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!
Hello , I’m french and in my country I can’t found chili powder , it is a mix of different spices or just one specific spice ?
Thanks you :)
Hello Anais! Chili powder is usually a blend of ground chiles and other spices. If you’re unable to find some, here is a recipe you could try: We hope this helps!
What a great recipe..thanks.
Wow!! I am amazed!! I recently started eating Paleo. I love love tacos so when I found your recipe I made it right away. I am in love. Probs gonna eat tacos allllll week! Thank you so much, Ali!
Thanks Amanda — we’re so glad you enjoy it!
The taco mix was easy to make and delicious! I will make my own from now on, instead of buying it from tbe store. Your mix received compliments from our family! Thank you!
You’re welcome Diana — we’re glad you and your family enjoyed it! :)
With tbis homemade taco recipe how many pounds of ground beef is it for? If I need 3 pounds ground beef do I need to take the recipe and double or triple it?
Hi Erin! You need 2-3 TBS seasoning per pound of meat, so if you are cooking 3 lbs of ground beef, you’ll want to use around 6-9 TBS (we’d suggest doing 6 or 7, and you can always add more if you’d like). We hope this helps!
Made it tonight, my toddler loved this seasoning…thank you!
We’re so happy to hear that Melanie – thanks for sharing! :)
Hi there, thanks for the recipe. I just made tacos today for lunch using your recipe (with a few changes). I also whipped up some obligatory guacamole and salsa as garnishes. They were positively scrumptious. Thanks!
Awesome, I’m so glad to hear it! :)
Thanks for sharing! How much should be used? I see where you replied 2-3 TBS per pound of meat. What about for the water portion? Thanks!
Hi Anita, the liquid just depends on what recipe you’re doing. We’d still stick with the 2-3 TBS per pound of meat, use whatever liquid the recipe you’re using calls for, and you can always add more seasoning later, if you like. We hope that helps!
The recipe is wonderful and I plan to use it often. Sometimes I will adjust the ingredients to get a little more heat depending on the ones I’m serving. One question I have. Some recipes call for one package of premade taco seasoning. How much of this recipe would be equal to one package?
Thanks Jeannette, we’re so happy you like it! There are about 2 Tbs of taco seasoning in each packet. :)
My sister and I went to make tacos tonight and discovered she had no seasoning. I turned to pinterest and cane across this recipe and we are about to try it. We use a rotisserie chicken for a quick meal and I can’t wait to try it!!!
Awesome Alyssa, we hope you guys enjoy this recipe and your tacos! :)