Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe

Try our Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe! Learn how to make taco seasoning for homemade tacos and never buy a taco seasoning packet again.

I started making our own taco seasoning years ago, and now it’s one of those spice blends I always keep in the pantry. I buy a lot of our spices in bulk, so mixing up a big jar at once is easy and means taco night can happen whenever we want.

One thing I really love about making it myself is being able to adjust the seasonings. You can use a little less salt, add more heat, or tweak the blend until it tastes just right for your family.

And this jar definitely isn’t reserved for tacos. We use it for chicken, pork, chickpeas, meatless meals, nachos, fries, and even fish.

Quick Bites About This Recipe

Skill Level: Super easy. Measure everything and mix it together!
Swaps: Smoked paprika can replace regular paprika for a smokier flavor.
Make Ahead: This larger batch is perfect to make once and keep in the pantry.
Variations & Substitutions: Add cayenne for more heat or reduce the salt if you prefer to season your meals separately.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Ingredients

Chili powder: This makes up the main flavor base of the blend. Chili powders vary by brand, especially when it comes to heat, so use one you already enjoy.
Dried oregano: Oregano adds a little herby flavor that works really well with the warmer spices. Regular dried oregano works perfectly here.
Granulated garlic: I prefer granulated garlic over a super fine powder. The texture blends nicely into the seasoning without making cooked meat feel powdery or thick.
Granulated onion: This adds plenty of savory onion flavor. Granulated onion is also one of the reasons this blend has a little more texture than a packet of seasoning.
Paprika: Paprika adds color and a mild pepper flavor without making the blend overly spicy. Smoked paprika works too if you want a smokier taste.
Ground cumin: Cumin gives the mixture its warm, earthy flavor. It’s one of those spices I wouldn’t leave out.
Black pepper: We use a generous amount for a little bite and extra savory flavor.
Kosher salt: We prefer kosher salt in this mix. Different salts can taste saltier by volume, so use less if you’re swapping in a finer salt.

How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning

Add all of the spices to a bowl and stir until well combined.

Pour into a 16 to 20 ounce airtight jar. Shake before using since the spices may settle.

For taco meat, use about 2 tablespoons seasoning per 1 pound of cooked meat. Add 1/2 cup water and simmer for 3-5 minutes.

Storing and Reheating (If There’s Any Leftovers!)

Keep it in an airtight sealed container in a cool, dry pantry and use within 6 months.

How to Serve Homemade Taco Seasoning

Use this anywhere you’d normally reach for a packet of taco seasoning. It’s great with ground beef, chicken, turkey, pork, beans, chickpeas, vegetables, nachos, quesadillas, burrito bowls, and taco salads. We’ve even used it on fries and stirred a little into mac and cheese.

Recipe Tips and Notes

• Start with about 2 tablespoons per pound of meat and add more if you like a stronger flavor.
• Add about 1/2 cup water when seasoning cooked ground meat so the spices can coat everything evenly.
• We prefer granulated garlic and onion instead of very fine powders for better texture.
• Give the jar a good shake before measuring since the spices can settle.
• Use less salt if you’re using a fine-grain salt instead of kosher salt.
• Chili powder can vary in heat from one brand to another.
• For a spicier version, add cayenne pepper to taste.
• If you need the blend to be gluten-free, check the labels on each individual spice.