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.

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.

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.

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:

• In taco meat. Taco seasoning is commonly used in chicken or ground beef tacos, but it works just as well in plant-based taco fillings! I love to use it to season the vegan taco meat in this taco salad recipe.
• In beans. Stir it into a pot of black beans or pinto beans, or add some to your next batch of homemade refried beans.
• In soups. Sub it in for some or all of the spices in my white bean soup or black bean chili!
• On whatever you’re grilling. Use this homemade spice mix on grilled tofu, fajita veggies, or grilled corn.
• On roasted veggies. It’s delicious on roasted cauliflower or roasted sweet potatoes!

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

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.

More Homemade Spice Blends

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

• Homemade Chili Powder
• Italian Seasoning
• Everything Bagel Seasoning
• Za’atar
• Dukkah
• Pumpkin Pie Spice
• Apple Pie Spice

Taco Seasoning

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon sea salt

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

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