This homemade taco seasoning takes only a moment to make and replaces those store bought seasoning packets. It's made with simple spices and has a complex flavor that you'll love.
I love making my own seasoning blends at home. Ranch, Italian, everyday, and Cajun seasoning blends are a few of my favorites. Homemade spice blends have a more intense flavor and are easy to customize to suit your tastes.
Homemade taco seasoning is made with simple herbs and spices that you may already have on hand in your pantry, so it's easy to whip up a batch in minutes.
Homemade taco seasoning can be used to make reader-favorite beans and rice taco soup, taco pasta, or shrimp tacos. Use this spice blend in any recipe that calls for taco seasoning as an ingredient!
Ingredients
- Chili powder - Has a warm, earthy flavor that adds a mild to medium heat level. Chili powder serves as the base of this recipe and should not be omitted.
- Cumin - Has a warm, nutty flavor that adds a distinct flavor to taco seasoning.
- Paprika - Adds a sweet and peppery flavor to the spice blend. If desired, use a smoked paprika to add a bit of smoky flavor. Paprika can lose its flavor quickly, so I recommend buying fresh ground paprika before adding it to a spice blend.
- Black pepper - Adds an earthy, warm flavor.
- Salt - Enhances the flavors of the other herbs and spices.
- Garlic powder - Adds a pungent, garlicky flavor.
- Onion powder - Adds concentrated, zesty onion flavor.
- Red pepper flakes - Adds heat as well as a smoky and sweet flavor. The amount of red pepper flakes can be cut in half for a milder taco seasoning.
- Dried oregano - Adds aromatic, earthy flavor.
- Cayenne pepper - Adds heat and warmth. Cayenne pepper can be cut in half for a milder taco seasoning.
Tips and tricks
Use new herbs and spices - I recommend buying new herbs and spices before assembling a spice blend like taco seasoning. Ground herbs and spices taste best within the first six months and continually lose their flavor over time.
Only make what you'll use in six months - If you don't cook with taco seasoning frequently, I recommend making a smaller batch of seasoning. To reduce the measurements in the recipe card, hover over the serving size and use the sliding bar.
Recipes with taco seasoning
Looking for more unique ways to use homemade taco seasoning? Here are a few of my favorite recipes:
Tacos:
- Slow cooker shredded chicken tacos
- Shrimp tacos with jalapeño lime slaw
- Ground pork tacos
- Sweet potato black bean tacos
Soups and chilis:
Other dinner ideas:
Frequently asked questions
I recommend adding about 4 teaspoons of homemade taco seasoning per pound of ground beef. More can be added for a spicier flavor. Homemade taco seasoning has a more intense flavor when compared to store bought packets, so you may need to use less to achieve the same flavor.
Taco seasoning blends can vary but are usually made with chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Many varieties also include red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Ground herbs and spices are best used within the first six months (ideally 3 months) for best flavor, but will keep for 2 to 3 years in airtight containers. I recommend making a quantity of taco seasoning that you think you'll use within about 6 months. This recipe can easily be scaled down by hovering over the servings in the recipe card and using the sliding bar.
Here's an article with more helpful information:
USDA: Will spices used beyond their shelf life be safe?
A 1-ounce package of taco seasoning contains about 3 tablespoons, but this can vary by brand.
Yes, simply omit the listed salt in the recipe.
Recommended
📖 Recipe
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients until well blended.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Equipment Recommendations
Notes
- As a general rule of thumb, 2 teaspoons per pound of meat adds a mild flavor. 4 teaspoons per pound of meat adds a medium spice level. For spicier flavor, add 2 tablespoons per pound of meat.
- Spice blend will keep for 1 year or more in a sealed container. Flavor is best if used within six months when made with new spices and herbs.
- To make your taco seasoning less hot, cut the cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes in half.
- This seasoning can be used in any recipe that calls for taco seasoning as an ingredient. Keep in mind that homemade taco seasoning can have a more concentrated flavor than store bought varieties, so you may need to add less to achieve the same flavor.
Thanks for this.. I have been looking for a great taco seasoning recipe. it is way crazy to spend .99 on a packed when I have everything right here already!.
Yes I agree! I am glad I don't have to buy those seasoning packets anymore 🙂