Homemade Taco Seasoning

Homemade taco seasoning combines classic seasonings like cumin and red pepper into a wonderfully expansive taste sensation. Sort of smoky, a bit of heat, some earthy paprika. This isn’t just a party in your mouth, it’s a full-blown FIESTA!  Tacos are not really tacos until you sprinkle the seasoning in.

Has this ever happened to you? You have your ground beef browned, and you’re ready to add your taco seasoning packet, when low and behold there isn’t any in your pantry? Well, that is the perfect time to make some Homemade Taco Seasoning!

Easy Recipe For Homemade Taco Seasoning

Because, no doubt, you probably have most of the ingredients on hand. You don’t have to do anything fancy. Just measure and shake together to mix. Plus, you can dial in the flavor nuances you like best.  More smoky paprika? Like a bit more or less heat? Is cumin ok in moderation? You can make it perfect to fit your fancy. 

Homemade vs Store-Bought Taco Seasoning

Store-bought taco seasoning is ok, but making your own homemade taco seasoning I think has it beat. Ok, pre-mixed store-bought taco seasoning might be convenient, but only because you didn’t know how to make your own. Truth be told, homemade beats store-bought a number of ways. 

First, you don’t need as much salt as those premixed versions have. Also, it’s more economical to make your own. And, as I mentioned, being able to tweak it to perfection means never having to toss a seasoning you didn’t use. Because homemade taco seasoning is one of those seasonings you will find reasons to use all the time!

Ingredients In Homemade Taco Seasoning

You should have most of these on hand. Hopefully, you don’t have to shop for anything but if you do, then I guess this is hopefully a helpful reminder. 

• Dried Oregano
• Onion Powder
• Garlic Powder
• Red Pepper Flakes
• Cayenne Pepper
• Ground Cumin
• Sea Salt
• Black Pepper
• Paprika
• Chili Powder

Steps To Making Homemade Taco Seasoning

Combine all of the spices together.

Use immediately or store in an airtight container. Yep! That’s it! doesn’t get much easier than that does it?

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Do It Yourself Taco Seasoning FAQ’s

• How much does this recipe make? This recipe makes 4 Tablespoons or the equivalent of how much is in a store-purchased taco seasoning packet.
• How much Taco Seasoning Mix do I use? Use 4 Tablespoons to 1 pound of ground beef, or adjust to your liking.
• Use some, Store Some: Want to have extra on hand? Double or triple the batch and have some for the next time! If you plan on storing some, then make sure to use a tightly lidded container.
• What to do if my homemade seasoning clumps? You can store in a shaker with some grains of rice to keep it from clumping if you want to season with it as an alternative to salt.
• Do I need a spice grinder for this recipe? Sometimes you might want to grind the seasoning with a few pulses in a blender, or hand spice grinder to even out the consistency and further mix the ingredients. This is totally up to you, but certainly not necessary for this recipe.

How Long Does Homemade Taco Seasoning Last?

Stored properly, homemade taco seasoning will last up to three years! That’s right if you store it in a tightly lidded container and keep it in a room temperature cupboard, the seasoning lasts a while.  

If humidity is an issue, then a few grains of rice will help keep it from clumping. 

How Much Homemade Taco Seasoning To Use

Of course, how much taco seasoning you use depends on how much you love that flavor! I recommend 4 tablespoons per pound of meat, but you be the judge. Because you can get away with less and there is no reason to apologize for wanting more… 😉

What Kind Of Meat Is Best For Do It Yourself Taco Seasoning

Truth be told, do it yourself taco seasoning tastes great on everything! Put it on beef, pork, or chicken for equal results. Anything that can make plain old white chicken breast meat have this much flavor deserves a liberal shake, shake, shake.

But don’t stop there, because I promise you will love it too on veggies, especially if you cook them on a grill.

Ready to make some Easy Taco Seasoning? Let’s get to it! 

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Homemade Taco Seasoning

Homemade taco seasoning combines classic seasonings like cumin and red pepper into a wonderfully expansive taste sensation. Sort of smoky, a bit of heat, some earthy paprika. This isn’t just a party in your mouth, it’s a full-blown FIESTA!  Tacos are not really tacos until you sprinkle the seasoning in.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Course: Dressings, Sauce & Marinades

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: blend, DIY Taco Seasoning, Easy Taco Seasoning, homemade, recipe, spice, taco seasoning mix

Servings: 4 Tablespoons

Calories: 22kcal

Author: Michaela Kenkel

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 1/2 Tablespoon chili powder

Instructions

• Combine all of the spices together.
• Store in an airtight container. 

Notes

This recipe makes 4 Tablespoons. or the equivalent of how much is in a store-purchased taco seasoning packet. Use 4 Tablespoons to 1 pound of ground beef, or adjust to your liking.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 22kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 883mg | Fiber: 2g

This recipe was originally posted on June 17, 2011. It has been updated to improve user experience and reposted on March 4, 2022.

The recipe taste did not change, but the portion increased a little bit to make it match the amount in a taco seasoning packet.

The first year, I made up a big batch and put some into cute little decorated jars, and paired it with some 6 packs of Mexican beer for Father’s Day. Here’s how they turned out.