This easy Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is the perfect way to spice up your chicken or beef!
Making your own taco seasoning mix allows you to control what ingredients go into it (and control the salt and spice levels). It takes just minutes to make and you likely have all of the ingredients you need on hand!
A Homemade Seasoning (for More Than Just Tacos)!
- Store-bought seasoning is easy and tastes delicious, but it can be loaded with additives and can be too salty (and the flavor can’t compare to homemade taco mix)!
- It is easily customizable to suit your family’s tastes. Reduced the salt or add extra heat if you’d like.
- This homemade taco seasoning recipe is really fast to make and can be doubled or tripled.
Ingredients in Taco Seasoning
So, exactly what is in taco seasoning? It’s a blend of spices, most of which you likely have in your pantry.
Chili Powder makes up the largest portion and adds a southwestern flavor. It’s great in the mixture but also for soups and of course chili recipes.
Ground cumin adds a slightly nutty warm flavor while onion and garlic powder are the aromatics in this recipe. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds heat.
Dried oregano, salt, and black pepper are included in this taco seasoning. I sometimes add a little sweet paprika or smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon) if I have it on hand.
Variations
- 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 (just make sure your chili powder and all spices are GF).
How Much Taco Seasoning to Use
Once you make it, you will never want to go back to store-bought taco seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning is equal to one packet of 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
This spice blend is perfect for your Mexican-inspired dishes (like tacos) but it can be used for so many other dishes in the kitchen. Whether it’s weeknight chicken tacos, or fajita Friday, skip the seasoning packet and make your own.
Use it on any of the following:
- 1 pound of ground meat: ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey
- Pork or chicken cutlets. Try it on shrimp before grilling.
- Stir it into sauteed veggies.
- Add it to creamy pasta sauces
- Use it as popcorn seasoning for a delicious treat!
I love using this recipe to make Dorito Taco Salad and Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos.
Storage
Homemade taco seasoning will last 6 months stored in a cool, dry place like your spice cupboard! I use cute little spice jars found on Amazon to keep my spices, but check the dollar store or use a small mason jar.
I usually make a triple batch so it’s ready to go whenever I need a little taco mix!
Favorite Recipes made with Taco Seasoning!
Did you enjoy this Homemade Taco Seasoning? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- pinch cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together.
- Store in an airtight container. for up to 6 months in a cool dry place.
To Use:
- For tacos add 2 tablespoons (or more taste) to 1 pound of cooked ground meat (optional, add diced onions) in a large pan or skillet
- Add ½ cup water and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.
Notes
- 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning is equal to one packet of 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.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dinner
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I think this is a great recipe but I don’t have any cumin….what do you suggest? Can I just increase the chili powder?
Hi Ashleigh, cumin is a big part of the flavor in this seasoning. You can leave it out if you don’t have it on hand but it will change the flavor!
Ashleigh, I can’t think of anything that replaces cumin. I strongly suggest you buy some ground cumin and keep it in your kitchen for this and many other recipes; It is easily in my top five favorite spaces and, again, IMO, irreplaceable in recipes for which it is called.
If you don’t have cumin try tumeric. My guess though is if you don’t stock cumin it’s doubtful your spice shelf will bare any tumeric. Fingers crossed.
Love this recipe! Will never buy packets again. Would like it if you could offer
multiplier for larger quantities. Will make 5-10 times more and freeze for future use.
Thank you for posting.
Hi!!! I made this and stepped out of the kitchen to help my 10m old and my 3 year old dump the whole thing in my already browned meat. I see that you say to use 2 table spoons for tacos. We have 1 pound of meat…….. should I start over?
Hi Katie, I would taste test and see how it goes. That is definitely going to be some flavorful meat! If it was already browned, you could maybe try rinsing it to get some of the spices off.
I will never buy taco seasoning again! Love this!!!
The taco seasoning and chicken recipe is stellar. My husband is one of the pickiest eaters. He really liked your recipe. He even would like to make it in advance and freeze it. I really enjoyed it too. Simple and a great flavor. Better than a restaurant and a lot heathier!!!
Thank you so much for sharing this.
I add Dried cilantro (because I love cilantro) I won’t ever buy a easy pack ever again. Thanks high five!
I am on the same page Nicole! I love cilantro. High Five right back at you! :)
Hello! I do not have onion powder…do you think it would be a big deal to substitute onion flakes?
I’d say that’ll work just fine Karrie! I’d replace the onion powder with 3-4 times the amount of onion flakes. Enjoy!
I have grinded onion flakes as a substitute for onion powerder in many dishes. I don’t think it will be a problem. Just give it a try. Have fun!
Do you use ground oregano or dried?
Hi Stacey, we use dried oregano in this recipe.
HI,
How much of your recipe equals 1 packet of store bought taco seasoning?
Thank you for sharing your culinary talents.
Helen
I believe it is about 2 tablespoons Helen. :)
Haven’t tried pancake mix yet, but will asap. Don’t like” just add water mixes”- they are less tasty, and sometimes rubbery. Thx
I hope you love this recipe. I think it tastes better than the mix and is cheaper to make!
NEVER will I EVER buy taco seasoning packets again! This recipe is amazing ! It can be tweaked to any liking but it is fabulous on its own. I used it in the Beef Enchilada Casserole recipe also from this site and the dish was a hit ! I had no leftovers what so ever and one of my guests used a few chips to scrape the bottom of the pan ! Thanks for posting this
You are too sweet Renee! Thank you!
Excellent taste; if you like it less spicy I would say add a little less than instructed. Otherwise it was excellent.
Thanks for the suggestion Connie!
This was great! I also added a tsp of Sumac for a bit of lemony zip.
Mmmm, that sounds yummy Reanna!
Would you say this is a mild recipe or medium?
I would say it is a medium. I hope you enjoy it Emily!
Holly
Perfect for taco beef mince…… and surprisingly good seasoning for a bbq pork chop‼️
THANKS‼️
Great idea to use it on pork chops!
It is a great recipe but making it X4 allows to use it several times instead of making it just for the day you need it. The measurements listed are really just one use. (about 2 T)
Awesome alternative to buying premixed. I had everything I need to make it and it helps my spices rotate out! (Some tend to only get used periodically and just sit)
So glad you loved it Stella!
Holly, how much of the homemade taco seasoning do you use in place of one packsge of store bought envelope of seasoning?
I use 2 tablespoons in place of a packet.
Where did you get those lovely measuring spoons?
Hi Carly, I got them at a little gift shop but I’ve also seen them in several other stores that sell a lot of trendy gift type items. You can also find similar spoons here on Amazon. :)
Im going to try this tomorrow :)
Enjoy Amy!
Can you substitute the oregano or do you have to include?
I have only made the recipe as written. It may change the taste a little, but you could try parsley if you prefer. Enjoy!