This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure form more information.
Learn how to make Homemade Taco Seasoning with this easy recipe using a mix of simple spices. Use this spice blend in your favorite Mexican recipes or on taco night! So much cheaper and better than store-bought packets!
Table of Contents
We’re serious Mexican food lovers here, and we go through taco mix like crazy. If you love Mexican food as much as we do, this recipe is for you! This easy homemade taco seasoning recipe is made without sugar and is naturally gluten free and low carb.
Growing up, we always used the little seasoning packets whenever we had traditional ground beef tacos for dinner. I did too, until I realized those store-bought taco seasoning packets were filled with preservatives we didn’t need.
Not to mention that those packets really aren’t cheap, especially when you cook Mexican food as much as we do — not just for Taco Tuesday! I started making my own DIY taco seasoning mix, and it’s so much better than the store-bought taco packets!
What’s in Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
You only need 8 simple ingredients to make this simple blend of spices. They should be available in your grocery store or online. The nice thing about making your own taco seasoning mix is that you can make just one serving or several to save for later.
- Salt — I recommend sea salt or kosher salt
- Black pepper
- Ground cumin — Adds a warm, earthy flavor
- Dried minced onions — Adds tons of flavor, but you can sub onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Ancho chili powder — you can use regular chili powder if you have it
- Smoked paprika — use regular paprika if that’s what you have
- Dried oregano — use regular oregano or Mexican oregano
How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
All you do is measure out the spices and add them to a small bowl or jar. Then, stir or shake the spices until they are well blended.
If you don’t need that much taco seasoning and only want to make enough of your own seasoning to use in 1 pound of ground beef, you can even use a paper bowl.
I like to make a big batch to use for several recipes, so I use a small mason jar or a canning jar with a lid. Actually, I’m thrifty and use a clean jam jar for my spice mix!
Recipe Variations
You can also add or subtract spices to get the taste and spice level you love best. This homemade seasoning is rather mild and isn’t super spicy,
Add a dash or two of cayenne pepper or dried red pepper flakes to fix that!
How to Store
Store homemade taco seasoning in an airtight container in a cool dry place. Your pantry is ideal. You can store the seasoning in your spice drawer as long as it isn’t next to a hot stove or oven.
It should stay fresh for for up to 6 months. If you’re like us, it won’t last that long!
Recipes with Taco Seasoning
Of course, this seasoning blend isn’t just for ground beef tacos. You can use it with ground chicken, ground turkey or for any Mexican-style dish.
We use it for chicken enchiladas, pork carnitas, taco pasta, Doritos casserole, salsa verde chicken and salsa chicken.
Recipe FAQ
It varies by brand, but usually 3 tablespoons homemade taco seasoning equals 1 packet taco seasoning mix. This is enough for 1 pound of ground meat.
Use 1 cup water for every 1 pound ground meat and 3 tablespoons of seasoning. You can add more liquid if you need to.
Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon dried minced onions
- 1 tablespoon ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ancho chile powder
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add spices to a bowl or jar
- Mix together, and use for any recipe that calls for taco seasoning
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
We think this simple recipe makes the best homemade taco seasoning! Try this homemade version with your favorite recipes. If you enjoy it as much as we do, please leave a comment and/or star rating.
For more easy recipes, sign up for the weekly newsletter or follow on social media.
Recipe first published in 2020 and updated in 2023.
Finally a great seasoning mix! Everything blends so well and nothing overpowers the other spices! Will be making this often!
Such an easy and tasty recipe! Was the perfect kick to our chicken tacos last night!
I’m so happy to hear this, Sara. Thanks a bunch!
I love homemade seasoning and condiments like this! Way much better than store-brought!
Thanks, Toni. I completely agree!
I love taco flavor and I am so glad to make it at home now!
Homemade is so much better! Thanks, Catalina.
This Taco Seasoning looks totally awesome!
I will be trying this for next Taco Tuesday!!
I love all the spices used for this. It looks so delicious! Can’t wait to use this!
I hope you like it, Beth. Thanks!