Homemade Taco Seasoning
Homemade taco seasoning is quick and easy to make and you probably have all the ingredients you need in your kitchen pantry right now. It's a perfectly balanced seasoning that is delicious on tacos, burritos, chicken, rice, and more.
Try this taco seasoning in our baja fish tacos or our crockpot chicken tacos.
Homemade Taco seasoning
Store-bought taco seasoning might taste good, but loaded with additives and hard to pronounce ingredients. Which is one reason we like to make our own.
The other reason (and just as important as the first) is that it tastes better. The spices are fresh and more flavorful. And since we don't add salt to our seasoning, it allows you to salt your recipe just the way you like it.
This recipe blends six pantry-staple spices to get that authentic Tex-Mex flavor. It's delicious.
Bonus: if you make your own homemade taco seasoning, it is WAY less expensive!
How to make your own taco seasoning
No need to run to the grocery store, it's so easy to make your own homemade taco seasoning! Here's what to do:
- Mix the six pantry-staple spices together.
That's all there is to it!
Full recipe in the recipe card below.
How much taco seasoning is in a packet
Most taco seasoning packets are 1-ounce, which equals 2 tablespoons.
If you're making a recipe that calls for 1 packet of taco seasoning, use 2 tablespoons.
How long does homemade taco seasoning last
Whole, dried spices will last for up to 2 years if stored properly. But ground spices, like we use in this recipe, will last for 6 months.
That's not to say that if you don't use your taco seasoning within 6 months that it won't be good anymore. But the flavor will start to weaken and you may find yourself needing more of the mix to get the same flavor.
Luckily, there are lots of ways to use taco seasoning!
How to use taco seasoning
Use this taco seasoning to add a bit of Tex-Mex flavor to all your favorite dishes.
Use 2-3 tablespoons per pound of meat.
(It is typically recommended to use 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of meat. But we like our food extra flavorful, so we often add 3 tablespoons.)
If you're worried that you won't use a whole batch of homemade taco seasoning, have no fear. There are lots of ways to use this tasty seasoning mix!
- To season baked fries.
- On hashbrowns.
- In a Tex-Mex casserole.
- Add it to your favorite chili recipe.
- To season enchiladas.
- In a burger patty.
- On baked chicken.
Popular seasoning mix recipes
Homemade Taco Seasoning
If you love this recipe as much as we do, let us know with a 5-star rating!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons sweet or smoked paprika, see notes
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon oregano
- Optional: 1 teaspoon cayenne, if you like it spicy
Instructions
- Mix the ingredients in a small bowl.2 tablespoons chili powder, 2 tablespoons sweet or smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon onion powder, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 tablespoon oregano, Optional: 1 teaspoon cayenne
- Store in a jar in your pantry.
Notes
Pin this recipe to save it for later!
This is such a great tacos seasoning mix! We made it twice already and used it for jackfruit tacos that we ate with guests and it was a hit every time! So flavourful and balanced!
Thank you for this recipe! I am making an other batch today. 10 stars! 🌟
Do you add any water when cooking?
That depends on what you’re making!
Really liked this recipe. I did add sea salt to it. Nice flavor and wasn’t spicy even with adding Cayenne.
This was such an easy seasoning to mix up and adds the perfect amount of flavor to a variety of dishes! Easily, a new favorite seasoning; delicious!
You are right, I had all the ingredients for this taco seasoning right in my pantry! Move over prepacked seasoning.
I love your taco seasoning. It is really handy to have in the cupboard and so much cheaper than buying the shop-bought seasoning too.
This is our GO TO taco seasoning! We use it for a taco skillet and a chili recipe all the time, the best! Thank you!
Yes!!!!! I love the addition of smoked paprika! Love having a jar of this stuff ready to go!
I have a question. How can you call this homemade if you are using premixed chili powder? I have yet to taste two chili powders that are the same. I have yet to try it, but it sounds delicious.
This sounds delicious! I love the pretty white bowl you used for the photos. Do you mind sharing where you found it?
This is a bit embarrassing but it’s my cat’s old water dish lol. I thought it was pretty too so I kept it to use after I bought her a new one. 🙂