This Southwest Seasoning recipe is a simple mix of spices that adds lots of flavor to dishes. Quick, easy, and so much better than store-bought blends.

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A spoonful of dark brown seasoning mix hovers over a small white bowl filled with the same mixture. The background features a wooden surface with a light brown, textured appearance.

This Southwest Seasoning Recipe makes dinner easy!

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I make a big batch and keep it in the pantry for months.

It saves me money, and it tastes great with chicken, beef, or pork. I sometimes sprinkle it on veggies and roast them in the oven.

Delicious! I know you’ll think so too.

Table of Contents

1 🥣 Ingredients
2 👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tip
3 🌶️ Adjust the Heat
4 How to Use
5 🫙 Storing
6 😋 Hungry for More?
7 Southwest Seasoning Recipe

🥣 Ingredients

A white plate with seven different spices arranged in a circle on a wooden surface. Spices include black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, ground oregano, chili powder, ground cumin, and a mound of salt in the center. Each spice is labeled.

Chili Powder
Ground Cumin
Ground Oregano
Onion Powder
Garlic Powder
Salt
Black Pepper

These are the basic spices you will need to create the seasoning mix.

Also try: Chicken Taco Seasoning and Palomitas Seasoning Mix.

A hand holding a packet of "La Fiesta Orégano Molido" (ground oregano) against a wooden background. In the background, there is a plate with different spices placed on it.

👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tip

The spice aisle at the grocery store is great, but if your store has a Hispanic section, chances are it might have a section just for spices.
Spices are labeled in both English and Spanish. (See picture above) The best part, though, they are a fraction of the cost of those in the spice aisle.
I use these plastic envelopes to refill spice containers previously bought from the spice aisle. Save me tons of money!

A white plate with a variety of powdered spices arranged in piles. A spoon rests on the plate, partially covering the spices. The background is a wooden surface.

Mix the spices together and set aside until ready to use.

My best advice is to taste it after you put it together. Adjust with salt or more garlic powder, if needed.

🌶️ Adjust the Heat

Chili powder is what really makes this a southwest mix. However, if you find it too spicy, use 4 tablespoons ground paprika instead.
To make it spicy, add ½ teaspoon ground chile de arbol or ½ teaspoon ground cayenne.

A jar of First Street Ground Paprika sits on a wooden surface next to a white bowl filled with paprika. A spoon rests in the bowl, covered with the spice.

How to Use

Dry rub: For every 2 pounds of chicken, beef, or pork, use 2 tablespoons of the seasoning mix. Coat with 2 tablespoons olive oil then sprinkle on all sides of the protein. Cook until the meat is cooked.
As a marinade: Use 2 tablespoons of the seasoning mix with 2 pounds of chicken, beef, or pork. Add 2 tablespoon olive oil and ½ cup white distilled vinegar (or lime juice). Place in a sealable plastic bag and mix thoroughly. Marinade for 1 hour (up to overnight), then cook until the meat is fully cooked.

A blue patterned plate filled with several cooked chicken drumsticks, garnished with chopped herbs, sits on a wooden surface. A small sprig of fresh cilantro is placed beside the plate.

🫙 Storing

Place the seasoning mix in an airtight container (like a sealable jar) and in a dark place (like your pantry). Keep away from light, heat, and NO moisture. Over time, the mixture will lose its flavor and color. Best if you use it within 6 months for maximum flavor.

This Southwest Seasoning Recipe is a keeper! It delivers big flavors to just about any meal. Serve with a side of arroz mexicano and a big glass of agua de horchata and enjoy!

😋 Hungry for More?

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