This homemade taco seasoning recipe is simple and made with ingredients you likely already have. It adds bright, balanced flavor to tacos, enchiladas, soups and more.
Make your own taco seasoning at home and control the heat and salt to suit your family. This blend works perfectly in tacos, enchiladas, flautas and taco soup. It’s fast to mix, stores well, and tastes fresher than many store-bought mixes.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
If you’ve never thought to make your own taco seasoning, it’s worth trying. I discovered how easy it is when I needed seasoning for taco soup but didn’t have a store-bought packet. The homemade version came together in minutes and tasted like the packaged mix — with the advantage of fresh flavor and the ability to adjust spice levels.
While it’s certainly convenient to buy pre-mixed seasoning, homemade taco seasoning gives you control over salt and heat, and you can make it anytime with pantry staples. It’s ideal for Mexican-style dishes and is easy to scale for gifting or bulk storage.
How to Make Taco Seasoning
This taco seasoning mix is quick and straightforward. Any standard chili powder works well as the base. Combine the spices in a small bowl, taste and adjust if you prefer it hotter or milder.
Mix & Store. Stir all ingredients together until evenly combined. Transfer the blend to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place.
This mix also makes a thoughtful homemade gift — jar it up with a label and include a simple use note for tacos, taco soup, casseroles and dips.
Tips + Storing Info
This homemade taco seasoning is full-flavored and keeps well when stored properly. Below are practical tips for portioning, adjusting heat, texture and storage.
Packet portions. A typical store-bought taco seasoning packet contains about 2 tablespoons, which is usually enough to season 1–2 pounds of ground meat depending on how bold you like the flavor.
Less spicy. If you prefer milder seasoning for children or sensitive palates, reduce the chili powder by half and increase the onion or garlic powder to keep volume and flavor balance.
Texture. If you want a uniformly fine texture, briefly grind the spices in a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder before storing.
Storage. Store the seasoning in an airtight jar away from heat and moisture. Properly stored, the mix will stay flavorful for up to six months. A mason jar with a tight lid works well.
Recipe FAQ
Use about 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of ground beef, ground chicken or ground turkey. Brown the meat in a skillet, drain excess fat if needed, add 1/2 to 1 cup water and the seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the liquid reduces and the flavors meld.
Increase the crushed red pepper, chili powder or smoked paprika for more heat. For milder flavor, reduce those ingredients and boost paprika, cumin or garlic and onion powders.
Kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, the mix will maintain good flavor for up to six months.
For Some Recipes That Use this Seasoning, Try:
- Taco Casserole
- Crock Pot Taco Soup
- Taco Pizza
- 7 Layer Bean Dip
- Chicken Spaghetti
- Cream Cheese Bean Dip
Easy Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix thoroughly until uniform.
- Transfer the seasoning to an airtight container. Label with the date and store in a cool, dry place.
- To season meat: use about 2 tablespoons per pound of ground meat along with 1/2–1 cup water. Simmer until liquid reduces.
Notes
Note: A standard store-bought taco packet is roughly 2 tablespoons, suitable for 1–2 pounds of meat depending on taste.
Storage: Keep in an airtight jar in a cool, dry cupboard for up to six months for best flavor.
Nutrition
Approximate per serving: Calories: 4 kcal; Sodium: 247 mg; Potassium: 20 mg; Vitamin A: 310 IU; Calcium: 5 mg; Iron: 0.4 mg. Nutrition is an estimate and should be used as a guide only.