Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning

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Perfect for Taco Tuesday (or any night of the week), this easy homemade taco seasoning is so good that you’ll never want to use store-bought packets again!

Aren't you tired of spending a buck twenty-five on mystery spices from the grocery store every taco night? (I am! 🙋🏻‍♀️) Then give this homemade taco seasoning a try! With chili powder, paprika, salt, and spices like oregano, garlic powder, and onion powder, it’s bold (but not too spicy!), customizable, pantry-friendly, and 100% free of sugar, fillers, or anything sketchy. And bonus, you probably already have everything you need in your spice cabinet!

Why you’ll love this taco seasoning

Besides the fact that it tastes better (like, way better), homemade taco seasoning means you know exactly what’s in it, so you can:

Skip unnecessary ingredients (no anti-caking agents or added sugar here!).
Control the salt and spice levels and tailor it to your taste.
Make a big batch once and use it for months.
Have dinner on the table in 20 minutes. Simply mix with your favorite taco filling and cook!

Ingredients

Here’s what goes into the mix:

Chili Powder – Brings the smoky, slightly sweet base. Note that this is American-style chili powder, a spice blend that is different than cayenne pepper and other chile powders.
Cumin – Gives the spice mix a warm taco-y flavor.
Smoked Paprika – Adds smoky depth (use sweet paprika if you want a milder blend).
Garlic Powder – Savory and sharp.
Onion Powder – Ties it all together.
Dried Oregano – Adds a little herbal hint.
Salt – Enhances everything (feel free to adjust to taste).
Black Pepper – A little spice.
Cayenne (optional) – For heat lovers.

How to make taco seasoning:

This is an overview of how to make homemade taco seasoning. See the recipe card below for detailed ingredients and instructions.

It really couldn’t be easier to DIY taco seasoning.

Step 1: Combine the spices.
Step 2: Store. Keep it in your pantry for up to one year. (Glass jars are best for keeping spices fresh.)
Step 3: Sprinkle! Use it on everything from classic beef tacos, burritos, enchiladas, soups, dips, and nachos, to grilled chicken, tofu, ground beef, and veggies to add a zesty, authentic Mexican flavor.

How to use your homemade taco seasoning

For one pound of ground meat, start with 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning + ¼ cup water.

💡 Pro tip: If you’re making beef tacos and want to thicken the filling, add one teaspoon of cornstarch or arrowroot powder for every two tablespoons of taco seasoning with the meat, and add another ¼ cup of water.

Simmer with the browned meat for a few minutes until everything is well-coated and flavorful. Done. ✅

💡 Pro tip: Don’t stop at tacos.

White chicken chili
Flank steak fajitas
Enchilada-stuffed sweet potatoes
Chickpeas or lentils
Scrambled eggs
Grilled chicken
Stuffed bell peppers
Roasted sweet potatoes
Add it to sour cream or Greek yogurt for a taco-style dipping sauce (a great way to get kids to eat veggies!)

Want to make tacos the easiest dinner of the week? Whip up this spice blend once, and future you will thank you every Tuesday (and Thursday, and maybe Saturday too).

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this in bulk?

Absolutely! Double or triple the recipe and store in a larger jar. Just remember to shake it before each use.

Can I skip the salt?

Yep. For salt-free taco seasoning, you can omit the salt. This is also a great option if you're trying to cut back on sodium — just add salt to taste when cooking.

Is this taco seasoning spicy?

Not really, but if you have majorly spice-averse taco tasters, skip the red pepper flakes and the optional cayenne. My 6-year-old is not a fan of spicy food and agreed this taco spice mix was mild!

How do I store taco seasoning?

Store your taco seasoning in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place. It’ll stay fresh for up to a year, but I guarantee you’ll use it long before that.

Why is my taco seasoning bland?

If you followed the recipe and your tacos still taste bland, it may be that your spices are no longer fresh. Dried spices lose their potency over time, so it's recommended to replace them every year or so for the freshest and boldest flavor. To keep your spices as fresh as possible, use glass containers — they keep the air and moisture out, which helps the spices retain their flavor longer.

How much taco seasoning is in a packet?

Taco seasoning packets are around 1 to 1.3 ounces, which is about 2 Tablespoons of spice mix.

Variations + Substitutions

This is your own taco seasoning — you do you!

Want low sodium? Reduce or omit the salt.
More heat? Add a pinch of cayenne or more red pepper flakes.
No paprika? Skip it or sub with chili powder.
Want a smokier flavor? Add chipotle powder or more smoked paprika.
Add your favorite Mexican-inspired spices, like coriander, parsley, or cayenne pepper.

Special diets

If you have a special diet you're adhering to, here are some ways you can adjust this recipe.

If you have a special diet you're adhering to, here are some ways you can adjust this recipe.
Gluten-free: This recipe is gluten free!
Dairy-free: This recipe is dairy free!
Whole30 / Paleo: This recipe is paleo and Whole30-compliant!
Keto: No carbs here!

Related recipes

Planning a fiesta? Pair your tacos with these other crowd pleasers:

Before you go...

⭐️ If you make this homemade taco seasoning and love it, please leave a comment and leave a five-star rating for this recipe! ⭐️

I love to hear from you and do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram — seeing your delicious creations is my favorite!

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