Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Name: Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 2 teaspoons paprika; 1 teaspoon kosher salt (optional)

Robyn Stone

Published Jan 13, 2026

65 Comments

5 from 14 votes

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This Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe is a quick, tasty blend made with pantry staples—no fillers or preservatives! Ready in 5 minutes, it’s great for tacos, burritos, and more. It’s an easy DIY mix that tastes so much better than store-bought!

The savory flavor of this homemade taco seasoning is perfect for taco night! This recipe, a staple in my kitchen for years, combines simple spices for a versatile mix that’s far more delicious than store-bought packets. Whether you’re making ground beef tacos or chicken fajitas, this seasoning delivers Mexican-inspired taste every time.

Hammered pewter measuring spoon holds blended taco seasoning.

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. I do not use store-bought taco seasoning packets to season my dishes. They can contain preservatives and fillers, so I decided years ago to make my own and created this recipe. I always keep it on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Taco Seasoning

Quick and Easy: Ready in 5 minutes; no cooking.
Just 5 Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and makes multiple batches.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the heat to your preference.
No Preservatives: Made from scratch—no fillers, preservatives, or MSG.
Versatile Recipe: Great for tacos, enchiladas, burritos, soups, and more.

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

This homemade seasoning is easy to mix and stores for months.

Combine: Mix spices in a large mixing bowl and whisk until well blended.
Use: Add to season a recipe, adjusting to taste.
Store: 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.

Recipe Variations

Make it Mild: Omit cayenne for a kid-friendly version.
Make in Bulk: Double or triple for a full jar.
Low-Carb: This homemade taco seasoning is naturally low-carb.

Recipe Success Tips

Mix Well: Whisk or shake thoroughly for even flavor.
High-Quality Spices: Quality spices give most intense flavor.
Store Properly: Keep in container with airtight lid in a dark place away from moisture for up to 6 months.
Adjust Taste: Start with less seasoning and add more if desired.
Use Fresh Spices: Check expiration dates and smell of spice ingredients. Should smell strong, with no “off” smells.
Label Container: Note recipe date on spice jar and list any spice deviations for easy use.

Storage Instructions

Store: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for 6 months.
Make-Ahead Tip: Mix a large batch for quick use whenever you need it.

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 into ground beef or ground turkey, and add it 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.
Mix a little bit into 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 homemade 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 BBQ sauce.
Remember to include a note with my website address so they can see all the recipe ideas using these homemade goodies.

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?

Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Check individual spice ingredients to ensure no gluten.

How do I make my taco seasoning low-sodium?

Omit or reduce salt to lower sodium.

Are there preservatives in homemade taco seasoning?

No, there are no preservatives (such as MSG or others) in this homemade taco seasoning recipe. Be certain the individual spices used as ingredients are high-quality and do not contain any preservatives.

More Tex-Mex Favorite Recipes

Why This Homemade Taco Seasoning is a Staple

With its bold flavor and easy prep, this homemade taco seasoning is a must for tacos and more. No fillers, no preservatives—just a pure, delicious spice blend!

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