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It's easy to make my Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe, and so worth it! Most store-bought packets of taco seasoning come with unnecessary add-ins, like flour. By making your own taco seasoning from scratch, you not only avoid unwanted ingredients, but create the perfect spice mix just for you, and for less money, too!
It takes just a couple of minutes to achieve big flavor with this DIY taco seasoning, so skip the store-bought seasonings packets and let's get mixing. I guarantee this will become your new favorite taco seasoning mix!
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What is taco seasoning mix made of?
Typically, store-bought taco seasoning contains a blend of spices, such as oregano, chipotle chili powder, and paprika, but they often also contain filler ingredients like flour, too. It can be difficult to find a taco seasoning mix at the store that matches the flavor profile you're really looking for in a good taco.
Homemade taco seasoning contains many of the same ingredients, but is customizable, so you can leave out the fillers and find the exact balance of tastes you prefer. After learning how to make my own, I never bothered with another packet of taco seasoning. It's really that good, and you can store it indefinitely in your pantry!
Seasonings in Taco Seasoning
- Chili Powder: Chili powder itself is a blend of spices, including cayenne pepper, and can vary from mild to a a little bit spicy. Use your preferred chili powder, and if you want more spice, you can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, too.
- Garlic Powder: This will add a nice, garlicky flavor to the mix without being overwhelming. Plus, it stores in your pantry with your other spices, unlike fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder: There's a special sweetness to onion powder you can't find in fresh onions. I highly recommend adding onion powder to the mix as it really makes the flavor pop!
- Paprika: I'm using regular paprika, but you can also use smoked paprika, hot paprika, or sweet paprika. Just keep in mind that it will change the flavor based on what variety of paprika you use.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper is best, but really, use what you have on hand.
- Salt: I highly recommend Maldon sea salt flakes or kosher salt. Do not use table salt, as it will generally add an unwanted metallic flavor to your food. You can use more or less salt depending on your preferences.
Isabel's Top Tip
Optional spices: You can also add dried oregano and ground cumin to your taco seasoning ingredients, if you'd like a bit more flavor variation. I recommend using Mexican oregano if you have access to it, but you can also use Italian oregano and it will taste great regardless. Cumin, meanwhile, has an earthy, warm flavor that adds body to the seasoning.
How to Make Taco Seasoning
1: Add to a bowl
Add chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, paprika, and salt to a bowl, along with any optional seasonings (such as oregano and cumin).
2: Mix and enjoy
Mix the seasonings thoroughly together until blended. Use it to season everything from ground beef tacos to pork tacos, ground turkey tacos, fajitas, and even meat for taco casserole.
Also try...
Homemade Seasoning Recipes
Tips for Do It Yourself Taco Seasoning
- Adjust the levels of seasoning to your taste preferences. Although I give you exact measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the page, feel free to adjust things like salt levels, pepper, etc.
- Don't hesitate to add other seasonings if you want! Additional spices such as oregano and cumin can add a lot of depth to your taco seasoning, so try other spices you know you like and see if you prefer adding them.
How to Store Taco Seasoning
Store leftover taco seasoning in a jar or other airtight container in a cool, dry place, such as your pantry with your other seasoning mixes. Because no perishable ingredients are used in this mix, it will last indefinitely.
Taco Meat Seasoning FAQ
This seasoning makes 9½ Tablespoons, which is enough to season roughly 2¼ pounds of ground meat. You can make more or less according to your needs by adjusting the levels of seasoning, but keep the ratios the same.
You can use my DIY taco seasoning for everything from a pound of ground beef to grilled chicken for chicken fajitas. Seriously! It's great for so much more than just ground meat tacos.
Recipes with Taco Seasoning
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons chili powder
- 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 Tablespoons onion powder
- 1 Tablespoon black pepper
- 1 Tablespoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl.3 Tablespoons chili powder,2 Tablespoons garlic powder,2 Tablespoons onion powder,1 Tablespoon black pepper,1 Tablespoon paprika,½ teaspoon salt
- Mix well, then add directly to the meat or store for later. Enjoy!
Jen says
Awesome! I added a bit more salt and it tastes great!
Isabel says
That's wonderful to hear, Jen! I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Thank you!