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This simple Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe made in just a few minutes is a great blend to keep stocked in your spice cabinet. You know exactly what’s in it, and there are no preservatives or unnecessary salts and sugars. Not to mention, it’s absolutely delicious and makes the best tacos!

Homemade taco seasoning in a wooden bowl.

Today’s homemade recipe is an excellent alternative to your favorite store-bought taco seasoning, having no preservatives or unnecessary, unhealthy ingredients. If you want to discover more homemade recipes that taste better than any grocery store product, you’ve come to the right place! 

Try my flavor-packed Catalina Salad Dressing that doubles as a chicken marinade, this tasty blend of spices in my Homemade Turkey Rub just in time for Thanksgiving, and my small-batch fresh Strawberry Jam that makes for the perfect holiday gift!

Ingredient Notes

Measuring spoons laid out on a table labeled with each spice needed to make homemade taco seasoning.
  • Chili Powder: Add a kick with chili powder.
  • Cumin: Smokey cumin is a staple for taco seasoning.
  • Paprika: For a bit more heat and smoky notes, add paprika.
  • Salt and pepper: Add the classics– coarse kosher salt and ground black pepper.
  • Garlic powder: Savory, with a subtle spice, garlic powder brings a more complex flavor to the seasoning blend.
  • Onion powder: Bring a slightly sweet and salty taste to the seasoning with onion powder.
  • Oregano: Dried oregano brings a subtle bitter flavor and a strong aroma.
  • Red pepper flakes: If desired, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a final kick of heat.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Spicy taco Seasoning: Turn up the heat by increasing the chili powder or red pepper flakes. Add just a tablespoon or less at a time and taste until it fits your preference. Cayenne pepper is another excellent option.
  • Chipotle Taco Seasoning: Mix chipotle pepper flakes or ground chipotle into the basic spices for a fun flavor twist.
  • Chili Lime Taco Seasoning: Add lime pepper for a burst of refreshing and tangy citrus.
  • No-Spice Seasoning: If you prefer minimal or no spice (heat) for your taco seasoning, reduce or omit the chili powder and red pepper flakes.

How To Make Taco Seasoning (Better than Store-bought)

✱ Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact ingredients and full recipe instructions!

Step 1 | Combine ingredients and store

First, take out your measuring spoons and spices and get ready to measure and mix.

Now, add all of the spices and herbs to a small bowl and mix to evenly combine. Yes, you mix all the ingredients together.

Spices for taco seasoning set out on a table and then added to a white bowl.

Store in a tightly sealed container or jar and keep in a room temperature location away from direct sunlight, like the pantry or spice cabinet.

Seasoning being mixed in a bowl until completely combined.

How to use your own taco seasoning mix

When ready, cook a pound of meat, like ground beef, chicken, or turkey, and add three teaspoons of seasoning with ¼ cup of water.

Then, reduce the heat and simmer the seasoned meat until the liquid evaporates.

About one pound of ground meat makes five delicious servings.

Tips

  • Mason Jar– Instead of a small bowl, use a jar! Add the ingredients to a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid. Seal the jar, then shake to combine the spices and herbs. Then, store it away for the next time you craving tacos!
  • If you’re serving a crowd on taco night or enjoy tacos often, double the ingredients to make a big batch.
A close up view of the texture of all of the spices in a bowl used to make taco seasonings.

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Recipe FAQs

Do you brown meat before adding taco seasoning?

Yes. For the best flavor, brown and break up the ground beef or other meat before adding the seasoning. Drain any unwanted fat, then sprinkle on the seasoning, add some water, and cook the meat until the water evaporates.

How much taco seasoning is in a packet?

When a recipe calls for one packet of taco seasoning, use about one ounce or three tablespoons of your homemade seasoning. Most store-bought packets contain about an ounce. Usually, one packet will season a pound of ground beef well. I use 3 teaspoons of this recipe for 1 pound of beef.

Does taco seasoning have salt?

Most store-bought brands contain salt, and so does our homemade recipe. However, salt doesn’t make or break the recipe. If you prefer less salt or none, feel free to reduce or omit the ingredient. The nice thing about home spice blends is you have complete control over the salt content. 

What is taco seasoning used for?

Seasoning ground beef for tacos is the most common way to use this homemade recipe. The ground beef may also be used to top a taco salad, fill a quesadilla, or bulk up a burrito. Additionally, taco seasoning is tasty on ground turkey or pulled chicken for tacos, Tex-Mex recipes, and more. Taco seasoning can also be added to a soup to make taco soup or sprinkled on sauteed veggies! Try it as a fajita seasoning! It is even a great dry rub, too!

Storage

Storage: Store this easy recipe in a cool, dark, and dry place in an airtight container, like a small spice jar or mason jar. The seasoning will last up to 6 months before the flavor begins to degrade.

A wooden measuring spoon removing a teaspoon of taco seasoning from a bowl.

What to Serve with Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Use this simple spice blend to make all kinds of delicious Mexican Recipes, like my Taco Spaghetti Bake, Jalapeno Cornbread Taco Pie, Dorito Taco Salad, or this irresistible Instant Pot Cheesy Taco Pasta!

More Recipes to Use With This Taco Seasoning Blend

Marinades, Sauces, and Seasonings to Try

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Homemade taco seasoning in a wooden bowl.
Recipe
5 from 5 votes

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Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 5 servings
Author: Nikki Lee
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This simple Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe made in just a few minutes is a great blend to keep stocked in your spice cabinet.

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 4 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

  • Gather all the ingredients and mix them together in a small bowl or plate.
  • Add 3 teaspoons of seasonings with ¼ cup of water to 1 pound of cooked ground beef, chicken, or turkey. Simmer until the liquid evaporates.

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Notes

3 teaspoons for 1 pound of meat (5 servings)

Nutrition Information

Serving: 3teaspoons Calories: 19kcal (1%) Carbohydrates: 2g (1%) Protein: 1g (2%) Fat: 1g (2%) Saturated Fat: 0.1g (1%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g Sodium: 962mg (42%) Potassium: 107mg (3%) Fiber: 2g (8%) Sugar: 0.3g Vitamin A: 930IU (19%) Vitamin C: 0.3mg Calcium: 35mg (4%) Iron: 2mg (11%)

Nutritional Disclaimer

Soulfully Made is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

©️Soulfully Made

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Nikki Lee author of Soulfully Made in the kitchen serving cupcakes.

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, I’m Nikki Lee. Here at Soulfully Made you will find delicious, home-cooked, easy recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

5 from 5 votes (1 rating without comment)

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8 Comments

  2. 5 stars
    This was such a quick and easy recipe that does not disappoint! Added so much flavor to dinner last night; easily, a new favorite recipe!

    Reply

    1. Thank you, Justine! I agree! This homemade taco seasoning will really help with controlling the salt in a spice mix.

      Reply

  4. 5 stars
    I love to make this! I put taco seasoning in a lot of my recipes, and making my own can really help me control the salt.

    Reply