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Homemade Taco Seasoning

After tasting how flavorful and fresh my own homemade taco seasoning blend is, I’ll never go back to the store-bought packets again. Even my local Mexican restaurant owner asked for the recipe after sampling my tacos!

best taco seasoning in a jar

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Tired of blah powder taco seasoning packets from the store? It’s time to make your own taco seasoning. All you need is 7 common spices from the kitchen to mix up this crazy tasty blend.

Once you try it, you’ll never buy it from the grocery store again! Taco night has never been better.

This blend brings your favorite Tex-Mex flavors without the artificial ingredients. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have a batch ready to turn ground meat into taco meat perfection!

The flavor this homemade blend packs will leave your family and friends begging for more tacos every Taco Tuesday!

Uses for DIY Taco Seasoning

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ingredients for your own seasoning like ground cumin

Ingredients Needed

Chili powder – This mixture of ground dried chili peppers is essential!

Cumin – This gives this that smoky southwest flavor.

Paprika – Gives great color. Substitute smoked paprika if you like.

Oregano – Rounds out the flavors.

Onion powder – Substitute granulated garlic is desired.

Salt & pepper – Flaky sea salt and ground black pepper.

Red pepper flakes – This brings heat so use as you like.

For more insider tips & tricks, and a candid behind the scenes look follow me on social media! Check use out on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter (yes, people still use Twitter, LOL!)

How to Make DIY Taco Seasoning 

First: Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl until well combined. Store in an airtight container.

Second: To use, add 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of ground meat as it browns.

For the full recipe and detailed instructions, please refer to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.

use 2 tablespoons per pound of meat

How much taco seasoning is equal to one packet?

2 tablespoons equals 1 packet of the store-bought stuff.

How long does it last?

Properly stored in an airtight, moisture-free container, it will stay fresh for up to 6 months!

mix with 1/4 cup water for best tasting taco meat

What’s the difference between store-bought and homemade taco seasoning?

You control what goes in! No weird stuff from packets that I can’t even pronounce.It’s SO much tastier! Once you try it, you’ll be like, yup, best tacos ever!

It’s actually easy and fun to make. Give it a go – I promise you can do it!

How hot is it?

As written, it has just a touch of heat from cayenne pepper. For more heat, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon more cayenne. For mild, omit the cayenne altogether.

I’m out of taco shells, what are other serving ideas?

This versatile blend turns any ground meat into tasty taco meat! Serve wrapped in soft tortillas or lettuce cups, over nachos, baked potatoes or rice, or scrambled with eggs.

jar of homemade taco seasoning

Tapas Tips & Tricks

  • Adjust spice levels to taste. Add less crushed red pepper flakes for mild or omit completely.
  • Stored properly in an airtight container in a cool dry place, the homemade blend will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
  • Use 2-3 tablespoons per pound of ground beef. This equals 1 packet of taco seasoning.
  • Great for ground turkey, pork, chicken, or sausage.
  • For extra flavor, stir in 1/4 cup of water and simmer for 5 minutes once meat is cooked through to let flavors further develop.
  • Add some garlic powder for more flavor!
  • For faster prep, make a big batch to have ready whenever a taco craving strikes.
collage of seasoning blends

Want more seasoning recipes? I have a delicious Cajun Seasoning or Steak Seasoning recipe that you will love. Check them out along with this amazing list of homemade spice mix recipes and tips and trick on how to store them.

More Easy Recipes

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please write a five-star review in the comment section below (or on Pinterest with the “tried it” button – you can now add pictures into reviews, too!), and be sure to help me share on facebook!

scoop of taco seasoning in a measuring spoon

So ditch those dusty store packets and mix up my easy peasy homemade taco seasoning mix! Your family and your tummy will thank you big time. Just wait until Taco Tuesday…mind blown!

jar of homemade taco seasoning

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Yield: 3/4 cup
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

Homemade Taco Seasoning is easy to make and has the perfect blend of spices for taco night.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons chili powder
  • 4 teaspoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 4 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 4 teaspoons onion powder
  • 4 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon crush red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Combine all herbs and spices in an air tight container and store in a cool, dry space.
  2. Use 2 tablespoons per pound of ground beef/chicken.

Notes

  • Adjust spice levels to taste. Add less red pepper for mild or omit completely.
  • Stored properly in an airtight container in a cool dry place, the homemade blend will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
  • Use 2-3 tablespoons per pound of ground beef. This equals 1 packet of taco seasoning.
  • Great for ground turkey, pork, chicken, or sausage.
  • For extra flavor, stir in 1/4 cup of water and simmer for 5 minutes once meat is cooked through to let flavors further develop.
  • Add some garlic powder for more flavor!
  • For faster prep, make a big batch to have ready whenever a taco craving strikes.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 36Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1569mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 3gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g

This nutrition information was generated via a third party, Nutritionix, and can not be held liable for any discrepancies in the information provided.

{Originally published 6/17/20 – photos and notes updated 01/08/24}

TakeTwoTapas.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.

Jealith

Sunday 11th of June 2023

Love the mix except for the salt. I rarelly add salt to my spice mixes because so many canned foods already have added salt. Refried beans, black beans, and my store bought natchos all have salt. Sometimes I use canned diced tomatoes also. All the rest of the mix, yeah, spot on.

Jennifer Stewart

Monday 12th of June 2023

Thanks! That's the exact reason I love making my own spice mixes. You can leave out any part of them you like:)

Betty Jane

Friday 4th of February 2022

I had everything on hand EXCEPT seasoning to make tacos tonight. Your recipe is so easy, and I had every spice on hand. Won't ever buy taco seasoning packs again! Thank you!

Jennifer

Monday 7th of February 2022

So glad you liked it!

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Madie Steenkamp

Monday 24th of August 2020

The recipe was delicious, thanks! I cut the salt in half though... thought 4 teaspoons was too much for us. In fact, next time I'll only add one teaspoon of salt. All in all, very tasty combination of herbs and spices! Great job :-)

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