This homemade taco seasoning recipe is a pantry must-have! Easy to make and store, this spice mix will add flavor to your Tex-Mex inspired meals.
Use with steak, ground beef, chicken or even fish to add an authentic Mexican taste to your tacos. Transform your taco Tuesday tradition with this easy and flavorful taco seasoning!
Homemade spice mixes like this taco seasoning are indispensable in my kitchen. I always have a stash as they are so easy to just pull out and add a hit of flavor to weekday meals.
As always, I am a fan of shortcuts when they don’t sacrifice quality or flavor. A packet of taco seasoning can be an easy way to get a Mexican-inspired dinner on the table, but I love keeping this homemade seasoning blend in our spice cabinet.
They are the perfect addition to so many of your proteins that need a deep, spicy kick.
Don’t Skip These: Along with my fajita Seasoning, Cajun seasoning, and homemade Italian seasoning, this chipotle seasoning is one of the most-used blends in my kitchen pantry.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Once you know how easy it is to blend your own easy seasoning mix, you’ll never go back!
Why You’ll Love this Taco Seasoning
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Chili powder
- Garlic and onion powder
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Salt and pepper
Variations
- If you don’t like things too spicy, you can reduce the amount of chili powder.
- To turn this taco seasoning into a marinade, simply combine 3/4 cup of olive oil with 2 tablespoons of this seasoning blend.
How to Make Your Own Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
- Mix together all of the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Store and use in your favorite meals to add flavor.
Tips
- Check that your spices aren’t stale before making the mix.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place.
- If you like things spicier, or milder, increase or decrease the amount of chili powder.
- Typically, a package of taco seasoning contains an ounce of spices. That equals approximately two tablespoons of seasoning mix, which is the perfect amount to use with one pound of ground beef or chicken.
- Mix with a little oil to make a marinade, use it as a dry rub or simply stir it into your meal while cooking.
Make More (or Less!)
Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!
Frequently Asked Questions
So many of the store bought Mexican seasoning recipes contain ingredients and preservatives to extend the shelf life of the product as well as sugar. This homemade mix contains no added sugar, oil or stabilizers. Everything that goes into this mix is natural and honestly, the flavor of this easy seasoning recipe is so much better!
This taco seasoning mix, if stored properly, can last for up to a year. Store it in an airtight container in a cool and dark place and away from moisture.
While spices don’t actually go bad if they are stored properly, they do lose their potency. Make sure that the spices you use aren’t stale, check this by rubbing a little between your thumb and finger, if no aroma is released, it’s time to replace your spice.
Traditionally, a packet of store bought taco seasoning contains just one ounce, the perfect amount for seasoning one pound of ground beef. That’s equal to approximately 2 tablespoons of this homemade taco seasoning mix!
Make More (or Less!)
Scaling up, down or substituting? You’ll love this printable Measurement Conversion Chart!
Serving Suggestions
Taco seasoning can be used in an incredible variety of places – far beyond your traditional taco dinner!
Use it as a dry rub on steak, chicken or fish before grilling. Mix it with a little oil if you prefer to marinate the meat first.
- Use it in this Sour Cream Dip.
It’s so amazing with these Soft Chicken Tacos and Carne Asada Tacos!
This spice mix is also great to add to a host of other dishes, like chili, bolognese and more.
And even add a little to your tomato soup for a hit of heat!
How to Store
- Transfer your homemade taco seasoning to an airtight container and store in a cool, dark place, like your kitchen pantry. It will keep for up to 6-12 months.
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More Seasoning Blends
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix together all of the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool and dark cupboard.
Julie’s Tips
- Check that your spices aren’t stale before making the mix.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place.
- If you like things spicier, or milder, increase or decrease the amount of chili powder.
- Typically, a package of taco seasoning contains an ounce. That equals approximately two tablespoons of seasoning mix.
- Mix with a little oil to make a marinade, use it as a dry rub or simply stir it into your meal while cooking.
Estimated nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is not guaranteed.
When using your Homemade Taco Seasoning, how many Tablespoons equal a package of bought taco seasoning?
Hi Elaine!
A typical taco seasoning packet has 1 ounce, which is approximately 2 tablespoons. What a great question- we’ll be sure to update the post to include that information for others!
Julie
How much seasoning mix per 1 pound of meat?
2 tablespoons, enjoy!
Thanks for the recipe Julie. I have tried to make my own but not with much success, the store bought is always better. But I am eager to try yours!
I hope you enjoy it. We never purchase anymore!