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.
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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.
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.
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.
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:
- Ground Beef – for 1 pound of ground beef, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of this seasoning, along with 1/2 cup of water. This seasoned ground beef is great for Taco Salad, my Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet, and Beef Burritos.
- Flavored Butter: Mash the seasoning into softened butter and spread onto Instant Pot Corn on the Cob or Grilled Corn.
- Seasoning – for Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries and, of course, Taco Soup.
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.
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
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika, preferably smoked paprika
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- Pinch red pepper flakes, optional
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 Per Serving
Filed Under
More Tex-Mex Recipes to Try
- Easy Homemade Salsa (Restaurant-Style)
- Chicken Tortilla Soup
- Easy Tostada Recipe
- Guacamole Recipe
- Mexican Street Corn (Elote Recipe)
- Ceviche
- Turkey Chili
- Fish Taco Bowl
- Cilantro Lime Rice
I stopped buying Taco seasoning packets after trying this recipe, and I’ll never go back! THE BEST!
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!
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.
Do you add any water to the taco seasoning?
Hi Jan! See the section above, “How to Use Taco Seasoning”.
Natasha, you’re awesome. You shine so bright 🌞
Thank you for the kind words, Aubrey. That’s very sweet of you to say.
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 🙂
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!!!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Julianne!
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.
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!
This is my go to recipe!! If you cook you have all the ingredients at home
Hi Vlan! It really is so simple to make.
A straightforward and easy substitute for my package seasoning.
I’m going to make a larger batch to have on hand.
That’s exactly what I like to do! Thank you for your wonderful feedback Lissa!
For someone who can’t taste and has to rely on a recipe, how much would you use per lb of meat?
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.