Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Published Jan 10, 2025

5 from 14 votes

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This Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is easy to make in minutes and gives the most delicious flavor to tacos and more! With only five real ingredients and no fillers, it’s healthier and tastes so much better than store-bought!

We absolutely love tacos and so many Mexican and Tex-Mex recipes in my house, and I use this taco seasoning recipe a lot! Some favorites are my quick and easy tacos and my chicken taco soup. So, my taco seasoning mix is on hand all the time.

Hammered pewter measuring spoon holds blended taco seasoning.

As much as we love these recipes, I do not use store-bought taco seasoning packets to season my dishes. They can contain preservatives and fillers such as corn starch and others. I make my own.

My delicious and easy homemade taco seasoning contains only five ingredients and is preservative-free and gluten-free, so I know exactly what is in it – and what is not! So, I keep this and many other kitchen staples like homemade BBQ sauce and homemade vanilla extract on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Just 5 Ingredients – Uses only a handful of ingredients that are easy to find and you most likely have in your pantry!

No Fillers, No Preservatives, and No Sugar – There are no fillers like corn starch (often a GMO ingredient) or sugar. And there’s no MSG or other preservatives!

Quick and Easy – Whisk the ingredients together and then use or store your mix!

Delicious Flavor – Real, flavorful spices allow the delicious tastes to shine through!

Plate holds four spices (chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and paprika) and salt. There are labeled glass spice jars for each of these spices, as well as a salt cellar with a spoon behind the plate on this marble countertop.

Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

Chili Powder
Garlic Powder
Ground Cumin
Paprika
Salt (optional)

How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning

Measure each of the ground spices and salt. Then, combine them all in a large mixing bowl.
Mix all ground spices together until well blended with a whisk or fork.
Use and store – Use immediately and/or decant the taco seasoning into an airtight container.

Row of soft beef soft shell tacos made with flour tortillas and filled with seasoned beef, lettuce, tomatoes, avocados and onions.

Tips for the Best Homemade Taco Seasoning

Start with fresh spices. Check the expiration dates of each individual spice and smell them. They should smell strong, with no “off” smells. If any of the spices have lost their potent aroma, they are past their prime.
Buy high-quality spices. You will get a taco seasoning with incredible taste by choosing great quality spices.
Store Properly. Keep the taco seasoning in a storage container with an airtight lid. I like glass. Store it away from light and any moisture.

Storage Tips

To store. Place your blended seasoning in an airtight spice container with a lid that seals well. Store away from light and moisture for best results. This taco seasoning mix is best and the most fresh when used within one year.

Glass jar and silver spoon with hammered handle along with homemade taco seasoning.

Ways to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning

Use on all types of tacos, taco soup, and taco cups.
Before grilling, sprinkle it on chicken, shrimp, pork chops, and even vegetables.
Mix it in ground beef or ground turkey and add to taco salad and more.
Add a pinch of taco seasoning to pinto beans or black beans for some extra spice.
Sprinkle it on sweet potato fries. It’s so good!
Mix a little bit of it in ranch dressing for an extra kick of flavor.

Great Homemade Gift

Prepare taco seasoning mix and then funnel into glass spice jars with airtight lids. Attach printed labels and share them with friends or neighbors.

Make a baking-themed gift basket with other homemade spice mixes and flavorings like Pumpkin Pie Spice or Apple Pie Spice and Vanilla Extract.
Create a gift basket for cooking with this taco seasoning, a jar of spicy brown sugar dry rub, Stone House Seasoning, and maybe even a jar of Homemade Hot Honey.
Remember to include a note with my website address so they can see all the recipe ideas using these homemade goodies. Such a heartfelt and practical present!

Square glass jar with lid labeled Taco Seasoning with a spoon holding the seasoning laid beside the jar.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is homemade taco seasoning gluten-free?

This recipe is gluten-free, but you must check your individual spices to make sure they are pure, quality spices to ensure that none of them contain gluten.

How do I make my taco seasoning low sodium?

You can use less salt or completely omit the salt in the recipe to make it low-sodium.

Are there preservatives in homemade taco seasoning?

There are no preservatives such as MSG and other preservatives in this homemade taco seasoning recipe. Since you choose the individual spices to make this homemade spice mix, be certain that they are high-quality and do not contain any preservatives individually.

More Tex-Mex Favorite Recipes

If you tried this Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks for visiting!

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