This DIY taco seasoning recipe is quick and easy to whip up, and works great as a seasoning on everything from tacos to veggies, meat, seafood, rice, beans, soups, salads and more.
Getting ready to make a recipe that calls for taco seasoning, but don’t have a jar on hand?
No worries — just mix up a quick batch of this homemade taco seasoning! ♡
All you need is a handful of spices that you likely already have in your pantry. Simply whisk them all together, store in a sealed spice jar, and use whenever you are ready!
This homemade taco seasoning is — of course — fantastic when used to season the meat, seafood, veggies or beans in your favorite taco recipe. But don’t forget that it can also be used a million other ways as well! I’m especially partial to using taco seasoning to flavor Mexican rice or a side of black beans. It works great as a rub for steak, chicken, fish or shrimp, especially during summertime grilling season. I also often sprinkle it in soups or add it to a vinaigrette when I’m craving a zesty salad. And if you’re feeling adventurous — trust me on this one — it’s actually surprisingly delicious when sprinkled on popcorn too!
However you use it, this homemade taco seasoning recipe is a great one to have in your back pocket. So go raid your spice drawer, and let’s make a quick batch together!
Homemade Taco Seasoning Ingredients:
To make this homemade taco seasoning recipe, you will need the following spices:
- Chili powder: Please note that this is American-style chili powder, which includes a mix of spices. (International readers, it is fairly mild and not cayenne. ♡)
- Ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder and dried oregano: Pretty straight-forward.
- Paprika: I prefer to use smoked paprika, but you could also use standard or sweet paprika if you prefer.
- Salt and black pepper: I used fine sea salt and finely-ground black pepper for this recipe.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: To add a bit of heat. If you prefer a milder taco seasoning, you can leave these out. Or if you don’t have crushed red pepper flakes on hand, you could also sub in a pinch of cayenne.
How To Make Taco Seasoning:
To make homemade taco seasoning, simply…
- Combine the ingredients. Combine everything together in a small jar, cover and shake until evenly combined.
- Store. A batch of homemade taco seasoning should last you about a year!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: About 3 tablespoons
Description
This homemade taco seasoning recipe can be made in minutes. And it’s also preservative-free, gluten-free and easily customizable. So much better than storebought taco seasoning mix!
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
Chili powder: Please note that this recipe uses American-style chili powder, which is actually a blend of spices and very different than cayenne (as well as many other types of chili powders sold internationally).
When mixing all the dry ingredients together exactly how much does it make or do you use all of it together per pound of meat
Made it and trying it tonight on Chicken Wings willcast my vote afterwards!
This stuff is awesome. I will never buy those nasty packets of taco or enchilada seasoning again. Not only does it taste better, but it is so much healthier. I wrote the recipe on my spice jar so I won’t ever loose it. I use it in all my quick tex mex meals. Diced chicken, sauté with the spice for taco or enchilada filling. Add it to ground beef for tacos or ground beef, tomatoes, beans, onions etc and top with with jiffy corn muffin batter for an easy and delicious tamale pie.
Family favorite. I add 1 8 oz. can tomato sauce per pound of meat. Enhances flavor and keeps the meat moist without being drippy for tacos. Thank you for a tasty, easy, budget friendly recipe.
Good… it smelled and tasted wonderful.
Yes this taco seasoning is sooooo much better than the store bought package. I had just replaced all my outdated spices and was able to make this seasoning. Lots of taste!!! Fresh spices sure do make a BIG
BIG difference. I always store spices in glass containers date and label them. (when close to the year end expiry date I compost the spices–sterilize the empty jars and refill with fresh spices!)No more store bought spice packets for our hose.
Thank you for this recipe
Yvonne
Loved this recipe! So much better than the packaged versions. Surprised that others found this was bland. Did add some cornstarch to the recipe to thicken the meat mixture up quickly.
Loved it – really flavorful. Thanks!
Love this seasoning! We often amp up the amount of red pepper flakes to give it even more of a kick.
I was making nachos and lo and behold I forgot to get the seasoning packet. Found this recipe and had everything except onion powder but made it anyway. Once it was all mixed up I smelled it and it smells just like nacho/taco seasoning!
This is a great recipe and I’m going to make up a batch when I get the onion powder and keep it in with all my spices.
Highly recommend