This Taco Seasoning Recipe is fresh, healthier, and far better tasting than store-bought seasoning packets. Ready in about two minutes, this homemade blend lets you skip preservatives and fillers while saving money and controlling flavor.
Taco seasoning is a flexible spice mix you can use for taco meat, taco spaghetti, taco salad, and many other dishes.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Store-bought seasoning packets are convenient, but they often contain fillers like cornmeal, potato starch, artificial colors, and preservatives. Why purchase a packet full of extras when a superior seasoning mix is so easy to make at home?
With a homemade blend you control the ingredients and the heat level. The result is a gluten-free, preservative-free, and MSG-free taco seasoning that’s ideal for ground beef taco meat, taco soup, taco pasta, and more.
Table of Contents
- Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Key Ingredients
- How to Make Taco Seasoning
- What to Make with Taco Seasoning
- More Homemade Seasoning Blends
- Taco Seasoning Recipe
Key Ingredients
Printable measurements are in the recipe card below.
- Chili Powder: A blend that usually includes ancho chili, cumin, oregano, garlic, and more. Choose a quality chili powder for the best base flavor.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth; adjust to taste.
- Onion Powder: For a mild onion note.
- Dried Oregano: Essential for a classic taco seasoning profile.
- Paprika: Mild unless labeled hot; smoked paprika adds a pleasant smoky character.
- Ground Cumin: A prominent taco flavor—use slightly less if you prefer a milder cumin presence.
- Salt: Adjust to taste.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds heat; increase or decrease depending on your spice preference.
- Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper works well.
- Granulated Sugar (optional): A pinch helps balance bold savory flavors.
- Cornstarch (optional): Useful if you’re seasoning dishes with more liquid—helps thicken and bind the spices.
If you like extra heat, add 1–2 teaspoons cayenne or another teaspoon or two of crushed red pepper.
How to Make Taco Seasoning
Combine all spices in a small bowl, jar, or airtight container and mix until evenly distributed. Store in a cool, dry place. For best flavor, use within six months.
This recipe yields roughly 34 teaspoons (11⅓ tablespoons) of seasoning.
How Much Taco Seasoning in a Packet?
Most store-bought taco seasoning packets contain about 2 tablespoons of mix.
What to Make with Taco Seasoning
- Tacos: Use for ground beef, ground turkey, chicken, shrimp, or vegetable tacos.
- Soup: Stir into soups like black bean, butternut squash and black bean, or taco soup for a rich, spiced flavor.
- General Seasoning: Sprinkle over baked chicken breasts, sweet potato fries, or use to season casseroles and taco salads.
How Much Taco Seasoning Per Pound of Meat?
Use approximately 1½–2 tablespoons of this homemade mix per pound of ground meat.
More Homemade Seasoning Blends
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning
- Homemade Poultry Seasoning
- Homemade Italian Seasoning
- Cajun Seasoning
Taco Seasoning Recipe
Jessica Randhawa
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Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon crushed red pepper, more or less, to taste
- 3 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoon sugar, optional
- 2 teaspoon cornstarch, optional
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients in a bowl or mason jar and mix well. Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry place. Use within six months for the best flavor.
Notes
- Use about 1½–2 tablespoons of this seasoning per pound of ground meat.
- You can double or triple the batch to keep extra on hand. Store in a sealed container and use within six months.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate.