend of seasonings, whereas chipotle chile powder is made entirely of dried, smoked, and ground chipotle chile peppers. - Paprika – You can use either Hungarian sweet or regular smoked paprika in this recipe.
The Hungarian sweet isn’t as hot, and isn’t as traditional as smoked paprika. But use whichever you like best! - Cumin – I just love adding this warm, earthy spice to my seasoning blends! It goes well with basically everything.
If you don’t have it around, you could try grinding some coriander instead — the two are very similar! - Oregano – Mexican oregano is, of course, preferred. The flavor is close to marjoram and is your best substitute!
- Onion and Garlic Powder – These two are a can’t-miss in any Mexican spice blend and homemade fajita seasoning!
Tips for the Best Homemade Mexican Spice Blend
- Grind your own spices.
Nothing matches the taste of freshly ground ingredients.
A mortar and pestle is a great investment, and you’ll use it all the time! Otherwise, a coffee bean grinder works well.
- Control the heat.
One of the best things about making homemade seasoning blends is that you can completely control the spice level.
For example, chipotle powder is spicier than regular chili powder — add some extra if you want to. You can even add cayenne for more heat!
- Save the shaker.
The next time you use the last of a store-bought spice shaker, save it to store a homemade spice blend!
Just rinse it out well, and be sure it’s completely dry before storing anything in it.
- Make it in bulk!
You can easily double or triple this Mexican seasoning blend. It keeps for a very long time. If you make a lot of Mexican cuisine, it’s worth making this blend in bulk!
Mexican Seasoning Recipe FAQ
Both are very similar in flavor and can often be used interchangeably.
Often, a Mexican seasoning recipe will include ancho and chipotle chili powder for more kick. This makes taco seasoning a bit milder.
The same goes for fajita seasoning — you’ll always have your main Mexican spice mix (paprika, cumin, garlic, chili powder) with a few variations from recipe to recipe.
Most dishes only need 1 to 2 tablespoons of this seasoning, depending on how many servings it makes.
The general rule for tacos or fajitas is 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of meat.
Since this is a bit spicier, start with a lower amount and increase by 1/2 a tablespoon at a time until it tastes perfect!
Other Uses for Mexican Spice Mix
There are so many ways to enjoy this homemade Mexican seasoning!
I like to add it to grilled meats and ground hamburger when making fajitas or tacos. It also makes a great dry rub or the base of a wet marinade.
I often add it to other recipes to kick up the flavor. For example, in my copycat recipes for the Taco Bell Burrito Supreme, Chicken Quesadilla, and Carnitas.
But you can also sprinkle this combo on stir-fried or roasted vegetables! Fried eggs and omelets would be 10x tastier with just a dash of Mexican seasoning as well.
Storing Your Mexican Spices
You want a good, airtight container with a wide opening so that you can easily measure out scoops.
A glass jar does the trick for me! As I mentioned earlier, I’ll also keep some in a leftover spice shaker to store in my cabinet.
Regardless of the container, keep it somewhere cool and dry. Stored properly, this blend will last you a year!
Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.
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Other Mexican Recipes
Homemade Mexican Seasoning Blend
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chili powder
- 1/4 cup paprika, see Notes
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano leaves
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl; whisk to combine.
- Pour into an airtight container and store in a cool, dry location for up to 6 months.
Donna’s Notes
Nutrition
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe’s nutritional value will vary depending on the ingredients used, measuring methods, and portion sizes.
Originally Published July 2011, updated and republished October 2023
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Thank you!! Perfect spice recipe – will be using this a lot!!
Mary x
I love to blend my own spices. I never use cayenne it's just too spicy hot for my husband, but we love chipotle powder. I am definitely going to make this one thanks! I have Mexican oregano too 🙂 can't wait to try it.
How much of the Spice Mix do you use for a dish? Thanks, Cheryl
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Hi Cheryl,
How much spice blend to use depends on what you’re making. But, for something like fajitas, I use 1 tablespoon spice blend per pound of meat. You can always add more if you feel it’s needed, but you can’t take it out afterward, so start with a small amount and add to taste. Hope this helps!
TSRI Team member,
Becca
I loved this spice mix! It was easy to make, and it made a lot. I used it in ground beef and it was perfect.