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).
This recipe is saved to my phone. We absolutely love it. Not sure why you are getting so much hate. I keep a jar handy and it makes taco night so much better. Let the haters hate. I use this spices often so they are fresh, not sure if people are using old spices but this is the best recipe for taco seasoning on the net. Thank you
Taste perfect with no salt .love it. Iade a big jar !
Absolutely love this recipe, 10 times the amount and give have the batch to my mom.
How many tablespoons do I add to a pound of ground beef ?
This is the BEST taco seasoning I’ve ever had!!! I used the 2X scale measurements and I won’t buy taco seasoning ever again. My husband said these were the best tacos he’s ever had and I have to agree. I used chicken, instead of beef. I broiled, unseasoned, boneless chicken breasts for 7 minutes on each side, then I shredded it, added it to a heated pan, sprinkled the taco seasoning on it, stirred until all chicken was covered with seasoning and added water slowly, until I was able to get the consistency I like. Brought it to a simmering boil then reduced the heat to low and cooked for about 10-15 mins until the liquid was cooked down and just slightly saucy. F*CKING DELICIOUS!!! ❤️
Excellent recipe, It’s my go to recipe when I make crispy tacos. I added extra salt to add flavor. ❤️
A tasty alternative to the commercially available taco seasonings that are usually packed with fillers and MSG. We have “Taco Tuesday” a couple of times per month, so I’ll multiply the recipe x9 and store it in a small mason jar in the cabinet so I always have it on hand. Simply because of personal preference, I’ll add ground cayenne pepper for some additional heat.
I added double almost perfect. Thank you for your tips
Man, this stuff is the BOMB! My tacos are soo much tastier. Thank-you!
Works great, and super customizeable. I don’t worry about storing- I always have the spices on hand, and it takes about the same time to get the ground beef to start browning as it does to whip up a batch of seasoning. Fresh every time, and delicious.