Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free. Check individual spice ingredients to ensure no gluten.
Omit or reduce salt to lower sodium.
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!
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, optional
Instructions
- Combine ingredients. Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine.
- Use and store. Use immediately and store any remaining taco seasoning in an airtight container for up to a year.
Notes
- Store: Keep in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for 6 months up to 1 year.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Mix a large batch for quick use whenever you need it.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Enjoy!
Robyn xo
Would this be good for a fellow who must be gluten-free? Bro-in-law can’t do gluten but loves his tacos
I’ve been using this for a while & thought I’d already rated it. Apparently not!! 😳. Anyway, this stuff is totally awesome! We all love it & it’s one of the few recipes both my grandsons (16 & 12) agree on! Thank you for posting a more healthy & inexpensive alternative to packaged mix. After the first time I’ve started making it in bulk!! 😀
Aww! I’m so thrilled that your grandson’s love it. My son (also 16) is a huge taco (everything!) fan, so I totally understand the make it in bulk situation! xo
How much equals a The packaged stuff
Most packets of taco seasoning mix contain 1 oz. or 2 tablespoons of seasoning, but others may have different amounts. My recipe makes 5 tablespoons of taco seasoning. You can adjust the amount of the taco seasoning in my recipe according to the brand taco seasoning mix specified in the recipe or for the brand you would ordinarily use. Hope this helps!
I tried this taco seasoning mix I absolutely loved it I will never buy another packet of taco seasoning mix again when I browned the meat I added around a half a cup of water And a little bit of cornstarch for thickening when I put the seasoning mix in it was wonderful
Thanks so much, Debbie! I’m so glad you enjoyed it. It definitely spoils you from ever using a packet, doesn’t it?!
sorry after reading my comment I see some mistakes it is not full of salt and also did not rate this sorry
This is excellent mix not only is it simple but as someone else mentioned it is full of salt,I worked as a chef for many years cooking for seniors whom are on low salt diets no good for anyone, we did a lot of research , and with a good combination of fresh herbs we do not need salt,as you did here,my compliments to you.
Thanks for sharing the recipe. I always have these ingredients on hand. I’ll never buy the packaged again.
I never use packaged either – I enjoy the freshness of this – and it’s so simple! You can adjust the “heat” according to your preference, Donna, to make it just right for your family. I hope you enjoy this as much as my family does! Thanks! xo
thank you so much for breaking this down, I always buy the pre made mixes but knew there was always something better, and better even since I already have the ingredients!
Hi Barbara,
You can definitely use less to your particular taste if you wish. I hope you enjoy it!
Robyn, you are SO right about this – why would I ever buy that stuff in the packet again? I’m officially designating one of my mason jars as Taco Seasoning Jar.
I’ve got these ingredients on hand all the time. Thank you! I will have to whip up a batch.