Homemade Taco Seasoning is so quick and easy to make using simple spices you most likely already have in your pantry. In under 5 minutes, you can transform a few ingredients into a fresh and flavorful blend that tastes so much better than anything store-bought!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Smokey and savory, with a perfect balance of heat, this homemade Taco Seasoning is an adaptable and simple way to turn a bland and dull dinner into a meal that is bursting with life. This DIY recipe can be made in minutes and will always taste best because you can adjust the spice proportions to suit your own palate.
The best thing about this recipe is that you can use it as a guide to make it your own mix. Want to amp the heat? Add some extra cayenne pepper. Looking for some more smoke? Increase the paprika. And when you create your own seasoning at home, you will not only save money, but you can control what you feed your family by eliminating artificial ingredients and preservatives that often come from a packet.
Don’t save your seasoning simply for tacos–it’s the perfect way to flavor your favorite foods, from veggies, meat, seafood, rice, and beans, to soups, salads, or any boring bite in between!
Why We Love This Taco Seasoning Recipe
- Easy and quick to make using basic pantry spices in only 5 minutes.
- Homemade taco seasoning just tastes better than any store-bought packet.
- A DIY taco seasoning is a great way to save money, use up spices, and you will feel good knowing exactly what went into your spice blend.
- Easily adjust the flavor to suit your family’s taste buds and heat preferences.
- Easy way to eliminate additives, preservatives, and coloring. Gluten-free, sugar-free, and low-sodium.
- Versatile seasoning to use in soups, salads, Mexican meals, or even as a rub for grilled chicken, fish, or steak.
- Use some now and save the rest for later.
Ingredients / Shopping List
- Chili powder
- Cornstarch
- Ground cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Kosher salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Black pepper
- Cayenne pepper
Substitutions and Additions
- Hike or Halt The Heat: To add a bit of extra heat, you can use some crushed red pepper flakes, chipotle powder, or add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the mix. If you prefer a milder taco seasoning, you can simply leave these out.
- Some More Smoke: For a smokier flavor, add some additional smoked paprika.
- Dried Herbs: Dried parsley or basil can be used with or instead of the oregano.
Recommended Tools
- Mixing bowl and measuring tools
- Mason jar or other storage container with lid.
SEE FULL PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD BELOW
How to Make the Homemade Taco Seasoning
Homemade Taco Seasoning is so quick and easy to make using simple spices you most likely already have in your pantry. Transform basic ingredients into a fresh and flavorful blend that tastes so much better than anything store-bought!
- Add all spices to a bowl and mix.
- Store in a sealed container.
Pro-Tip: Store your spices and seasonings in a cool, dark place. This will extend their shelf life. Mason jars make great spice containers for your homemade spice blends. They are easy to stack in your pantry and you can buy them in bulk for a reasonable price.
Storage Tips
- To Store: This taco seasoning spice blend can be stored in a sealed container for up to 1 year in the pantry.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use 3 tablespoons (1 ounce) of this spice blend in any recipe that calls for one “packet” of taco seasoning mix.
Use homemade taco seasoning anywhere you might use a store-bought taco seasoning packet. It works great as a rub for steak, chicken, fish or shrimp, and can add flavor to Mexican rice or a side of black beans. You can also sprinkle it in soups or add it to a vinaigrette for a zesty salad.
If you do not wish to put the cornstarch in your spice blend, that is fine. The cornstarch is what gives this mix the “packet” effect when preparing your ground beef for tacos so that it will have a slight sauce to it. It will taste delicious either way.
Recipes to Use our Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Taco Ring
- Puffy Tacos
- Taco Spaghetti (A Delicious Mexican Spaghetti Recipe)
- Oven Baked Beef Tacos
- Warm and Cheesy Taco Dip
- Easy Taco Bake Casserole
- Walking Taco Bar – Great for a crowd & no cleanup
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, or a ½ pint mason jar, combine all the above spices. Stir well to combine.
Jenn’s Notes
- This taco seasoning spice blend can be stored in a sealed container for up to 1 year in the pantry.
- You can use 3 tablespoons (1 ounce) of this spice blend in any recipe that calls for a ‘packet’ of taco seasoning mix.
- If you do not wish to put the cornstarch in your spice blend, that is fine. The cornstarch is what gives the “packet” effect of making your ground beef for tacos have a slight sauce to it. It will taste delicious either way.
- If you like more, or less, heat to your tacos you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper accordingly.
- Store your spices and seasonings in a cool, dark place. This will extend their shelf life.
- Mason jars make great spice containers for your homemade spice blends. They are easy to stack in your pantry and you can buy them in bulk for a reasonable price.
How important is the Kosher Salt? I’m trying to reduce my sodium intake. Is the salt the only source of sodium in the ingredient list?
Ok I cooked the chicken in water instead of using the slow cooker by mistake How do I go about trying to finish the rest of the recipe Hope I can finish the recipe Thank You
Can’t wait to make this
Making it easier, would be to brown the meat, all at once. Then drain the fat, before adding seasoning. You didn’t mention adding water. Just enough to blend the pkg mix, maybe?
Too much water could make for soggy taco bottom. However, this sounds good and a good idea.
I can’t wait to make this!
Yes, start with about 1/4 cup of water and then add more depending on how much it thins out or how much flavor you want.
Do you add any water like you do with a store bought pkg of taco seasoning?
Yes, start with about 1/4 cup of water and then add more depending on how much it thins out or how much flavor you prefer.
Yes, start with about 1/4 cup of water and then add more depending on how much it thins out or how much flavor you prefer.
Do you add any water like when you use a pkg mix?