Homemade Taco Seasoning is so easy to make, you’ll want it to be Taco Tuesday all week long. It’s healthier than store-bought, you’ll save money making your own, and it will make all of your favorite Mexican recipes taste so much better.

Overhead view of homemade taco seasoning in jar

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Homemade Taco Seasoning

I’ll be the first to admit that I don’t make everything from scratch, and I definitely appreciate store-bought shortcuts when it makes sense, but some things are worth making yourself! Seasoning packets are convenient, but you’re paying more for something that’s not as good as homemade. After inspecting the labels on store-bought packets, I realized that cornmeal (a cheap filler) was the main ingredient in the brand I used to buy. Say what?!

Good news – you can easily make taco seasoning with ingredients you probably already have on hand. Best of all, when you don’t use those cheap fillers, the taco seasoning tastes better. I did a blind comparison between store-bought and my homemade taco seasoning, and the homemade version won the taste test every single time. 

I love making our own kitchen staples from Homemade BBQ Sauce to Pesto Sauce and even Homemade Mayonnaise! If you are a fan of homemade seasonings, this Taco Seasoning will become your new favorite.

Jar of homemade taco seasoning with spoonful of seasoning next to it

Why Homemade Taco Seasoning is Best?

This seasoning is perfect for Taco Recipes such as Fish Tacos, Ground Beef Tacos, you name it! You can use this for any recipe that calls for taco seasoning. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

  • No MSG, fillers, additives, or added sugar
  • Keeps well – It will last for 6 months in a jar at room temperature without the preservatives in store-bought taco seasoning.
  • High-quality – You control the quality of the spices, and it really does taste better than store–bought!

Taco Seasoning Ingredients

Taco seasoning is a blend of spices that work well together for seasoning Mexican or Tex-Mex foods. Here’s what you’ll need for the best taco seasoning:

  • Chili powder – a blend of dried chilis including ancho, pasilla or cayenne. Spice levels can vary by brand. If you prefer spicier blends, look for “spicy, hot, or Mexican-style” on the label.
  • Ground cumin – Next to chili powder, cumin is the most essential ingredient that adds an earthy, warm, and slightly nutty taco flavor.
  • Paprika – Adds color and subtle sweetness. Use smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness.
  • Salt and Pepper – we use fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  • Garlic Powder & Onion powder – adds a savory garlic and onion flavor.
  • Dried oregano – adds a slightly bitter, herby note. Use Mexican oregano if you can find it for a brighter flavor.
  • Red pepper flakes – this is optional and adds heat if you prefer a spicy taco seasoning. You can substitute with a pinch of cayenne or even chipotle powder.
Overhead view of spices for making DIY Taco Seasoning

Natasha’s Pro Tip:

Smell your spices before making this recipe. It may sound strange, but this is the best way to know if herbs and spices are past their prime. If they don’t have much of an aroma, it’s time to replace them.

How to Make Taco Seasoning

Once you see how easy it is to make your own taco seasoning, you’ll always want the homemade version. The process is quick and so easy and you can easilly multiply the recipe to make a bigger batch.

  • Gather the ingredients – Measure out all of the spices you need from your pantry.
  • Combine – place them all into a small bowl and stir to combine.
  • Store – Transfer the seasoning to an airtight container and keep it on hand for all your future taco needs.
Side by side photos showing process of making taco seasoning

How Much Taco Seasoning is in 1 packet?

We substitute DIY taco seasoning in the same amount as what is in a packet. Typically, 2 to 3 Tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning is equal to 1 packet of store-bought seasoning.

How to Use Taco Seasoning

In addition to using taco seasoning for Taco Recipes, you can use it for:

Wooden spoon in jar of taco seasoning

Storing Homemade Seasoning

  • Shelf-life: Homemade seasoning keeps really well. Depending on the freshness of the spices you use, it will keep for up to 6 months. This is why I like to make big batches of this at a time.
  • How to Store: I like to keep the seasoning in a jar with an airtight lid. Like other spices, it should be stored in a cool, dry, dark place, like your pantry. You can use spice jars or any small lidded container. See our Kitchen Organization post for how we set up our spice drawer.
Storing spices in spice jars in a drawer.

This DIY taco seasoning recipe is easy to make, cheaper than store-bought packets, and it tastes better, too. Plus, when you make it yourself, you’re in control of the ingredients, which means no sugar, fillers, or preservatives.

Taco Seasoning Recipe

4.99 from 337 votes
Wood spoon in jar of taco seasoning
Once you try this homemade taco seasoning blend, you'll never want to use store-bought again. This DIY Taco seasoning is so versatile for tacos, taco soup, and taco salad, as a seasoning for veggies, you name it! This recipe makes 3 Tbsp of seasoning or the equivalent of 1 packet of taco seasoning.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 9 Servings (1 tsp per serving)

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, add all of the taco seasoning ingredients. Stir to combine and store homemade taco seasoning in an airtight container or spice jar for up to 6 months.

Notes

*Nutrition label is calculated per 1 teaspoon of homemade taco seasoning. 

Nutrition Per Serving

7kcal Calories1g Carbs0.3g Protein0.3g Fat0.04g Saturated Fat0.1g Polyunsaturated Fat0.1g Monounsaturated Fat274mg Sodium38mg Potassium1g Fiber0.1g Sugar382IU Vitamin A0.1mg Vitamin C11mg Calcium1mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Taco Seasoning Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
7
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
0.3
g
0
%
Saturated Fat
 
0.04
g
0
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Sodium
 
274
mg
12
%
Potassium
 
38
mg
1
%
Carbohydrates
 
1
g
0
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
0.1
g
0
%
Protein
 
0.3
g
1
%
Vitamin A
 
382
IU
8
%
Vitamin C
 
0.1
mg
0
%
Calcium
 
11
mg
1
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex Mex
Keyword: homemade taco seasoning, taco seasoning, taco seasoning recipe
Skill Level: Easy
Calories: 7
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook

More Tex-Mex Recipes to Try

4.99 from 337 votes (258 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  • Clarissa
    June 15, 2025

    I stopped buying Taco seasoning packets after trying this recipe, and I’ll never go back! THE BEST!

    Reply

  • Katrina Bennica
    June 6, 2025

    I LOVE this taco seasoning recipe so much ! I now make it 4X the recipe and store it in a glass herb jar! Now I have it ready to go when I need it! I make a lot of your recipes and love your cookbook too! Thank You!

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 6, 2025

      Hi Katrina! I’m so happy to hear you’re loving the recipe. Thank you for purchasing my cookbook. That means a lot to me.

      Reply

  • Jan
    June 4, 2025

    Do you add any water to the taco seasoning?

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      June 4, 2025

      Hi Jan! See the section above, “How to Use Taco Seasoning”.

      Reply

  • Aubrey
    May 23, 2025

    Natasha, you’re awesome. You shine so bright 🌞

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      May 23, 2025

      Thank you for the kind words, Aubrey. That’s very sweet of you to say.

      Reply

  • Ian
    May 18, 2025

    I agree this is very tasty!!! I only used 1 tsp of chili powder because, although my 5 year old daughter likes some spice, I worried the tbsp of chili would make it unedible for her. Saving it for future use 🙂

    Reply

  • Julianne E Miller
    May 9, 2025

    This seasoning is SO GOOD!!!! We literally used it last night as we ran out of our normal one. 100 times better than the store!!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      May 9, 2025

      That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Julianne!

      Reply

  • Christine Sweeney
    April 20, 2025

    You were right. I do not want to use store bought taco seasoning packets anymore. Thank you so much for this recipe. We love it.

    Reply

  • Karen
    April 15, 2025

    I make this Taco Seasoning all the time now. Tried it once last year and it is all we use now. When I make it, I usually make a full pint jar of it. You can change the flavor profile a little by just changing the variety of chili powder you use. This last time I made it I used Ancho Chili powder. It is way better than store bought and I highly recommend it!

    Reply

  • Vian
    April 5, 2025

    This is my go to recipe!! If you cook you have all the ingredients at home

    Reply

    • NatashasKitchen.com
      April 5, 2025

      Hi Vlan! It really is so simple to make.

      Reply

  • Lissa
    March 15, 2025

    A straightforward and easy substitute for my package seasoning.
    I’m going to make a larger batch to have on hand.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 15, 2025

      That’s exactly what I like to do! Thank you for your wonderful feedback Lissa!

      Reply

  • Kathy
    March 10, 2025

    For someone who can’t taste and has to rely on a recipe, how much would you use per lb of meat?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      March 10, 2025

      Hi Kathy, I have this listed under the How to Use Taco Seasoning section of the recipe post. There are more helpful tips there for you. I hope that helps.

      Reply

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