Who needs store-bought packets?! Not us! This Homemade Taco Seasoning is less expensive than individual taco seasoning packets, and it’s super convenient, too.
Just mix up your spices, keep it in your spice cupboard, and it’s ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Or maybe you just got to the “taco seasoning” on your list of ingredients in a recipe you’re working on right now … but you don’t have any on hand?! Been there!
I’ve got you covered with this homemade taco seasoning recipe.
Table of Contents
- The Story Behind the Recipe
- Why You’ll Love Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Ingredients
- Adaptations/Variations
- How to Make Taco Seasoning Mix
- Tip for Success
- How to Use It
- More Spice Mix Recipes
The Story Behind the Recipe
I’ve been working hard on a lentil-based taco “meat” recipe, and I really wanted to skip the spice packet. Maybe it’s me, but that felt weird to include in a recipe that’s full of wholesome pantry ingredients? It’s probably just me. But either way, it’s a pain to have to pull five different spices out of the cupboard when you’re making a recipe.
So! I thought I’d whip up a taco seasoning mix, and I have absolutely loved having it on hand! My guy uses it to season ground beef for various taco adventures, and I don’t have to pull out five or six different bottles of spices every time I test this recipe (which is just about done, by the way!)
Why You’ll Love Homemade Taco Seasoning
I just think it’s so much easier to have a jar of homemade taco seasoning on hand vs. pulling out all of the individual spices or having to buy a packet of taco seasoning at the store every time you make something with taco seasoning in it. I’m willing to bet you’ll agree, so here we are!
Plus, it’s really nice to make your taco seasoning exactly how you like it. Prefer it with more heat? Like something smokier? It’s possible with homemade taco seasoning mix!
Ingredients
- Chili powder – Go with mild chili powder or spicy. Your choice!
- Cumin – Smoky dried cumin is essential.
- Oregano – I like lots of dried oregano in my taco seasoning.
- Onion powder – Adds a nice umami note to any dish you use it in.
- Smoked paprika – Lends a smoky note that is so delicious!
- Garlic powder – for more Tex-Mex flavor.
- Kosher salt – to enhance the flavor of all the delicious spices you are using!
Adaptations/Variations
- Smoky taco seasoning: Double or even triple the smoked paprika.
- Spicy taco seasoning: Add cayenne pepper, up to 1/2 teaspoon depending on how spicy you like it. You can also add crushed red pepper flakes if you prefer.
- Other spices to add, if you like: Sweet (or regular) paprika, which will make a redder taco seasoning. Coriander adds wonderful flavor, Freshly ground black pepper is always welcome!
- Omit the salt: Leave out the salt if you prefer to adjust the amount of salt in your recipe as you go.
How to Make Taco Seasoning Mix
This is just SO COMPLICATED. Not really.
Literally add everything to a bowl …
… mix it up …
Then transfer it to a jar to store. Or, if you want to skip the bowl, just mix it up directly in the jar. Easy peasy.
Tip for Success
- Store your taco seasoning just like you do your other spices to keep them fresh as long as possible – somewhere dark, cool, and dry (like your pantry).
How to Use It
- 3 tablespoons = one packet of taco seasoning. Just add the spice mix when you would have normally added your taco seasoning. If you’re seasoning ground beef or something else that’s a bit dry, feel free to add a splash of water to help the taco seasoning coat every last bit.
More Spice Mix Recipes
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a bowl. Mix it up. Transfer to an airtight lidded jar. Store at room temperature.
- Use to season many different Tex Mex recipes! 3 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning mix = 1 packet.
Notes
Scaled down version
For one heaping tablespoon of taco seasoning mix:- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a vegetarian home cook, certified plant-based pro, and mom. I’m married to an enthusiastic carnivore, and my mission is to achieve peace in the kitchen – one tasty recipe at a time. These days, with a name like mine, I also try not to ask to speak to the manager.
