Taco Seasoning

This homemade taco seasoning recipe is cheaper and more flavorful than store-bought! It's easy to make with spices you already have in your pantry.

Taco seasoning

Why buy taco seasoning in a packet when you can make your own?! This homemade taco seasoning recipe uses basic spices that you likely have in your pantry already, and you can stir it together in less than 5 minutes. Once you learn how to make it, you’ll never get the store-bought stuff again!

One of the biggest reasons I make my own taco seasoning is that I can tweak the balance of flavors. The recipe below yields a blend I love—it’s savory and smoky with a subtle kick of heat. When you make it, don’t hesitate to adjust it to suit your tastes. Want it smokier? Go heavy on the paprika. All about that spice? Add more chili powder. You have complete control with this DIY recipe.

Taco seasoning ingredients

How to Make Taco Seasoning

This recipe calls for 9 simple ingredients:

  • Chili powder
  • Ground cumin
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Dried oregano
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
  • And sea salt!

Making it is as simple as adding these spices to a small bowl or Mason jar and stirring to combine. Adjust the balance of flavors to taste!

Find the complete recipe with measurements below.

Spices segmented in bowl with wooden spoon

How to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning

This DIY taco seasoning is a great way to punch up the flavor in all kinds of homemade dishes. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:

How do you like to use this tasty spice mix? Let me know in the comments!

Mixing together homemade taco seasoning

How to Store Taco Seasoning

Store this homemade seasoning blend in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.

The recipe yields a modest quantity, about 2 tablespoons, but you can easily scale it up to make a big batch. Keep it on hand to spice up whatever you’re cooking!

How much DIY seasoning equals one store-bought packet?

Want to use this DIY spice blend instead of a store-bought seasoning packet? No problem!

This recipe yields about 2 tablespoons, which is equivalent to the amount in most store-bought packets of taco seasoning mix. Use it as a 1:1 sub for a packet of taco seasoning in your favorite Mexican and Tex Mex recipes.

Taco seasoning recipe

More Homemade Spice Blends

Want to make more DIY spice blends at home? Try one of these easy recipes next:

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Taco Seasoning

rate this recipe:
5 from 9 votes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
This homemade taco seasoning recipe is cheaper and more flavorful than store-bought! Store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt.
  • Store at room temperature for up to 6 months.

Notes

Yield: About 2 tablespoons

8 comments

5 from 9 votes (5 ratings without comment)

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Rate this recipe (after making it)




  1. Kelly
    12.03.2024

    5 stars
    This recipe even without the salt is perfect!

  2. Chris from Love%20and%20lemons
    09.22.2024

    5 stars
    I used this on ground beef but I plan on using it for chicken also.I love knowing what I’m eating and being able to control the salt and spice level.Thanks for another great recipe.

  3. Kelly J
    07.08.2024

    5 stars
    Love this taco seasoning! Perfect blend of spice.

    • Phoebe Moore (L&L Recipe Developer)
      07.12.2024

      So glad you love it, Kelly!

  4. Ramon Henriquez
    06.11.2023

    5 stars
    I like it on roasted potatoes,onions and peppers. I did add extra paprika and used ground cayenne pepper instead of the crushed chilies.

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      06.11.2023

      I’m glad you enjoyed it!

  5. Simone
    06.07.2023

    Does this make enough for one package? Thank you. All your recipes look so delicious.

    • Jeanine Donofrio
      06.08.2023

      Hi Simone, it makes about 2 tablespoons which should be the equivalent of most packages.

A food blog with fresh, zesty recipes.
Photograph of Jeanine Donofrio and Jack Mathews in their kitchen

Hello, we're Jeanine and Jack.

We love to eat, travel, cook, and eat some more! We create & photograph vegetarian recipes from our home in Chicago, while our shiba pups eat the kale stems that fall on the kitchen floor.