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!

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

• Walking tacos for a crowd
• Chicken tacos
• Taco Cups
• Taco salads
• Fajitas
• Taco Pasta
• Enchiladas
• Taco soup
• Sour cream dip
• Nachos

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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.

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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.

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!

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.

If you are making tacos with ground chicken, I like to add a little of this non spicy chicken seasoning along with the taco seasoning. Check out this enchilada seasoning recipe too!

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.

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.
• If you are serving chicken tacos, learn how to make chicken taco seasoning.

Want more seasoning recipes? I have a delicious Cajun Seasoning or Steakhouse 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.

If you love this recipe as much as I do, please leave us a five-star review in the comment section below. Thanks!

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!

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

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