This homemade taco seasoning is easy to make at home with a few simple ingredients that allow you to control added salt and spice. It’s so flavorful and perfect to use with beef or chicken on taco night!
More homemade spice recipes we make at home include chili seasoning, Italian seasoning and hamburger seasoning.
Table of Contents
Easy Taco Seasoning Recipe
Mexican food is a family favorite that we make almost every week at our house. That’s why I love having this easy taco seasoning or fajita seasoning on hand. We use them all the time when making one pot burrito bowls, taco soup, Mexican stuffed shells and enchilada pasta.
Once your make your own homemade taco seasoning, you won’t ever go back! It is so easy to make and adds so much authentic flavor to any Mexican dish. It’s not only more cost effective but you can adjust the spices based on your family’s preference.
Ingredients
The seasoning requires only 8 simple spices…most of which are everyday spices that you probably already have at home. The flavor is on the mild side, however feel free to make it spicier by adding more chili powder or sprinkling in some red pepper flakes.
- Chili powder: A bold chili flavor with a kick of heat.
- Ground cumin: Warm and earthy with a small hint of spice.
- Paprika: Adds a smokey flavor, without being too overpowering.
- Garlic powder: Gives it a fragrant garlic aroma.
- Onion powder: Subtle onion flavor.
- Dried oregano: A subtle balance between sweet and spicy.
- Salt and pepper: These help round out the seasoning and bring all of the flavors together.
How to Make Taco Seasoning
- Combine. Add all spices in the bottom of a small bowl.
- Mix. Stir the spices together until fully combined.
- Store. Store in an airtight container.
How Much Homemade Seasoning Equals One Packet
This recipe makes around 3 Tablespoons. A standard store-bought packet has about 2 Tablespoons, so this makes a little bit more. If making 1 pound of taco meat, I’d suggest using 2 Tablespoons of the homemade seasoning. If you’d like to use all of the seasoning, use 1.5 pounds of meat.
Favorite Ways to Use Taco Seasoning
We make Mexican food quite often and especially love to use this homemade seasoning in so many taco Tuesday recipes!
- Taco meat when making ground beef tacos
- Taco lasagna
- Taco salad
- Shredded chicken
Storage + Shelf Life
To store, simply place in an airtight container or jar covered with a lid. I’ve found that mason jars work great for storing. I often double or triple this recipe to easily have on hand for later use.
What’s so great about this recipe is that it will literally keep for years! Ground and dried herbs have a long shelf life and since this recipe is made of both – it does too! Just make sure to store properly and it will stay fresh for about 1-2 years.
More Recipes That Use Taco Seasoning
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Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Mix together the chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano and red pepper flakes (optional) in a small bowl.
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: Cinco De Mayo, Condiments, Mexican, Spices, Vegan, Whole 30
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
Amazing taco seasoning will never buy packets of taco seasoning ever again.
So glad you enjoyed the taco seasoning!
The note says, “1 packet of taco seasoning has about 2 Tablespoons. This recipe makes around 3 Tablespoons.” That doesn’t make sense given the ingredient sizes in the recipe, which would yield about 6 Tablespoons of seasoning, if I converted it correctly.
This is a great guide for the spices for taco meat, but it would be better if it was given for one actual serving, for making it with one pound of ground beef. I mostly used the recipe as a reminder of what spices to use; the amounts recommended weren’t really helpful. But I do appreciate the recipe.
Thanks for the notes Dave! You are right, the recipe is 2 servings (6 Tablespoons total). If you need less, hover over the serving size and adjust. As is, this can be used for two pounds of meat or use 3 Tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning for one pound of meat and save the remainder in airtight container for later use.
This taco seasoning is a staple in our house. We think the flavor is far better than store bought taco seasoning. I usually make 4 batches at once and have the recipe taped to the inside of my cupboard door to keep it handy. No other recipe has had that honor at our house before.😊
Thank you for the kind review Pat! I’m so happy that you and your family enjoy the taco seasoning! :)
I’ve been using this recipe religiously for over a year. I always get compliments when others try it. I multiply the recipe 10x to fill an old taco seasoning container, and it lasts a long time.
Great idea! So glad you’ve enjoyed this taco seasoning!
Perfect!!
This is a delicious, mild seasoning. We loved it.
Glad it was a hit :)
Homemade taco seasoning is always better than storebought! Use this all the time!
I will never buy store bought seasoning again! Love this!
I’m so glad you love it!
This taco seasoning is way better than the ones you can buy in the stores. I love that I can use my own organic ingredients and salt alternative seasoning to make a really great tasting taco seasoning mix. Thanks so much for this recipe. I have printed it out and will always make my own!
So happy to hear you enjoyed this! Thanks for leaving a comment and review Nadia! :)
Best seasoning ever!
Homemade seasonings are the best! I love how simple this was to make, thanks!
So much better than the store bought kind!
This is the best taco seasoning ever – so easy!
I’m so glad you love it! :)
I love making my own taco seasoning. My kids actually prefer it — they can tell the difference!