Easy recipe for taco seasoning with bold flavor, not too spicy. Made with pantry spices—better than packets and ready in 5 minutes!
Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe
How many times have I gotten everything out to make ground beef tacos only to realize I don’t have a packet of taco seasoning? Too many! I have started making my own jar of homemade taco seasoning, so I always have it on hand. And I can almost guarantee that you have all the spices on hand to make your own, better taco seasoning with more flavor and no preservatives. Way better than store-bought taco seasoning–Win!!
This simple blend takes just 5 minutes to prepare and seasons 1-2 pounds of meat perfectly. The balance of warm, smoky spices creates that classic taco flavor we all crave, but with a freshness that store-bought packets can’t match! Plus, you have control over the ingredients, which means no surprises on the salt or spicy front.
Why you should make this DIY taco seasoning
- Not just for ground beef, use it on ground turkey, chicken, seafood, vegetables, pork – almost anything you season!
- No MSG, potato starch, sugar, or preservatives!
- Use it as a rub on grilled meats, for fajita seasoning, and in soups.
- You control the heat, the salt, the flavors! Don’t care for cumin, leave it out! Like it with more kick, add more cayenne or chipotle chili powder.
Best Taco Seasoning Recipe Ingredients
A simple blend of spices, most you probably have on hand!
- Chili Powder: I recommend using mild chili powder for less heat or ancho or chipotle chile powder for more heat.
- Ground Cumin: Adds that distinctive, earthy, warm flavor.
- Smoked Paprika: I like the smoky flavor that this gives the blend, but you can use regular sweet paprika.
- Garlic Powder: Provides savory depth without the moisture of fresh garlic!
- Onion Powder: This depends on if you are using onions in the recipe. Add a bit less if you are using onions in your taco meat!
- Dried Oregano: Mexican oregano is ideal, but regular oregano works well too.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the other flavors! But feel free to use sea salt too!
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle bite and rounds out the flavor.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes or Cayenne Pepper: For heat, if you’d like!
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
Step 1 – Measure & Mix
In a small bowl, stir together all the ingredients, then pour them into an airtight container or use them immediately in your recipe. I like storing it in glass bottles.
Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe Variations
Want to customize your blend? Here are some tasty variations to try:
- Salt-Free: Feel free to omit the salt here to create a salt-free version. Just make sure to season the recipes you make with your taco seasoning with salt!
- Italian Seasoning: Substitute Italian seasoning if you’re out of oregano.
- Coriander: Try adding ½ teaspoon ground coriander (optional but adds a warm, citrusy flavor)
- Add-ins: Include ½-1 teaspoon each of dried cilantro, parsley, and dried onion for more flavor and complexity.
- Spicy: For extra heat, double the cayenne or red pepper flakes!
How to Use This Recipe for Taco Seasoning Mix
Use two tablespoons of taco seasoning per 1 pound of ground beef, chicken, turkey, fish, shrimp, or veggies. Cook protein, drain if necessary.
Sprinkle the spices over the meat, cook to combine, and let the spices bloom. Then, add a couple of tablespoons of water or broth if needed, and bring to a simmer until the liquids have evaporated.
This recipe easily makes a double, triple, or quadruple batch!! So you have taco seasoning available anytime!
FAQs for Mexican Taco Seasoning
Use about 2 tablespoons of seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef, chicken, turkey, or even roasted veggies. If you like a little extra flavor, you can bump it up to 2½ tablespoons.
Yes! After browning your meat, sprinkle in the seasoning and add about ⅓ cup of water or broth. Simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly and coats the meat.
This blend is more bold than spicy, but you can easily adjust the heat. For no spice, skip the red pepper flakes. Want more kick? Add a pinch of cayenne.
Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free and low in sodium, especially compared to store-bought packets. You control the salt—and there are no fillers or preservatives.
How to Tell If Your Spices Are Still Fresh?
Fresh spices = bold flavor. Here’s how to check if yours are still doing their job:
- Color Check: If your paprika or chili powder looks faded or dull, it’s probably past its prime. Fresh spices should be vibrant and rich in color.
- Smell Test: Rub a little between your fingers and take a sniff. If the aroma is weak or dusty, rather than punchy and fragrant, it’s time to replace it.
- Flavor Test: If you’re unsure, taste a tiny pinch. The flavor should be distinct—if it’s flat or bland, it won’t do much for your taco seasoning.
How to Store Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Keep your taco seasoning in an airtight container—a small glass jar or spice container works great. Store it in a cool, dark cupboard away from heat and moisture (so not right above your stove).
Homemade spice blends like this can last up to a year, but freshness really depends on how fresh your spices were to begin with. If your cumin or chili powder has been sitting in the back of the pantry for a few years… it might be time to refresh!
Pro Tip: Label your container with the date you made it, so you know when to remake a fresh batch.
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Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder use mild for less heat, ancho or chipotle chile powder for more heat
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika regular if you prefer less smokiness
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder garlic granules work too
- 1 teaspoon onion powder or onion granules
- ½ teaspoon Mexican oregano or regular works too
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste, sea salt works too
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional; skip for mild, or cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix all ingredients, then pour into an airtight container or jar or use immediately in your recipe. I like storing it in glass bottles.1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon Mexican oregano, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ⅛ – ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- I highly recommend tripling or quardrupling this recipe so you have taco seasoning ready anytime you need it!
How to use DIY taco seasoning
- Cook meat, drain if needed. Sprinkle 2-2 ½ tablespoons of seasoning per 1 pound of ground beef, chicken, turkey, fish or veggies. And saute for 1 minute over medium heat to bloom the spices.
- Add in 4 tablespoons to ⅓ cup of water or broth while cooking bringing to a simmer until liquids evaporate.
Notes
- Try adding ½ teaspoon ground coriander (optional but adds a warm, citrusy flavor)
- Out of oregano, try using Italian seasoning instead
- Add dried cilantro, parsley and dried onion if desired, about ½-1 teaspoon of each.
Nutrition
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