Taco Seasoning Recipe

This easy Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is the perfect way to spice up your chicken or beef!

Making your own taco seasoning mix allows you to control what ingredients go into it (and control the salt and spice levels). It takes just minutes to make and you likely have all of the ingredients you need on hand!

So, exactly what is in taco seasoning? It’s a blend of spices, most of which you likely have in your pantry.

Chili Powder makes up the largest portion and adds a southwestern flavor. It’s great in the mixture but also for soups and of course chili recipes.

Ground cumin adds a slightly nutty warm flavor while onion and garlic powder are the aromatics in this recipe. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds heat.

Dried oregano, salt, and black pepper are included in this taco seasoning. I sometimes add a little sweet paprika or smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon) if I have it on hand.

Since this is made from spices, it’s naturally gluten free (just make sure your chili powder and all spices are GF).

This spice blend is perfect for your Mexican-inspired dishes (like tacos) but it can be used for so many other dishes in the kitchen. Whether it’s weeknight chicken tacos, or fajita Friday, skip the seasoning packet and make your own.

Homemade taco seasoning will last 6 months stored in a cool, dry place like your spice cupboard! I use cute little spice jars found on Amazon to keep my spices, but check the dollar store or use a small mason jar.

I usually make a triple batch so it’s ready to go whenever I need a little taco mix!

Did you enjoy this Homemade Taco Seasoning? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

taco seasoning recipe

The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning

taco seasoning recipe

The perfect amount of spices come together in the homemade taco seasoning! You will never buy from the store again!

Prep: 5min

Total: 5min

Yield: 4

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 12 kcal, Carbohydrate 2 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 1 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Sodium 616 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, unSaturated Fat 2 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instruction:

  1. Combine all seasonings together and store in an airtight container.
  2. I used one recipe in one pound of ground turkey. Recipe can easily be doubled and use more or less to taste. I also like to add 1/2 cup of water to the meat and seasonings to make the meat more moist.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

taco seasoning recipe

I love Taco Seasoning! It’s not JUST for Tacos! I use this DIY Taco Seasoning Recipe to add a little zip to items like soups and casseroles.

Prep: 5min

Total: 5min

Serving Size: 2.25 tablespoons

Nutrition Facts: calories 24 kcal, Carbohydrate 4 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 1 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Sodium 655 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 1 g, servingSize 2.25 tablespoons, unSaturated Fat 2 g

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ½ tablespoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

Instruction:

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  2. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Store in an airtight container. for up to 6 months in a cool dry place.’, ‘name’: ‘Store in an airtight container. for up to 6 months in a cool dry place.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.spendwithpennies.com/taco-seasoning-recipe/#wprm-recipe-135756-step-0-1’}
  3. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘To Use:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘For tacos add 2 tablespoons (or more taste) to 1 pound of cooked ground meat (optional, add diced onions) in a large pan or skillet’, ‘name’: ‘For tacos add 2 tablespoons (or more taste) to 1 pound of cooked ground meat (optional, add diced onions) in a large pan or skillet’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.spendwithpennies.com/taco-seasoning-recipe/#wprm-recipe-135756-step-1-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Add ½ cup water and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.’, ‘name’: ‘Add ½ cup water and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.spendwithpennies.com/taco-seasoning-recipe/#wprm-recipe-135756-step-1-1’}]}

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

taco seasoning recipe

Once you try this homemade taco seasoning blend, you’ll never want to use store-bought again. This DIY Taco seasoning is so versatile for tacos, taco soup, and taco salad, as a seasoning for veggies, you name it! This recipe makes 3 Tbsp of seasoning.

Prep: 5min

Total: 5min

Yield: 9

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 7 kcal, Carbohydrate 1 g, Protein 0.3 g, Fat 0.3 g, Saturated Fat 0.04 g, Sodium 274 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 0.1 g, unSaturated Fat 0.2 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 1 Tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika (preferably smoked paprika)
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Instruction:

  1. In a small bowl, add all of the taco seasoning ingredients. Stir to combine and store homemade taco seasoning in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

Quick & Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning

FAQ

What is taco seasoning mix made of?

Most taco seasoning mixes contain salt, warming spices (such as paprika, oregano, and chili), onion powder, and garlic powder. This top-rated recipe is made with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.

What can I use if I don’t have enough taco seasoning?

Packet Taco Seasoning replacement: if you only want to make enough taco seasoning to replace 1 packet, use the following amounts:
  1. 1 tablespoon chili powder.
  2. ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
  3. ¼ teaspoon onion powder.
  4. Pinch of cayenne pepper.
  5. ¼ teaspoon dried oregano.
  6. ½ teaspoon paprika.
  7. 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin.
  8. 1 teaspoon salt.

How important is cumin in taco seasoning?

Ground cumin – A potent little spice, it helps give this seasoning it’s kick. Smoked paprika – This can also be replaced for paprika, but you’ll be missing the depth that the “smoked” in smoked paprika brings. Garlic powder – Becaus garlic. Plus, it brightens and enhances the flavor.

Do you put taco seasoning in before or after you drain meat?

Do you cook taco meat before adding taco seasoning? Add the homemade taco seasoning mix to your taco meat AFTER you have cooked (and drained, if necessary) your taco meat.

About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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