This easy homemade taco seasoning recipe is so delicious and made with simple pantry spices — perfect for tacos, fajitas, and more!
So Much Better Than Store-Bought!
There’s no going back once you make your own taco seasoning. ♡
This quick and easy blend only takes a few minutes to mix together with everyday spices you already have on hand — no additives, no fillers, and no mystery ingredients included. It’s perfectly balanced with all of the zesty taco seasonings we all love. And it works with everything from classic ground beef tacos and fajita chicken to roasted veggies, shrimp, soups and more.
I highly recommend making a double or triple batch so that you can have extra seasoning to keep on hand. Because once you taste how fresh and vibrant homemade taco seasoning can be, you’ll nix the store-bought packets for good!
Taco Seasoning Tips
A few quick tips to help this homemade taco seasoning recipe turn out perfectly every time:
- Use fresh spices: Dull or old spices will make the blend taste flat. If your chili powder or cumin is more than a year old, it’s worth replacing.
- Use American-style chili powder: If you live outside of the United States, be sure to use the mild, blended chili powder common in U.S. grocery stores (which already includes spices like paprika, oregano, and garlic), not pure ground chili peppers like cayenne. Otherwise, the mix will be far spicier than intended!
- Adjust the heat/smokiness: Feel free to double the crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or omit then for a milder seasoning. You can also add in 1/2 teaspoon chipotle seasoning for a smokier taco seasoning.
- Shake before using: The spices naturally settle over time. Give your jar a quick shake to redistribute everything before sprinkling.
- Batch it up: This recipe easily doubles or triples. Mix a large batch and store it in an airtight jar to save time later.
- Label and date it: Homemade seasoning stays fresh for up to a year, but it’s best used within six months for maximum flavor.
Ways To Use Taco Seasoning:
This zesty spice blend is good for so much more than just taco night! Here are some of our favorite ways to put homemade taco seasoning to use:
- Classic Tacos: Brown ground beef, turkey, or chicken, stir in a few tablespoons of seasoning and a splash of water, and simmer for a few minutes until saucy.
- Fajitas: Sprinkle over chicken or steak strips with bell peppers and onions before sautéing for bold, smoky flavor.
- Roasted Veggies: Toss sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or chickpeas with olive oil and seasoning before roasting.
- Soups and Stews: Add a tablespoon or two to chili, tortilla soup, or taco soup for extra depth and warmth.
- Seafood: Use as a dry rub for shrimp, salmon, or tilapia — it adds a quick, flavorful kick.
- Eggs: Stir into scrambled eggs, breakfast burritos, or frittatas for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Snacks: Sprinkle over popcorn, fries, or roasted nuts for a fun savory snack.
- Dips: Mix with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or cream cheese for an easy taco dip or chip topping.
FAQ
Use about 2 tablespoons for every 1 pound of ground beef, chicken, or turkey. Adjust to taste depending on how strong you like the flavor.
Absolutely! Just skip the salt in the mix and season your dish to taste while cooking.
Yes! This blend is naturally gluten-free. But as always, double-check your ingredients to be sure that they are certified gf.
Yes! One batch of this recipe equals roughly the same amount as a standard 1-ounce store packet (about 2–3 tablespoons). Just use it exactly the same way you would the packet mix.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder*
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (I prefer smoked paprika)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine ingredients. Add all of the ingredients to a small jar and stir (or shake) until evenly combined.
- Store. Use immediately or cover and store for up to 1 year.
Notes
Did you make this?Let me know how it turned out in the comments below!
I tripled the recipe, then realized I only had enough garlic powder for one batch. No problem- I added two tsp of garlic salt and left out the sea salt. I added enough of the taco mix to beef to taste, starting cautiously and adding more until I was happy. And happy I was!! I used some salsa in place of water- something I usually do anyway. Great flavor, not overwhelming, and not “hot” at all. Perfect for those who might want to add a little heat or for those who want to add some sour cream to cool things off. Plus, I have enough in an old spice bottle for 2-3 more dinners! I wasn’t really looking for a homemade taco mix, but I didn’t have a package on hand so I had to look for something to satisfy my craving. I’ll be back as a regular next time!!!
How much do you add to the ground beef/turkey/plant-based crumbles when preparing?
I always make my own taco seasoning. It’s very similar but I add both papkrikas and some coriander. Yes also to the replacement of old spices!
I have used this ALOT, for many different dishes. Ive added a little corn starch for thickening. I have to make another batch soon. I triple it. I use 1 tbs. per lb. But I dont use skillet. put the meat and seasoning into a 2 qt. pot cover with water.
it really brings the smell out and doesnt have any grease as long as you drain well. no lumps.
This was the best taco mix. Never going to buy the package stuff again
I followed this recipe exactly and added 2 Tbsp of it to 1 lb of ground beef. Like other reviews, I added more salt, plus a little more garlic powder (because I love garlic 😋). I mixed the dry ingredients into the cooked ground beef and then added ½ can of Rotel and all of the liquid. My tacos were delicious!
This was great for me but,It seemed bland to my mom so i added a bit of maple syrup.. the sweet rounded it out to be a little more like store bought, and brought out some more of the flavor without adding more of the hotter spices
This sounds like a WONDERFUL idea!! I’m going to try it tonight!! 😁👍
I don’t buy commercial brands anymore! I bookmarked this site so that I have the recipe every time I make tacos. My husband loves it. It has a spicy kick too.
Sorry, bland. Used entire batch for 1lb.
This recipe was for a small amount meant for a 1 lb of meat.
Very yummy! Came through in a pinch when I didn’t have a seasoning packet.