Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning

This easy taco seasoning takes only a moment to make and will replace your store bought seasoning packets. Made with easy to find spices that may already be in your cabinet.

Do you have a weekly taco night for dinner? If so, you’ll love this taco seasoning because it’s easy to make, filled with flavor, and easy to customize to suit your tastes.

What can you use taco seasoning for? Taco seasoning is used in the US to season ground beef, chicken, or steak in Tex-Mex or Southwestern style dishes. It can also be used to season dishes like Slow Cooker Taco Chili, casseroles, or soups. 

This taco seasoning is made with spices that you probably already have on hand in your own pantry. Plus, making your own at home is much more flavorful than the store bought packets. Once you make your own, you’ll never go back to the store bought version again.

How to make homemade taco seasoning

For this recipe, it’s as simple as gathering your spices and measuring them into a bowl.

For this recipe, you’ll need chili powder, cumin, paprika, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, and red cayenne pepper. 

While it looks like a long list, you’ll appreciate the complex flavor of this taco seasoning. I couldn’t believe how much more flavorful my homemade seasoning was compared to a store bought mix.

It’s especially important to use new herbs and spices. The longer your dried herbs and spices sit, the more their flavors will dull. Fresh spices are always best!

Next, stir your herbs and spices together until fully combined. Or, add them all directly to your spice container and shake until incorporated.

Keep stirring until all of your spices are evenly incorporated. Then, transfer to a spice jar, or a small mason jar, and store at room temperature. 

How much taco seasoning do I need?

When following any recipe that calls for taco seasoning, you can use your homemade seasoning at a 1:1 ratio compared to a store bought taco seasoning mix.

When adding seasoning to meat, start by adding 2 teaspoons of spice for every half pound of meat. This will give you a medium spice level. If you are looking for a very mild flavor, use 1 teaspoon of seasoning instead.

Remember – it’s always easier to add a little, taste, and add more if needed! 

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Easy Taco Seasoning

This easy taco seasoning takes only a moment to make and will replace your store bought seasoning packets. Made with easy to find spices that may already be in your cabinet.

Prep Time5 minutes

Total Time5 minutes

Course: Seasonings

Cuisine: American

Servings: 9 teaspoons

Calories: 7kcal

Author: Heather

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon red cayenne pepper

Instructions

• In a small bowl, combine all ingredients until well blended. Store in an airtight container.
• For every half pound of meat, add 2-3 teaspoons of spice and up to 1/4 cup of water to create a sauce. Feel free to add as much as you'd like to taste.

Notes

This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to fill your favorite spice jar.

 

As a general rule of thumb, 1 teaspoon per half pound of meat will give a mild flavor. 2 teaspoons per half pound of meat will give a medium spice level of flavor. For spicier flavor, add 3 or more teaspoons of spice per half pound of meat.

Nutrition

Calories: 7kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 147mg | Potassium: 30mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 435IU | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg

More seasoning blends

Want to make even more homemade seasoning blends? Try some of my other recipes!

• Italian Seasoning
• Cajun Seasoning
• Ranch Seasoning
• Everyday Seasoning