Homemade seasoning mixes are great because you can adjust the salt and spice levels.
This easy taco seasoning recipe is flavorful and perfect for homemade tacos or to use in recipes.

This is The Only Taco Seasoning Recipe You’ll Ever Need Because…
- It tastes great in almost any recipe and pairs well with chicken, beef, fish, or shrimp.
- It doesn’t contain additives, and you can control the salt and heat levels.
- It’s easy to make in large batches and costs less than packets!
Spices For Homemade Taco Seasoning
This taco seasoning recipe uses a blend of spices, many of which you likely have in your pantry.
- 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 and pepper can be adjusted to taste.
- Options: A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes adds heat, and a pinch of smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor.
Variations
- To make a low-sodium version, add less salt (or no salt) based on your dietary needs.
- To make mild taco seasoning, skip the cayenne pepper and/or chili flakes.
- To make it spicy, double the cayenne or add other dried chili peppers to taste.
How Much Taco Seasoning to Use
Once you try this homemade taco seasoning, you’ll be making it on repeat!
- To replace a store-bought packet of taco seasoning, use 2 ½ tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning.
- For 1 pound of ground beef, use 2 ½ tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning. Add ½ cup of water to the seasoning and let it simmer.
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 use whenever I need a little taco mix!
Ways to Use Taco Seasoning
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.
- Use it on ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey.
- Sprinkle it on shrimp or chicken before grilling.
- Use this recipe to make Dorito taco salad and slow cooker chicken tacos.
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
- 1 ½ teaspoons 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 Prepare Tacos
- Add 1 pound of lean ground beef or turkey to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, for 5 to 7 minutes or until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
- Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning to the meat and cook for 1 minute more.
- Stir in ½ cup water and, if desired, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Simmer uncovered until most of the water has evaporated.
- Serve in taco shells or tortillas.
Notes
- To replace a packet: 2 ½ tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning will replace one packet of store-bought seasoning.
- Use 2 to 2 ½ tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef. Add 1/2 cup of water with the seasoning and let it simmer.
- Optional: 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.
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Just made this, spur of the moment, as I discovered I didn’t have any taco packets left in my cupboard. It was great!!! I have tried recipes here before and this did not disappoint. Very tasty and I like that I know what went into it. Thanks for your recipes!
I am so glad you are enjoying the recipes Joanne!
My husband and I are becoming more sensitive to salty things so I thought I would try this as the sodium is less than the store bought packets. Tastes exactly like the packets – couldn’t even taste the difference and i loved knowing it was less salt. I will continue to make my own taco seasoning from now on. thank you for the recipe.
This taco seasoning was very bland. Both my hubby and I didn’t like it.
Hi Holly,
Just wanted to say that I belong to many groups that have different dietary issues and most of us have to buy exclusive foods. For me it is no onion, no garlic, and lactose free milks. Your recipes are so easy without much alteration for me. I use powders and salts that are onion and garlic free without changing the flavor of your wonderful recipes. Thank you! Happy Holidays to you all.
I’m so glad you’ve loved the recipes Susan!
chillies to 1oz, pepper to 1 tsp. Adjust onions to your liking.
Personally for me
Every recipe I try is excellent! Thanks
Made this for the 4th of July, substituting dried&minced onion for the onion powder (3x the quantity, per substitution recommendations elsewhere).
The seasoning came out amazing, with many positive comments!
Holy heartburn! Had to leave the black pepper out entirely, or quarter it. But otherwise we really like this. (We love spicy, but all that black pepper throws a weird acidity in that killed me…stupid weak stomach!)
Does the recipe call for cumin leaves or ground cumin?
For this recipe, we use ground cumin.
Cumin is a seed, not a leaf. You should use ground cumin.
Your taco seasoning recipe beats any store bought product. I think I’ve tried them all.
Thank you!
Thank you so much, Jo! Glad you enjoyed it.
Can I make this in a larger batch? Perhaps a triple/quadruple batch?
We love doing that, Asha! Make a little extra to have some in the cupboard at all times.
home made is the best made for me!… im not really fond of cumin, so i only add a few shake-a-shake-a’s to the mix… i keep this taco seasoning handy and also add this entire recipe to a rib eye rub recipe i found online… fantab… use both any and evywhere… actually have a pork chop marinating in the taco and rib eye rub recipe now… tyfs :)
Oh please share. We love rib eye. A rib eye rub sounds delish.
Cheers
I love this recipe because some of the packaged taco seasoning is quite salty. I substitute dried cilantro for the oregano.
Holly, Call me amature, but does this recipe use “chile powder” (powdered chilies), or “chili seasoning”?
Hi Mark, great question! This uses chili powder that is a mix of chilies. You can see my homemade versions of the chili powder here. Enjoy it!
Mixed correct amounts and types of spices. This seasoning is far too spicy. Would not recommend it.
You can easily adjust the spiciness to your liking, which is one reason I love this homemade seasoning recipe! Simply leave out the chili flakes and cayenne pepper. You can then add chili powder until it is as much as you like. I’d suggest adding a double batch of the other seasonings to your existing batch to reduce the spiciness.
Am having a problem printing the recipes out. Please sign me up. Will be using the Italian seasoning for a church get togathing this weekend.
Welcome Kathy! You will find a Print Recipe button right above the full Ingredients list by the recipe. To receive emails with new recipes, you can click here to sign up to receive emails. Look forward to sending you recipes!
I am delighted to find the Italian seasoning recipe. I bake my Spelt bread with lots of Italian seasoning. The result is heavenly.
Sing me up please!
Welcome Tete! To receive emails with new recipes, you can click here to sign up to receive emails. Look forward to sending you recipes!
I normally buy a blend from my local spice store. I noticed it had lactose in it and I’m diary intolerant. I found this recipe and made it today. I added a little chipotle for added flavor. It was spicy, because we like it that way, but you can definitely tone if down with milder chili powder, no cayenne…Love it. Will use this blend from now on. Thank you. Great job. We used turkey, but I be it would be good with all meats. Am going to try it in my Taco Soup recipe next.
Love love love this recipe!! Thank you for sharing it!
Can anyone give me the measurements you used of the ingredients to make a larger amount? I’d gladly appreciate your sharing!
When you go to the print page, you can change the number of servings to a large amount and it will automatically increase the amounts in the recipe. Hope that helps!