Skip the packet—this easy homemade taco seasoning recipe is ready in minutes with pantry staples you probably already have. It’s flavorful, and way better than store-bought. I make a batch to keep on hand for taco nights!
Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning
Skip the store-bought packets—this homemade taco seasoning has been my go-to for years! I originally scaled it up from my popular turkey taco recipe, and after trying countless variations, I always come back to this flavorful blend. It’s mild enough for kids but still packed with flavor, and works perfectly with ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, or even in taco dip. The best part? It’s easy, economical, and free from the preservatives and additives found in store-bought mixes. Plus, you can adjust it exactly to your taste.
Why This Works!
I’ve been making my own homemade taco seasoning for years because I don’t like using taco packets loaded with preservatives. I first shared my recipe years ago when I posted my turkey taco lettuce wraps, but decided to share it on it’s own so you can use it for any taco recipe that calls for a taco spice packet.
- Healthier: Since you’re making it from scratch you have control of what goes into this. I use organic spices to keep it free from pesticides. No added filler or artificial ingredients.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild spice mix makes this perfect for all palates.
- Make-Ahead: Easy to make a batch and keep in in your spice drawer, ready anytime you have some ground beef, ground turkey, etc to whip up tacos.
- Budget Friendly: Cheaper than buying individual packets each time you make tacos.
Ingredients You Will Need
This homemade taco seasoning recipe is made with just 6 ingredients, perfect for taco lovers and picky palates. The kids will love it because it’s mild and flavorful. I always keep a batch in my pantry ready to use. Here’s what you need:
- Chili Powder: The backbone of this seasoning, it provides a spicy kick and a deep, rich color to the mixture
- Cumin: This spice gives the seasoning its characteristic earthy, slightly spicy flavor, reminiscent of many Mexican and Latin American dishes
- Garlic Powder: It adds a savory, robust flavor to the seasoning
- Sweet Paprika: Gives a mild sweetness and vibrant color to the mix
- Dried Oregano: Enhance the flavors of the other ingredients
- Kosher Salt: enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients, making them more pronounced
- (Optional) to make it spicy, add cayenne pepper, to taste
This recipe makes about 1 cup of seasoning, enough for 8 full batches using 1 lb of meat each (about 32 individual servings total).
Variations
- Onion powder
- Ancho chili powder in place of chili powder, for heat
- Smoked paprika in place of sweet paprika, for smoky heat
- Crushed red pepper flakes, chipotle chili powder or cayenne pepper, to make it spicy
- Black pepper, to taste
- Make it low-sodium by using less salt or omitting altogether
How To Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
Mix all of the spice ingredients together in a small bowl, and store in a glass spice container.
Storage
For the best flavor, this taco seasoning recipe is best stored for up to 6 months, but can be stored for up to 1 to 2 years if it’s kept in a cool, dry place and in a tightly sealed container or mason jar.
How to Make Taco Meat with This Seasoning
Brown 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, chicken, pork, or even tofu in a large skillet. Add 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons of this homemade taco seasoning, along with ¼ cup minced onion, ¼ cup minced red bell pepper, and ½ to ¾ cup water. Stir well, then simmer covered for 5 minutes, until the flavors are absorbed.
Serve the seasoned meat in warm taco shells and top with your favorite fixings—lettuce, tomato, pico de gallo, cheese, salsa, sour cream, black beans, avocado, or guacamole.
More Taco Recipes
Another popular seasoning you may like is my recipe for Sazon seasoning, or try these 5 taco recipes to use this taco seasoning spice mix.
Yield: 32 servings
Serving Size: 1 1/4 teaspoons for 2 tacos
Last Step:
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This mix contains approximately ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt per serving. I use Diamond Crystal kosher salt, which has coarser grains and less sodium by volume compared to table salt. If substituting with fine table salt, reduce the amount to avoid over-salting.
Low-Sodium Option: To make this a low-sodium taco seasoning, simply cut the salt in half or omit it entirely for a salt-free version.
Tip: Always check individual spice labels if you’re cooking gluten-free.Serving: 1 1/4 teaspoons for 2 tacos, Calories: 8 kcal, Carbohydrates: 1.5 g, Sodium: 300 mg, Fiber: 0.5 g
