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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. ♡)
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!
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!
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 is my second time using this recipe… I 3x it to store in a glass bottle for future times.
It’s wonderful on the ground beef recipe with rice for burrito’s or stuffed bell peppers or without for taco or nacho dip. YUMMY! Thank you for the recipe.
Absolutely zero flavor! I am confused by the ratings. The store bought taco seasoning is better. I added more of some of the spices, but it was too late I suppose. There was no recovering this dish…wasted my organic meat!!! Recipe definitely needs revamping!!!!!!!!!!!
stig —
Did you use fresh ingredients? Spices lose their potency over time.
i didnt have paprika on hand but made it anyway. tripled the batch. i have to get a glass jar so using a clean plastic mayo jar. is it ok to not have the paprika in it? let me know
GMJ —
I think you will find that paprika, especially smoked paprika ( or 1/2 t. Somked & 1/2 t. Regular paprika ) will add a much better blend. We like the smoky taste of the smoked, BUT that part is up to your personal taste. One note; IF your spices have been on your cabinate for a year, or especially more than that It is very much worh it to buy new ones. I think that this MOGHT be a readon dome people thought this blend was bland. We always buy spices in glass containers b/ c they retain the flavor much better. The do a far superior job of keeping moisture and air out. For the spices I go through ALOT of I do buy the larger sizes, BUT I transferr them to glass jars/ then lable the date of purchase.
I have 1.19 lb of meat to cook do i add this whole seasoning it seems like a lot. I did make the 1x option
GMJ —
Yes, The recipe as written will yeild 2T. + 1 t. …Not counting any red pepper flakes. It may seem like alot, but 1 envelope has much more than that. That is because the envelopes add cornstsrch and fillers and MUCH more salt. After you brown the meat, drain off any excess fat. Add spice blend and 1/2 to 3/4 cup water & stir. Then cook down the water to your desired consistancy. For us that is cooking down almost all of the water.
Like others, I “just knew” that I had everything I needed to make nachos. Discovering I was out of taco seasoning, I desperately searched for online guidance. I had all the spices/herbs needed, and a nearly empty garlic powder jar. Perfect!
My husband doesn’t like spiciness, so no hot peppers. Not wanting to overpower the venison taste, I only used 1T mix to 1# meat. (I had some tasty salsa that added the kick that I like later.)
Although there are taco spice packets out there without MSG, I love being in control of my own ingredients, especially the sodium.
Thank you for your recipe.
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.
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
Angie J. —
This sounds like a WONDERFUL idea!! I’m going to try it tonight!! 😁👍
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!
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.
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!!!
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
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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!!! ❤️
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
Made this to add to a bland-looking flauta recipe. It was perfect – and would be for its intended purpose too. Thanks!
Have now used it – repeatedly – for tacos. It is perfect. Thanks again!
The best taco seasoning without all the salt it’s wonderful
This is my second time using this recipe… I 3x it to store in a glass bottle for future times.
It’s wonderful on the ground beef recipe with rice for burrito’s or stuffed bell peppers or without for taco or nacho dip. YUMMY! Thank you for the recipe.
It was alright. Kind of bland. I ended up adding more salt and garlic powder
How much water to use in this taco seasoning?
Absolutely zero flavor! I am confused by the ratings. The store bought taco seasoning is better. I added more of some of the spices, but it was too late I suppose. There was no recovering this dish…wasted my organic meat!!! Recipe definitely needs revamping!!!!!!!!!!!
Did you use fresh ingredients? Spices lose their potency over time.
i didnt have paprika on hand but made it anyway. tripled the batch. i have to get a glass jar so using a clean plastic mayo jar. is it ok to not have the paprika in it? let me know
I think you will find that paprika, especially smoked paprika ( or 1/2 t. Somked & 1/2 t. Regular paprika ) will add a much better blend. We like the smoky taste of the smoked, BUT that part is up to your personal taste. One note; IF your spices have been on your cabinate for a year, or especially more than that It is very much worh it to buy new ones. I think that this MOGHT be a readon dome people thought this blend was bland. We always buy spices in glass containers b/ c they retain the flavor much better. The do a far superior job of keeping moisture and air out. For the spices I go through ALOT of I do buy the larger sizes, BUT I transferr them to glass jars/ then lable the date of purchase.
Hi! How much of this seasoning do you use per 1 pound of ground beef? Thanks so much for all of your lovely recipes!
Usually it’s 2 tablespoons per pound.
Perfect! Just smell it and you know it’s like the package mix without the fillers.everyone loved it.
I have 1.19 lb of meat to cook do i add this whole seasoning it seems like a lot. I did make the 1x option
Yes, The recipe as written will yeild 2T. + 1 t. …Not counting any red pepper flakes. It may seem like alot, but 1 envelope has much more than that. That is because the envelopes add cornstsrch and fillers and MUCH more salt. After you brown the meat, drain off any excess fat. Add spice blend and 1/2 to 3/4 cup water & stir. Then cook down the water to your desired consistancy. For us that is cooking down almost all of the water.
How much for 2 lbs of burger
Like others, I “just knew” that I had everything I needed to make nachos. Discovering I was out of taco seasoning, I desperately searched for online guidance. I had all the spices/herbs needed, and a nearly empty garlic powder jar. Perfect!
My husband doesn’t like spiciness, so no hot peppers. Not wanting to overpower the venison taste, I only used 1T mix to 1# meat. (I had some tasty salsa that added the kick that I like later.)
Although there are taco spice packets out there without MSG, I love being in control of my own ingredients, especially the sodium.
Thank you for your recipe.
Very yummy! Came through in a pinch when I didn’t have a seasoning packet.
Sorry, bland. Used entire batch for 1lb.
This recipe was for a small amount meant for a 1 lb of meat.
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.
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 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 the best taco mix. Never going to buy the package stuff again
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.
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!
How much do you add to the ground beef/turkey/plant-based crumbles when preparing?
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!!!
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
Love this seasoning! We often amp up the amount of red pepper flakes to give it even more of a kick.
Loved it – really flavorful. Thanks!
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.
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
Good… it smelled and tasted wonderful.
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.
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.
Made it and trying it tonight on Chicken Wings willcast my vote afterwards!
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
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.
Man, this stuff is the BOMB! My tacos are soo much tastier. Thank-you!
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!!! ❤️
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
Hi , I am excited to try this homemade Taco Seasoning so easy I have all ingredients to make my seasoning. Especially on Taco Tuesday! Yay !