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Homemade Burrito Spice Mix

ByCaro Jensen
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Bye bye, Old El Paso seasoning packets. Hello, homemade burrito spice mix. This cheeky copycat recipe of the popular spice blend not only allows you to tailor the flavors to your taste it is also extremely versatile and works for a variety of Mexican dishes including tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, and nachos. Mexican Monday and Taco Tuesdays just got that much easier!

A pile of homemade burrito spice mix on a wooden board.
Table of contents

I stopped buying burrito spice mixes to save money initially. Now that I realized that I can also control the quality of the ingredients and use it for a whole range of Mexican dishes, from tacos, enchiladas, fajitas, to nachos to name a few, I won’t go back to the store bought ones. Plus, it only takes 5 minutes to make and I can adjust the spiciness to suit the family. A from-scratch win in my books!

For more Mexican homemade spice blends, check my chicken taco seasoning and chipotle spice mix as well.

If you loved this Burrito Spice Mix Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating below. Thank you!

Homemade burrito spice mix in a wooden bowl on a wooden board.

Burrito Spice Mix

Caro Jensen
Budget-friendly homemade burrito seasoning — a copycat Old El Paso spice mix you can tailor to your taste. Perfect for Mexican nights!
5 from 1 vote
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Staples
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 5 tablespoons
Calories 17 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • 2 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp chili flakes
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground pepper

Instructions
 

  • Add all spices to a small bow.
    2 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp sweet paprika powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground coriander, 1 tsp chili flakes, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground pepper
  • Thoroughly combine the spices with a spoon or small whisk.
  • Transfer the spice blend into a sterilized, lidded jar and use as directed in your favorite Burrito recipe.

Video

Notes

Taste it: Before using your Mexican seasoning, taste a small pinch to fine-tune the flavor balance as needed.
Container: Ensure the container is clean and dry before adding the burrito spice blend.
Labelling: Don’t forget to label the container with the spice mix name and the date of preparation.
Storage: Homemade spice mixes generally stay fresh for about 6 months to 1 year when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, but use your senses to check for freshness over time.

Nutrition

Calories: 17kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gSodium: 477mgPotassium: 84mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.2gVitamin A: 354IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 37mgIron: 2mg
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Ingredients and substitutions

  • Cumin – Ground cumin is a key spice used in making burritos, imparting earthy and warm flavors to the filling.
  • Paprika – Sweet paprika powder adds a mild, slightly sweet, and smoky flavor and pungent color.
  • Oregano – In Mexican cuisine, oregano is a popular herb used to impart a distinctive flavor.
  • Coriander – Ground coriander adds a citrusy and slightly sweet undertone to this Latin spice mix.
  • Chili – Chili flakes, or crushed red pepper flakes, provide a spicy kick and some heat to the blend.
  • Onion & garlic – These powders are fundamental ingredients in burritos offering savory depth.
  • Salt & pepper – Salt and ground pepper round out the flavors to complete the burrito seasoning.

How to make burrito spice mix

  1. Mix: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients.
  2. Blend: Use a whisk or a spoon to blend all the burrito spices until they are evenly mixed.
  3. Taste: Taste a small amount of the spice blend to ensure it meets your flavor preferences.
  4. Store: Transfer the burrito spice blend to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or a spice container.
  5. Label: Don’t forget to label the container with the name of the spice blend and the date it was made to keep track of its freshness.
A pile of homemade burrito spice mix on a wooden board.

Burrito recipe ideas

Burritos come in various types, each with its unique combination of ingredients and flavors. Use your homemade seasoning for any of the following 10 burrito recipe ideas:

  1. Bean: Made primarily with refried or black beans, often accompanied by rice, cheese, and salsa.
  2. Beef or lamb: Featuring seasoned ground or shredded beef or lamb, along with rice, beans, cheese, and toppings.
  3. Chicken: Filled with grilled or shredded chicken, rice, beans, cheese, and various toppings like guacamole and sour cream.
  4. Pork: Often made with slow-cooked, seasoned pulled pork (carnitas) or marinated and grilled pork (al pastor), combined with rice, beans, and toppings.
  5. Fish or seafood: Incorporating grilled or fried fish or seafood, typically with a fresh slaw, rice, and a flavorful sauce.
  6. Veggie: A vegetarian option filled with a variety of sautéed or grilled vegetables, rice, beans, cheese, and condiments.
  7. Jackfruit: A flavorful and plant-based alternative, featuring shredded jackfruit seasoned with spices and served with rice, beans, and toppings for a delicious, meatless option.
  8. Breakfast burrito: Typically containing scrambled eggs, breakfast meats (such as bacon or sausage), potatoes, cheese, and sometimes salsa or vegetables.
  9. California burrito: Originating in California, it includes meat (commonly carne asada), French fries, cheese, salsa, and guacamole.
  10. Burrito bowl: All the classic burrito ingredients, but served in a bowl without the tortilla for a lower-carb option.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use burrito spice mix for tacos, enchiladas, and nachos?

Yes, you can certainly use a burrito spice mix for tacos, enchiladas, and nachos. Adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences for these popular Mexican dishes.

How much seasoning is in an Old El Paso seasoning packet?

One Old El Paso burrito seasoning packet contains 40g of spice mix which is 2 1/2 tablespoons. It’s enough to season one pound of meat or seafood.

Caro Jensen

Hi, I'm Caro, I help home cooks get confident cooking delicious food from scratch. Let's create restaurant-quality dishes at home and build a from-scratch lifestyle together. I post new recipes here every week but you can connect with me on any of the platforms below. I'd love to hear from you!

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