Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe

This easy Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is the perfect way to spice up your chicken or beef!

Making your own taco seasoning mix allows you to control what ingredients go into it (and control the salt and spice levels). It takes just minutes to make and you likely have all of the ingredients you need on hand!

So, exactly what is in taco seasoning? It’s a blend of spices, most of which you likely have in your pantry.

Chili Powder makes up the largest portion and adds a southwestern flavor. It’s great in the mixture but also for soups and of course chili recipes.

Ground cumin adds a slightly nutty warm flavor while onion and garlic powder are the aromatics in this recipe. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds heat.

Dried oregano, salt, and black pepper are included in this taco seasoning. I sometimes add a little sweet paprika or smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon) if I have it on hand.

Since this is made from spices, it’s naturally gluten free (just make sure your chili powder and all spices are GF).

This spice blend is perfect for your Mexican-inspired dishes (like tacos) but it can be used for so many other dishes in the kitchen. Whether it’s weeknight chicken tacos, or fajita Friday, skip the seasoning packet and make your own.

Homemade taco seasoning will last 6 months stored in a cool, dry place like your spice cupboard! I use cute little spice jars found on Amazon to keep my spices, but check the dollar store or use a small mason jar.

I usually make a triple batch so it’s ready to go whenever I need a little taco mix!

Did you enjoy this Homemade Taco Seasoning? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

taco seasoning mix recipe

The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning

taco seasoning mix recipe

The perfect amount of spices come together in the homemade taco seasoning! You will never buy from the store again!

Prep: 5min

Total: 5min

Yield: 4

Serving Size: 1 serving

Nutrition Facts: calories 12 kcal, Carbohydrate 2 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 1 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Sodium 616 mg, Fiber 1 g, Sugar 1 g, unSaturated Fat 2 g, servingSize 1 serving

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instruction:

  1. Combine all seasonings together and store in an airtight container.
  2. I used one recipe in one pound of ground turkey. Recipe can easily be doubled and use more or less to taste. I also like to add 1/2 cup of water to the meat and seasonings to make the meat more moist.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

taco seasoning mix recipe

I love Taco Seasoning! It’s not JUST for Tacos! I use this DIY Taco Seasoning Recipe to add a little zip to items like soups and casseroles.

Prep: 5min

Total: 5min

Serving Size: 2.25 tablespoons

Nutrition Facts: calories 24 kcal, Carbohydrate 4 g, Protein 1 g, Fat 1 g, Saturated Fat 1 g, Sodium 655 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 1 g, servingSize 2.25 tablespoons, unSaturated Fat 2 g

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ½ tablespoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ½ teaspoon oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

Instruction:

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  2. {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Store in an airtight container. for up to 6 months in a cool dry place.’, ‘name’: ‘Store in an airtight container. for up to 6 months in a cool dry place.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.spendwithpennies.com/taco-seasoning-recipe/#wprm-recipe-135756-step-0-1’}
  3. {‘@type’: ‘HowToSection’, ‘name’: ‘To Use:’, ‘itemListElement’: [{‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘For tacos add 2 tablespoons (or more taste) to 1 pound of cooked ground meat (optional, add diced onions) in a large pan or skillet’, ‘name’: ‘For tacos add 2 tablespoons (or more taste) to 1 pound of cooked ground meat (optional, add diced onions) in a large pan or skillet’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.spendwithpennies.com/taco-seasoning-recipe/#wprm-recipe-135756-step-1-0’}, {‘@type’: ‘HowToStep’, ‘text’: ‘Add ½ cup water and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.’, ‘name’: ‘Add ½ cup water and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.’, ‘url’: ‘https://www.spendwithpennies.com/taco-seasoning-recipe/#wprm-recipe-135756-step-1-1’}]}

Quick & Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning

FAQ

What is taco seasoning mix made of?

Most taco seasoning mixes contain salt, warming spices (such as paprika, oregano, and chili), onion powder, and garlic powder. This top-rated recipe is made with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.

What do you use when you don’t have taco seasoning?

Packet Taco Seasoning replacement: if you only want to make enough taco seasoning to replace 1 packet, use the following amounts:
  1. 1 tablespoon chili powder.
  2. ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
  3. ¼ teaspoon onion powder.
  4. Pinch of cayenne pepper.
  5. ¼ teaspoon dried oregano.
  6. ½ teaspoon paprika.
  7. 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin.
  8. 1 teaspoon salt.

How much taco seasoning and water for 1 pound of meat?

To use: Use about 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning for every 1 pound of meat. Use more or less depending on your preference. Brown meat and drain the fat. Add your taco seasoning along with about 1/2 cup of water.

How important is cumin in taco seasoning?

Ground cumin – Next to chili powder, cumin is the most important ingredient in taco seasoning. It adds an earthy flavor and aroma. Paprika – Use smoked paprika if you have it. Salt and Pepper – we use fine sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper.

About the author

Helen is an author and editor at helenbackcafe.com, who has a passion for writing about recipes. She loves to experiment with different ingredients and cooking techniques to create delicious and unique dishes.

Among all the foods, pizza holds a special place in her heart, and she loves exploring different variations and toppings to create the perfect slice. Through her writing, Helen hopes to inspire others to get creative in the kitchen and share their love for food with the world.

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