We always opt for making this easy Taco Seasoning recipe because it's healthier, cheaper, and more flavorful than any packet from the store. It only takes 5 minutes to stir together a few simple spices.
You can use this easy taco seasoning in a variety of Mexican recipes, like Taco Salad, Taco Pie, Mexican Pizza and Walking Tacos.
Homemade Taco Seasoning is the flavor hero of our Taco Night.
Homemade Taco Seasoning is the flavor hero of our Taco Night.The two main reasons I like to make my own taco seasoning are: 1. it's healthier than store bought, with ingredients you recognize and have on hand. 2. It's so much more flavorful than anything in a packet! So let's ditch the seasoning packets that often have unhealthy fillers and we'll take our Taco Tuesdays to the next level! And if you're a true taco enthusiast, you absolutely must make our easy baked tacos, birria tacos or tacos al pastor.
The Cast of Characters:
How to make Taco Seasoning:
Combine: Mix all ingredients in a bowl. Voila!
Use 2 Tablespoons of mix for one seasoning packet called for in a recipe. Refer to recipe card notes for single packet serving measurements.
Store taco seasoning in an airtight container in your spice cupboard for up to 6 months.
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Recipe
Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 Tablespoons ground cumin
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- crushed red pepper flakes , optional
Instructions
- Mix all spices together until well combined. (See note for one single packet recipe).
- Use 2 tablespoons in place of one "packet" of taco seasoning, or to season one pound of meat.
- Store taco seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, for up to 6 months.
Notes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Nutrition
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Photography by Nikole from The Travel Palate.
I originally shared this recipe June 2020. Updated June 2024.
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This has way too much salt. I’m just starting to cook and followed the directions perfectly and my taco meat now tastes like a salt casserole. Unless you’re trying to kill a slug I’d use about half what is indicated. Or less even.
Completely agree – don’t use this much salt. I used less than half and still tasted the salt.
This might be just me but I find the flavor of cumin overwhelming so I use a much smaller amount and increase as necessary.
I used this recipe. Very helpful.
I wanted to make tacos and realized I didn’t have any of the taco seasoning from the box.
I found this and can say it tasted great!
My boyfriend even said he noticed the tacos tasting 1000% better with this seasoning.
Thanks.
I’ve made your recipe previously to go with your sheet pan chicken fajitas. It is now the only fajita/taco seasoning I use. It tastes so much better than the envelope kind, and I always have the ingredients on hand to make it. I like that I can control the salt in it to my liking. I’ve also added chipotle seasoning to add even more heat.
Very tasty and easy to make. Doesn’t have all the “extra” ingredients like preservatives etc.
Normally I’ll freehand season while cooking. but today I decided to try a recipe. I came across this website, and decided to go with these ingredients. I cut back the salt by only adding 2 1/2 tsp due to high BP. It was still the PERFECT blend of seasoning!! we loved it!!
Way too spicy, not like taco seasoning.
You can cut back the spicy part just like you can buy mild, medium, and spicy/hot packets. It’s about taste.
Love love love this! It’s become a staple in my home and can be used in so many ways. Thank you!
Excellent and so easy to make!
I have always bought the taco seasoning packets because they’re cheap and I like the flavor, but with COVID, they are hard to come by. I thought I would try this recipe and, I must admit, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to the packets. This was so easy and I LOVED the flavor! Plus…I love that it makes enough for several uses.