Homemade Taco Seasoning

This homemade spice mix is way better than store-bought with no preservatives and tons of flavor. Make this taco seasoning recipe in minutes with pantry ingredients.

Taco seasoning mix is one spice that never lasts long in my house. I was always running out of the taco seasoning packets and then I decided to just make my own. I could control the ingredients and the level of spiciness. And you know what? I prefer my own homemade taco seasoning million times more.

What I love about my homemade taco seasoning is that it has way more uses than just on taco night. I use mine in soups, chilis, rice, pasta and more. I love adding it to my cauliflower fried rice to give it a punch of flavor.

I challenge you on your next Taco Tuesday night to make your own taco seasoning. I bet you’ll love it and want to keep a jar or two in your spice cupboard. Homemade spice blends are where it’s at! Try my Italian seasoning and ranch seasoning.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

• Made with pantry ingredients found in your spice cabinet
• Can make a big batch by doubling or tripling the recipe
• Tastes much better than the packets of taco seasoning
• No artificial ingredients
• You can control how spicy it is and the amount of salt used if you’re watching your sodium intake
• Never run out of taco seasoning again
• So many uses in recipes (not just tacos!)
• Can be place in decorative spice jars and given as gifts

Ingredients

• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Oregano
• Sweet paprika
• Ground cumin
• Salt – I used regular table salt, but you could use sea salt or kosher salt.
• Black pepper

How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning

• Step One: Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and stir to combine.
• Step Two: Store in labelled spice jars.

Equipment Needed

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• Spice jars
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons

Recipes with Taco Seasoning

• Taco Pasta Salad – Substitute taco seasoning for the spices.
• Taco Chili
• Taco Grilled Cheese
• Taco Pizza
• Mexican Meatloaf
• Mexican Stuffed Shells

Variations and Substitutions

• Like it spicy? Add some red pepper flakes and/or cayenne pepper.
• Need a thickening agent? Use cornstarch.
• For a more smoky taste, use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika.
• Use less salt to control the sodium levels.

Storage Instructions

Store your diy taco seasoning in an airtight container in your pantry or in your spice drawer. I like to store mine in a spice jar.

How Long Does Homemade Taco Seasoning Last

Your taco seasoning will last at least 6 months to 1 year if stored properly in a spice jar or airtight container.

How to Use

• Use whenever a recipe calls for a packet of taco seasoning. 
• Make your own taco meat with ground beef or ground turkey.
• Add to a can of refried beans to give them a punch of taco flavor.
• Add to sour cream to make a taco dip and serve with tortilla chips.
• Use as a seasoning rub on your steak, chicken breasts or pork chops.
• Add to white rice or cauliflower rice to add a hint of spice.

How to Make Taco Seasoning Spicier?

Easy! Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also add ½ teaspoon of chili flakes too, if you like. Start at a lower amount just in case it’s too much for your tastebuds to handle. It’s easier to add more than take away.

How to Make Taco Seasoning Milder?

Use less chili powder. Try 1 ½ tablespoons and go down from there. 

What Can I Substitute for Cumin?

Use ground coriander instead of the cumin. You can also just omit the cumin from the mix if you’re not a fan.

What’s the Difference Between Taco Seasoning and Fajita Seasoning?

I’ve often used taco seasoning in my fajitas in a pinch. However, there is a slight difference between the two spice blends.

Taco seasoning typically has more chili powder while fajita seasoning has more cumin. Team Chili Powder and Team Cumin! Which one are you?

Taco Recipes

Discover your new favorite taco recipe!

• Black Bean and Rice Open-Faced Tacos
• Crockpot Shredded Chicken Tacos
• Baked Tacos
• Slow Cooker Street Tacos
• Shrimp Tacos
• Walking Tacos
• Fish Tacos

Try my Pico de Gallo, Onion Soup Mix, Yum Yum Sauce, Cajun seasoning and copycat Lawry’s seasoned salt.

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