I love homemade seasoning mixes so I can adjust the salt and spice levels.
This easy Taco Seasoning recipe is the perfect way to spice up your chicken or beef with ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
I keep a large batch of this taco seasoning at all times to quickly cook up tasty tacos.
For More Than Just Tacos
- Store-bought seasoning is convenient but contains additives and lots of salt. Making your own taco seasoning at home means you can reduce the salt or add extra heat if you’d like.
- It’s quick to make and can be doubled or tripled and stored in the pantry.
Ingredients in Taco Seasoning
It’s a blend of spices, most of which you likely have in your pantry. It’s the perfect way to season meat for tacos and beyond.
- Chili Powder: It’s not just for chili, it adds depth, warmth, and heat. You can use mild or hot chili powder.
- Ground Cumin: Adds a slightly nutty warm flavor
- Garlic Powder: Adds color, sweetness, and classic taco flavor.
- Onion Powder and Dried Oregano: Adds savory depth of flavor.
- Seasoning: Salt & pepper can be adjusted to taste.
- Options: A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes add heat. A pinch of smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor.
Variations
- To make a low sodium verison, add less salt (or no salt) based on your dietary needs.
- To make mild taco seasoning, leave out the cayenne pepper and/or chili flakes.
- To make it spicy, double the cayenne or add other dried chili peppers to your liking.
- Since this is made from spices, it’s naturally gluten-free, double check that your chili powder and other spices are gluten-free.
How Much Taco Seasoning to Use
Once you try it homemade, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought packets of taco seasoning.
- To replace a store-bought packet, use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning.
- Use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef. Add 1/2 cup of water with the seasoning and let it simmer.
- Options: Add 1/2 diced onion to the meat while browning. Once browned, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a diced tomato if you’d like.
Other Way to Use Taco Seasoning Mix
Of course, it’s great for ground beef tacos, but this DIY taco seasoning recipe can also be used for other types of tacos or as a seasoning for meat and vegetables.
- 1 pound of ground meat: ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey
- Sprinkle it on shrimp or chicken before grilling.
I love using this recipe to make Dorito taco salad and slow cooker chicken tacos.
Storage
Store this taco seasoning recipe in a spice jar in a cool dry place. It will last at least 6 months. I usually prepare a triple batch so it’s ready to go whenever I need a little taco mix!
Ways to Use Taco Seasoning
Did you enjoy this Homemade Taco Seasoning? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- pinch cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add all ingredients and mix well to combine.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for 6 months.
To Use:
- To prepare ground beef tacos, add 2 tablespoons (or more to taste) of seasoning mix to 1 pound of cooked ground meat (optional, add diced onions) in a large pan or skillet.
- Add ½ cup water, mix, and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.
Notes
- 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning is equal to one packed of store-bought seasoning.
- Use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef. Add 1/2 cup of water with the seasoning and let it simmer.
- Options: Add 1/2 diced onion to the meat while browning. Once browned, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a diced tomato if you’d like.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Pantry, Seasonings
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This taco seasoning recipe was absolutely wonderful. I was able to put it together quickly and it tasted 10 times better than store bought seasoning. I’ve been meaning to write a comment because this is my go to recipe among many others. Thank you!!
Thank you so much, Mary Beth! So happy to hear this taco seasoning is your go-to recipe!
I used half o teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano and used Kosha salt.
Best taco seasoning recipe ever!! Been using this repeatedly for 1 1/2 to 2 years. Tried with shrimp, ground turkey, ground beef, chicken, and fish. It’s delicious!!!!
I made this last month & it was delicious. I had to go back to look up the recipe again, this time it’s going in my book. It’s a keeper. Delicious. Thank you.
Excellent!
I made this last night and it was the ideal seasoning for some ground chicken I was using to make a taco salad. Thanks so much!
Question: which brand of chili powder do you use? I find some chili powders are spicy.
Thank you
I use whatever chili powder I have on hand Rose. I recommend using your favorite!
Wayyyy too much pepper. That’s all I could taste
Question. When I go to print this recipe for 10 servings, the ingredients are twice the amount as when I print 10 servings for the Easy Ground Beef Tacos. Same ingredients but double the amount. Which one is the correct one to follow? Thank you!!!!
Hi WolfieGirl, I would follow the easy ground beef tacos recipe.
The listed spices for ground beef tacos are for 4 servings and the listed spices for the taco seasoning is for 2. So to make them both for 10 servings you will send up with twice as many spices on the taco seasoning, however the notes under the recipe tell you how much to use per pound of ground beef, so you would end up using the same amount as ground beef tacos. I hope this helps.
I use this seasoning for ground beef in burrito and taco meals. Whoever said this was bland gave me a good laugh. It is delicious and packed full of flavor. My wife doesnt like hot things so I didnt add cayenne and added have the only 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. I use this for 2 pounds of ground beef and add more salt to taste if needed. super easy and my go to for taco seasoning. Thanks!