Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (2024)

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Never buy overpriced store bought packets of taco seasoning again. Learn how to make Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipethat is easy and budget friendly.

Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (1)

Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe:

We are so excited for you to try this DIYTaco Seasoning recipe. Once you see how easy it is, you will stop buying it at the grocery store.We love making this and it is super easy. The flavor is amazing and we all love it.

All of the recipes turn out great using this homemade taco seasoning mix. You won’t find any crazyingredients you cannot pronounce. I love being able to give my family homemade seasoning and it really only takes minutes to make. It is a win all around.

Homemade seasoning blends just taste better. I can easily use more or less of a seasoning and I know exactly what I am adding to the blend. Making this Taco seasoning blend is easy to make and simple to store.

If you like homemade seasoning as much as we do, make this Homemade Blackened Seasoning.

Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (2)

Ingredients:

  • Chili powder
  • Ground Cumin
  • Onion Powder
  • Garlic Salt
  • Pepper
  • Salt
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Cayenne or Red Pepper Flakes

I love knowing exactly what is in the taco seasoning mix. You won’t find any extra ingredients or additives since you are making this at home.

Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (3)

How to Make Taco Seasoning:

This is so easy. All you do is mix all the ingredients including the garlic powder and onion powder up in a jar. It is that easy to make homemade taco seasoning.

  • Step 1 – Mix all the seasonings in a small bowl.
Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (4)
  • Step 2 – Transfer to a jar and store in a cool, dark place.
  • Step 3 – When you need taco seasoning, use 2 Tablespoons for a pound of meat or chicken.

You are going to love having taco seasoning to use for all your recipes. It is so handy having this at home and you will save a ton of time and money.

Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (5)

How Much Taco Seasoning to Use:

Simply use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning instead of a seasoning packet in a pound of ground beef or chicken. When add it to our ground beef, I like to add in a cup of water to combine with the seasoning.

It is that easy – one quick step and you have it ready to use it in any of your favorite recipes.

Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (6)

How Long Should a Dry Rub Sit on Chicken:

When applying the taco seasoning as a dry rub on the chicken, allow time for it to marinate on the chicken. We recommend for at least an hour and up to 12 hours. While the chicken is marinating keep it in the refrigerator.

Dry rub is the perfect option to allow chicken to marinate overnight or all day to add so much flavor.

Variations:

  • Salt – To reduce the sodium in the taco seasoning, you can omit the salt or use less of it. You can also use sea salt or pink salt instead of regular salt.
  • Mild Taco Seasoning – We like to add in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes but if you prefer a mild seasoning, you can easily omit this seasoning.
  • Extra Heat – If you like a more spicier taco seasoning, increase the cayenne pepper.
  • Dried Oregano – Oregano is another great option to add to this seasoning blend.
Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (7)

What is Taco Seasoning Made of?

This taco seasoning blend is made up of easy to find spices at the store. This Mexican blend of spices usually combines the following flavors:

  • Chili powder
  • Ground Cumin
  • Onion Powder
  • Garlic Salt
  • Pepper
  • Salt
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Cayenne or Red Pepper Flakes

My favorite part of this recipe is that I know exactly what is in this taco seasoning.

You won’t find any extra ingredients or additives since you are making this at home. Also this spice blend tastes amazing together. If you are trying to watch you salt intake, you can easily use garlic powder instead.

If you are sensitive to spice, reduce the cayenne pepper or leave it out all together.

More Ways to Use Taco Seasoning Mix:

There are many ways to use this Homemade Taco Seasoning. Yes, it is great when you are making steak fajita’s or chicken fajita’s. But I have used it in many other ways and it came out so amazing.

  • Soup –If you are making a taco soup or a enchilada soup, add this seasoning. It gives it so much flavor. We love using it in all our taco soup recipes.
  • Marinate –Add a dry rub to your chicken breast, shrimp, steak and use this taco seasoning. This is a great dry rub when grilling, baking or sauteing meat. It adds so much flavor and can easily be customized.
  • Roast Vegetables –Spice up your vegetables and sprinkle a tablespoon or two on your vegetables before putting in the oven.
  • Mixed in a tip – We love taco seasoning in our Taco Dip.
Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (8)

How to StoreHomemade Taco Seasoning:

I like to use mason jars to store the taco seasoning mix in. The jars keep everything nice and fresh and they are inexpensive to purchase. Plus, you can reuse them for other things once you are finished. We love mason jars.

Generally I double or triple this recipe so I don’t have to make it very often. You can use a container you already have or a mason jar and be set for the next taco night!

How Long does Homemade Taco Seasoning Last:

If stored properly the taco seasoning will last about 6 months. Making homemade seasoning blend is part of my meal prep. It saves me time and money when I prepare the seasoning blend ahead of time.

Make sure to always use fresh spices when preparing your Taco Seasoning blend. I like to smell the seasoning before adding to make sure there is an aroma. If there is not an aroma, then you will need to replace that spice.

More Homemade Seasoning to try:

Here are some of our favorite seasonings to make at home.

  • Homemade Italian Seasoning
  • Blackened Seasoning
  • Fajita Seasoning
  • Kickin Chicken Seasoning Recipe

Favorite Recipes to use Taco Seasoning:

  • Easy Crock Pot Taco Meat Recipe
  • Doritos Taco Salad Recipe
  • Easy Taco Crescent Ring Recipe
  • Taco Rice Bowl Recipe

Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (9)

Review

Pin Print

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

4.95 from 105 votes

This delicious Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is so easy to make. You will save a ton of money by making your own. Try out this Homemade Taco Seasoning.

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 5 minutes mins

Servings 6 servings

Cuisine Mexican

Course Mixes and Seasonings

Calories 16

Author Carrie Barnard

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Mix all the seasonings in a small bowl.

  • Transfer to a jar and store in a cool, dark place.

  • When you need taco seasoning, use 2 Tablespoons for a pound of meat or chicken.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Make sure to label your jar so you can identify and find your seasoning easy.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 16kcal, Carbohydrates 3g, Protein 1g, Fat 1g, Saturated Fat 1g, Sodium 2330mg, Potassium 75mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 1g, Vitamin A 425IU, Vitamin C 0.3mg, Calcium 27mg, Iron 1.6mg

Pin This Now to Remember It Later

Pin Recipe

More Taco Recipes:

  • Crock Pot Mexican Taco Casserole Recipe
  • Instant Pot Taco Meat Recipe
  • 7 Can Taco Soup Recipe
  • Slow Cooker Queso Chicken Tacos Recipe
Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (10)

Try these other recipes

Homemade Seasoning Blends

Steak Rub

Homemade Seasoning Blends

Easy Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Easy Appetizer

Pepperoni Pizza Dip Recipe

Easy Copycat

Kickin Chicken Seasoning Recipe

Homemade Seasoning Blends

Caesar Salad Dressing Recipe

Homemade Seasoning Blends

Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe

Homemade Seasoning Blends

Pizza Seasoning

Easy Copycat

Taco Bell Creamy Jalapeño Sauce

About the Author

Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (19)

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

About Carrie Page
Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I use if I don't have taco seasoning? ›

Packet Taco Seasoning replacement: if you only want to make enough taco seasoning to replace 1 packet, use the following amounts:
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder.
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder.
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano.
  • ½ teaspoon paprika.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin.
  • 1 teaspoon salt.
Mar 16, 2021

What is taco seasoning mix made of? ›

Most taco seasoning mixes contain salt, warming spices (such as paprika, oregano, and chili), onion powder, and garlic powder. This top-rated recipe is made with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.

What's the difference between Mexican seasoning and taco seasoning? ›

Ultimately, the difference between these two comes down to the composition of spices. Taco seasoning is usually milder than Mexican seasoning. Mexican seasoning contains ancho powder and chipotle chile pepper, both of which give it a little more of a kick.

What are the ingredients in Mccormick taco seasoning? ›

SPICES (INCLUDING CHILI PEPPER, PAPRIKA, OREGANO), ONION, SALT, POTATO STARCH, SUGAR, GARLIC & NATURAL FLAVOR.

What can I use if I don't have cumin for taco seasoning? ›

Cumin is an earthy, aromatic spice that brings citrusy notes to a dish. If you're in a pinch, there are many great alternatives you might already have in your pantry. Caraway seeds and ground coriander most closely mimic cumin's flavor, while curry and chili powders contain cumin.

What are the ingredients in Old El Paso taco seasoning? ›

Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Salt, Chili Pepper, Onion Powder, Sugar. Contains 2% or less of: Spice, Vegetable Oil (canola, high oleic soybean and/or sunflower oil), Silicon Dioxide (anticaking agent), Natural Flavor, Modified Corn Starch.

What is the same as taco seasoning? ›

What can you use instead of taco seasoning? Chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and cumin all mixed together is pretty much the same.

Does taco seasoning have tomatoes in it? ›

What is Taco Seasoning? Taco Seasoning has masa harina, salt, chiles, tomato powder, garlic, cumin, California paprika, onion, white sugar, Mexican oregano, allspice. All of the spices are pretty finely ground with no large chunks.

What is in Ortega taco seasoning? ›

Yellow Corn Flour, Spices, Salt, Maltodextrin, Paprika, Modified Corn Starch, Onion Powder, Sugar, Garlic Powder, Citric Acid, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Natural Flavors, Caramel Color. Product formulation and packaging may change. Please refer to the product label for the most accurate information.

Do Mexicans use taco seasoning? ›

Mexican seasoning and taco seasoning are two popular spice blends often used in the culinary world, particularly in dishes of Mexican origin.

What seasoning do Mexicans use? ›

With garlic and onions as the savory cornerstone, the most common Mexican spices and herbs are coriander, allspice, cloves, thyme, Mexican oregano, Mexican cinnamon (ceylon), cumin and cacao which showcase the breadth of Mexican food.

Is chili powder a good substitute for taco seasoning? ›

We eat every other kind of taco, too. Chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper and cumin all mixed together is pretty much the same. The cumin is the star here, without it, you'll mostly be getting hot and salty, not so much the taco flavor.

What is El Pastor taco seasoning? ›

Ingredients. Spices (paprika, chipotle pepper*, chili pepper, and other spice), Onion Powder, Sugar, Salt, Garlic*, Corn Starch, Malic Acid. Contains 2% or less of: Vegetable Oil (canola and/or soybean oil), Silicon Dioxide (anticaking agent), Annatto Extract (color), Vinegar*.

Who makes Old El Paso taco seasoning? ›

Old El Paso is a brand of Tex-Mex-style foods from American food producer General Mills. These include dinner kits, tacos and tortillas, taco seasoning, sauces, condiments, rice, and refried beans. Pet, Inc. Old El Paso products are marketed across the globe.

What is Southwest taco seasoning? ›

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper. 1 tablespoon garlic powder. 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. 1 tablespoon salt. 1 tablespoon dried oregano.

Can you replace taco seasoning with chili seasoning? ›

It would be a different tasting but fair exchange. Chili seasoning is usually salt, chili powder or flakes, cumin, perhaps dried cilantro, parsley and onion powder. Taco seasoning is not as spicy as chili seasoning so you'll need to perk it up to your taste.

How do you season without seasoning? ›

Acids act a little like salt in that they help bring out the natural brightness of foods and work to meld flavors together. Try making a quick salad dressing with lemon juice and zest or red wine vinegar with a smidge of oil—or toss veggies and grains with citrus or vinegar to brighten them up.

Can you cook ground beef without seasoning? ›

That depends on the quality of the ground beef, and what cut of the animal it came from. If it's fairly average “ground beef” from an average grocery store, then it probably won't taste all that good without seasoning - particularly without salt.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Delena Feil

Last Updated:

Views: 6550

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (45 voted)

Reviews: 92% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Delena Feil

Birthday: 1998-08-29

Address: 747 Lubowitz Run, Sidmouth, HI 90646-5543

Phone: +99513241752844

Job: Design Supervisor

Hobby: Digital arts, Lacemaking, Air sports, Running, Scouting, Shooting, Puzzles

Introduction: My name is Delena Feil, I am a clean, splendid, calm, fancy, jolly, bright, faithful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.