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
Can’t wait to make this recipe! Can I substitute ground turkey for the ground beef?
That should be fine but you might need to adjust the seasoning slightly to balance the flavor.
Great recipe – can you add cornstarch to this to help thicken it? If so, how much would you recommend per recipe batch?
Hi there! I haven’t tested that so I can’t say for sure.
I add about 2 Tbsp of tomato sauce to my taco meat. Makes it a little thicker and elevates the flavor!
Thank you for this recipe it already sounds delicious. I’m adding cayenne pepper instead of the flakes for a bit of bite. Making the hubby some shredded beef taco wraps for supper 😊
Used this in your Beef Skillet recipe and it was great. Really like a taco seasoning where o can pronounce all the ingredients.
Love this taco seasoning recipe. Made extra to have on hand, but what I love about it most is; in your words Natasha, “ No MSG, no fillers, and no sugar – Yes, in addition to corn meal, store-bought often has MSG and sugar added”. I just hate all the extra stuff they put in prepackaged seasonings. Thank you for showing us how to make the basics ourselves
Thank you so much for this. In the past, I’ve always used packaged taco seasoning, but finally decided to try making my own. Last night I made the best beef and bean tostadas I’ve ever made. Your seasoning recipe made all the difference. Never going back.
The taco seasoning was easy to make and smells great plus it feels good to do it myself. We’re having it tonight and I can’t wait to try it.
Thank you for this recipe. About how much should I use for one pound of ground turkey for taco night?
Hi there! You can use 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning. Hope that helps!
Wait I’m confused, why does this recipe make so little?
Hi Riley, you can easily scale it up. In the recipe card, click on the portion size and it will adjust it for you in the list of ingredients.
All your recipes are excellent and you have the best personality ever!!!
Made this for our taco salad dinner. Was amazing!!!
So happy to hear that!
Decided to give my fresh venison a try. I used this recipe to make venison nachos. This blend is top notch. Very very good. Thanks for another great recipe.
Jon
I don’t see a note on how to use this recipe. Maybe it’s because of all the advertisements that keep popping up. Could you send that separately for all of us who cannot see it thank you.
Hi Cynthia! Is above the recipe card in the blog post. For a pound of ground beef, add two tablespoons of this seasoning, along with 1/2 cup of water.
Just mix this the same as any other taco mix. This is very good with a lot of flavor but not overpowering. Enjoy!
Amazing flavor! A million times better than store bought.
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Lisa!
This is one of my favorite taco seasoning recipes. You mentioned 2 TBSP = 1 pkt store bought. So I quadrupled the recipe to make enough for a family sized pan of meat to use for a couple of months. Oh & I cut salt in half for my hypertension.
I see that the recipe makes 9 tsp, but I wondering what the ratio of seasoning to 1 lb ground beef/meat would be?
Hi Emily. See my note above “how to use taco seasoning” where I address this.
Awesome flavor! Certainly more wholesome. And NO more stained plastic containers caused by mystery additives in pre-packaged seasoning. Cooking for only my husband and myself, I make a large batch of meat+celery, onion, peppers and store to use as needed; using glassware isn’t always practical.
Natasha, love this recipe. Thank you!
Would it be possible to provide measurements so that it makes approximately a cup of seasoning? I would like to make once and have ready to use for the next six months or so.
Hello Susan. This recipe makes 9 tsps. You can click the number of servings in the recipe card and slide it to the right to change the ingredients list. Please note though that the only the ingredients quantity will be adjusted and not the instructions.
Thank you for this recipe. The flavors are authentic, bold, balanced, robust, and perfect for my recipes. I am so pleased to be able to have such a clean, unprocessed seasoning. Thank you for your cooking talents!!
Awesome flavors. I used the entire recipe in 1 lb. of high-quality ground beef because I like strong flavors. I’m done buying the premade packets.