Better than anything you can buy in the store, this Homemade Taco Seasoning can be mixed up in minutes! This easy, DIY recipe has deep, savory flavors perfect for Mexican-inspired or Tex-Mex recipes.
Use this Southwest seasoning blend on nachos, grilled chicken, grilled steak, rice, beans, or any time you want a punch of flavor.
Making my own spice blends has become “a thing” for me. I love taking a traditional idea and giving it my special twist. Since making my House Seasoning, Burger Seasoning, and Montreal Steak Blend, making my own version of taco seasoning mix seemed appropriate.
Why You Should Make This Seasoning
- You can customize this seasoning to be as spicy or not spicy as you like, along with many other customizations.
- There are no filler ingredients in a homemade spice blend like there might be in store-bought taco seasoning. Those can contain anything from loads of sodium to added colors and are not gluten-free.
- It Stores Well in a jar with a lid, and without the preservatives in taco seasoning packets, it will last in the pantry for a few months.
Taco Seasoning Ingredients
- Chili Powder – chili powder is not super spicy, it’s just a combination of amazing Southwest flavors.
- Dried Oregano – mild and earthy and a staple of taco spice blends.
- Smoked Paprika – provides a rich, deep flavor. If you don’t like the smokiness, feel free to substitute regular or sweet Paprika.
- Ground Cumin – the earthy flavor that is essential to Mexican cooking.
- Garlic and Onion Power – aromatics that are a must for this blend.
- Salt and Pepper – always taste and adjust salt and pepper for balance.
Variations and Additions
This taco mixture is a great base to which you can add your own flare! I highly encourage adding other spices to make your taco seasoning.
- Cayenne pepper
- Dried ancho chili powder
- Red pepper flakes
- Chipotle powder
How To Make This Taco Spice Blend
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until blended.
- Store in a sealed container.
How Much Taco Seasoning Is In A Packet?
I use two tablespoons of my DIY taco seasoning instead of the store-bought packages. My homemade blend is much more flavorful and budget-friendly!
Donya’s Success Tips
- Check the dates on your spices. In general, spices are good for about 6 months or up to a year, but if you’re unsure, you can smell them. They should smell strongly of flavor.
- Store the mix in a wide-mouth jar so it’s easier to pour into it. You can also mix everything together directly in the jar or use a funnel to transfer.
- Make a double or even a triple batch of the seasoning for months. Or, you can use that extra to gift to hosts during summer barbecues!
Common Questions And Answers
This seasoning blend will last about a year if stored properly. I use a jar with a rubber seal, but a mason jar with a screw top lid or airtight container will work great as well.
I use two tablespoons of Taco Seasoning for every pound of ground meat. If you are unsure how much seasoning you might like, start with two tablespoons, then add more if you want.
No, these are different. Typically, fajita seasoning has more oregano and cumin, but you can substitute one for the other if you’re in a pinch.
How To Use Taco Seasoning
This gourmet blend is more than a taco seasoning! Here are just a few of the ways I use this amazing spice blend:
- Slow Cooker Taco Soup – one of the best recipes for an easy weeknight meal.
- I sprinkle it on chicken breasts, grill, slice, and layer onto cool, crisp salad greens and top with Avocado Salsa.
- Taco Spaghetti Bake – a favorite in my family. It’s great for potlucks, covered dish suppers, or feeding a crowd.
- Slow Cooker Shredded Mexican Chicken – super easy and budget-friendly.
More Easy Homemade Recipes To Try
If you tried this Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper – optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until blended.
- Store in a sealed container for up to 1 year.
Video
Nutrition
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After making this, I have been forever banned from buying the little packets. So easy to make. I doubled the recipe. Am storing in a glass container. I use about 2 heaping tablespoons per pound of meat.
Thatās the best kind of ban! Once you make homemade, those little packets just donāt compare anymore. Doubling the recipe and keeping it in a glass container is such a smart idea too. Thanks so much for sharing your ratio ā thatās super helpful!
~Donya
Thx so much !!! Appreciate the useful info.