Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (2024)

This Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is easy to make in minutes and gives the most delicious flavor to tacos and more! With only five real ingredients and no fillers, it’s healthier and tastes so much better than store-bought!

We absolutely love tacos and so many Mexican and Tex-Mex recipes in my house, and I use this taco seasoning recipe a lot! Some favorites are my quick and easy tacos and my chicken taco soup. So, my taco seasoning mix is on hand all the time.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (1)

As much as we love these recipes, I do not use store-bought taco seasoning packets to season my dishes. They can contain preservatives and fillers such as corn starch and others. I make my own.

My delicious and easy homemade taco seasoning contains only five ingredients and is preservative-free and gluten-free, so I know exactly what is in it – and what is not! So, I keep this and many other kitchen staples like homemade BBQ sauce and homemade vanilla extract on hand.

Table of Contents

  • Why You’ll Love This Recipe
  • How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
  • Tips for the Best Homemade Taco Seasoning
  • Ways to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning
  • Great Homemade Gift
  • More Tex-Mex Favorite Recipes
  • Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Just 5 Ingredients – Uses only a handful of ingredients that are easy to find and you most likely have in your pantry!

No Fillers, No Preservatives, and No Sugar – There are no fillers like corn starch (often a GMO ingredient) or sugar. And there’s no MSG or other preservatives!

Quick and Easy – Whisk the ingredients together and then use or store your mix!

Delicious Flavor – Real, flavorful spices allow the delicious tastes to shine through!

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (2)

Ingredients

Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.

  • Chili Powder
  • Garlic Powder
  • Ground Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Salt (optional)

How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning

  1. Measure each of the ground spices and salt. Then, combine them all in a large mixing bowl.
  2. Mix all ground spices together until well blended with a whisk or fork.
  3. Use and store – Use immediately and/or decant the taco seasoning into an airtight container.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (3)

Tips for the Best Homemade Taco Seasoning

  1. Start with fresh spices. Check the expiration dates of each individual spice and smell them. They should smell strong, with no “off” smells. If any of the spices have lost their potent aroma, they are past their prime.
  2. Buy high-quality spices. You will get a taco seasoning with incredible taste by choosing great quality spices.
  3. Store Properly. Keep the taco seasoning in a storage container with an airtight lid. I like glass. Store it away from light and any moisture.

Storage Tips

To store. Place your blended seasoning in an airtight spice container with a lid that seals well. Store away from light and moisture for best results. This taco seasoning mix is best and the most fresh when used within one year.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (4)

Ways to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning

  • Use on all types of tacos, taco soup, and taco cups.
  • Before grilling, sprinkle it on chicken, shrimp, pork chops, and even vegetables.
  • Mix it in ground beef or ground turkey and add to taco salad and more.
  • Add a pinch of taco seasoning to pinto beans or black beans for some extra spice.
  • Sprinkle it on sweet potato fries. It’s so good!
  • Mix a little bit of it in ranch dressing for an extra kick of flavor.

Great Homemade Gift

Prepare taco seasoning mix and then funnel into glass spice jars with airtight lids. Attach printed labels and share them with friends or neighbors.

  • Make a baking-themed gift basket with other homemade spice mixes and flavorings like Pumpkin Pie Spice or Apple Pie Spice and Vanilla Extract.
  • Create a gift basket for cooking with this taco seasoning, a jar of spicy brown sugar dry rub, Stone House Seasoning, and maybe even a jar of Homemade Hot Honey.
  • Remember to include a note with my website address so they can see all the recipe ideas using these homemade goodies. Such a heartfelt and practical present!
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (5)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is homemade taco seasoning gluten-free?

This recipe is gluten-free, but you must check your individual spices to make sure they are pure, quality spices to ensure that none of them contain gluten.

How do I make my taco seasoning low sodium?

You can use less salt or completely omit the salt in the recipe to make it low-sodium.

Are there preservatives in homemade taco seasoning?

There are no preservatives such as MSG and other preservatives in this homemade taco seasoning recipe. Since you choose the individual spices to make this homemade spice mix, be certain that they are high-quality and do not contain any preservatives individually.

More Tex-Mex Favorite Recipes

Steak Fajitas

Restaurant Salsa

Guacamole

Queso

Chicken Enchiladas

If you tried thisHomemade Taco Seasoning Recipeor any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟star ratingand let me know how it went in thecommentsbelow. Thanks for visiting!

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (6)

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Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Robyn Stone

5 from 13 votes

This Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is easy to make in minutes and gives the most delicious flavor to tacos and more! With only five real ingredients and no fillers, it's healthier and tastes so much better than store-bought! It is preservative-free and gluten-free.

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 15 teaspoons

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, optional

Instructions

  • Combine ingredients. Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk to combine.

  • Use and store. Use immediately and store any remaining taco seasoning in an airtight container for up to a year.

Notes

Storage Tip

To store. Place your blended seasoning in an airtight spice container with a lid that seals well. Store away from light and moisture for best results. This taco seasoning mix is best and the most fresh when used within one year.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 teaspoon | Calories: 7kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 174mg | Potassium: 40mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.1g | Vitamin A: 453IU | Vitamin C: 0.05mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Enjoy!
Robyn xo

Categorized as:30 Minutes or Less Recipes, All Recipes, By Cooking Style, Camping, Christmas Recipes, Cooking, Essentials, Father’s Day Recipes, Food Gift Recipes, Game Day Recipes, Herbs and Spices, Holiday and Occasion Recipes, how to, Kitchen Tips, Make-ahead Recipes, No Cook Recipes, Paleo Recipes, Recipes, Seasoning Mix Recipes, Simple Recipes, Sugar-Free Recipes

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About Robyn

Robyn Stone is a cookbook author, wife, mom, and passionate home cook. Her tested and trusted recipes give readers the confidence to cook recipes the whole family will love. Robyn has been featured on Food Network, People, Southern Living, and more.

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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 are the ingredients in Old El Paso Taco seasoning? ›

Ingredients: Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Salt, Chili Pepper, Spice, Sugar, Garlic Powder. Contains 2% or less of: Sea Salt (potassium magnesium chloride, salt), Citric Acid, Onion Powder, Vegetable Oil (canola and/or soybean oil), Silicon Dioxide (anticaking agent), Natural Flavor.

How much taco seasoning for 1 pound of meat? ›

To use: Use about 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning for every 1 pound of meat. Use more or less depending on your preference. Brown meat and drain the fat. Add your taco seasoning along with about 1/2 cup of water.

What 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 can I use instead of Mexican spices? ›

Substitute for Mexican spice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (add more if you like)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (or 2 teaspoons crushed dried fried onions)
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano.
  • 2 teaspoons paprika.
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cumin.
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt.
Sep 24, 2020

What is McCormick taco seasoning made of? ›

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

What does Taco Bell use for taco seasoning? ›

Taco Bell Seasoning is a classic blend seasoned with onion powder, garlic salt, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and chili powder. The next time you want take out, you can make your very own copycat version of the Taco Bell original taco seasoning mix.

What are the ingredients 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.

How many tacos will 2 lbs of meat make? ›

How much ground beef per taco? Each taco shell or small soft taco-size tortilla fits about 2 ounces or 1/4 cup of meat. If you add diced onions, you could stretch a pound of ground beef to make about a dozen tacos. With just the meat and spices, you can make about 8 tacos from a pound of meat.

How do you fix too much taco seasoning in meat? ›

The next time your dish tastes too spicy, try adding lemon, lime or orange juice, or any style of vinegar that suits the dish and your taste preferences. Remember, a little goes a long way, so taste as you go (it's always easier to add more than to backtrack after adding too much).

Can I use fajita seasoning instead of taco seasoning? ›

Fajita seasoning and taco seasoning are very similar, but they are not the same. Taco seasoning typically has more oregano and chili powder than fajita seasoning. With that being said, however, you can use fajita seasoning and taco seasoning interchangeably in recipes, it may just warrant a slightly different flavor.

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

Mix together garlic powder, basil, parsley, savory, thyme, mace, onion powder, black pepper, sage, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Store in a sealed jar.

What can you replace taco meat with? ›

Meatless Tacos: 10 Options to Consider Instead of Meat
  1. Black beans.
  2. Chickpeas.
  3. Mushrooms.
  4. Butternut squash.
  5. Quinoa.
  6. Tofu.
  7. Lentils.
  8. Cauliflower.
May 18, 2022

How do you season without seasoning? ›

Jams, preserves, honey, and maple syrup can be used for glazing meats or roasted vegetables. Brown sugar can be mixed with savory spices as a rub for dry meat. All types of vinegar (cider, wine vinegar, Balsamic, rice, or flavored) can be used as marinades or to drizzle on veggies or fruit.

Can you use chili seasoning mix instead of taco seasoning mix? ›

If you're sitting at home staring at your packet of taco seasoning and wondering if it can be used for the chili recipe you're preparing tonight, then save yourself a trip to the grocery store. That taco seasoning will work out just fine. Vice versa is true as well. Go ahead and use chili seasoning on your taco beef.

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