Make your own homemade Taco Seasoning with this simple recipe! It’s healthier than the store-bought stuff, saves money, and is perfect for all types of Mexican recipes.
This Taco Seasoning recipe is perfect for using in this Taco Meat recipe, Taco Dip, Dorito Taco Salad, and this One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe!
Table of Contents
Unlike store-bought Taco Seasoning, this spice blend doesn’t contain any cheap fillers or food colorings, so you can feel good about putting it in your body. You only need 5 basic spices plus salt and pepper to make it!
It’s so easy to throw together, too. All you have to do is measure out your ingredients and stir. It’s that easy!
Why we love this Taco Seasoning blend:
- Quick: The entire recipe can be made in 5 minutes, so it’s perfect for whipping up when you want to make a Mexican-inspired dish!
- Customizable: You can adjust the spices to your preferences and even add other spices to get your desired flavor profile.
- Great flavor: The unique blend of spices produces an aromatic flavor profile that gives life to your Mexican dishes!
DIY Taco Seasoning ingredients:
- Garlic powder: adds garlic flavor to the seasoning. Make sure you grab the powder and not granulated garlic or garlic salt.
- Chili powder: it’s moderately spicy and made with a blend of red chilis and other spices.
- Cumin: adds an earthy, nutty, and slightly smoky flavor.
- Salt and pepper: just a bit of each to round out the flavors.
- Onion powder: adds onion flavor.
- Paprika: adds a sweet and peppery taste. For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika!
How to make your own taco seasoning from scratch:
Making your own taco seasoning couldn’t be easier! For the full list of instructions, scroll down to the recipe card.
- Stir together all the ingredients.
- Store in an airtight container or mason jar until ready to use or use immediately.
Variations and Substitutions
- To make spicy taco seasoning, add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a slight kick!
- If you like a little sweetness, I love adding brown sugar to the mix, but only right before cooking, as it clumps in storage.
- Need a low sodium option? Cut back on the salt in this recipe!
Recipe Tip
Make a big batch for larger recipes or as extra so you never run out!
Jut add 1-2 tablespoons per pound of meat according to your tastes.
How to store homemade Taco Seasoning mix:
Store in an airtight container or glass jar in a cool, dark place at room temperature until ready to use. It should last for around 6 months!
How do I use this seasoning?
Use 1-2 tablespoons for each pound of ground meat. You can use this spice blend with various kinds of meat, such as ground turkey, ground chicken, and ground beef!
Here are some of my favorite recipes for using this homemade seasoning:
- Ground Turkey Tacos
- Taco Casserole
- Easy Taco Soup recipe
- One Pot Taco Pasta Recipe
- Taco Lasagna Recipe
- Classic Weeknight Tacos
- Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos Recipe
More condiments and sauces you’ll love:
- Easy Homemade Cheese Sauce recipe — perfect for homemade nachos!
- Easy Enchilada Sauce — a simpler version of a classic
- Homemade Salsa Recipe — a must for any taco night!
- Mango Salsa — we love this with chicken tacos!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon cumin
- ½ tablespoon salt
- ½ tablespoon onion powder
- ½ tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Stir together all ingredients.
- Store in a dry, cool place until ready to use, or add 1-2 tablespoons to each pound of meat.
Notes
- Brown sugar: I like to add a touch of brown sugar to this mix for a little sweetness, especially for chicken or pork tacos (and serve with a fruity salsa). However, I find the sugar clumps with storage so I’ll do this just before adding to the meat:
- Cayenne: for extra kick, add ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the mix.
Nutrition Information
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Sarah says
Realized I didn’t have a packet of taco seasoning for my taco meat tonight, and made this instead. This was super easy to throw together! Thanks for a great, yet simple taco seasoning recipe!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Sarah!