This is the best Homemade Taco Seasoning ever. It has the perfect amount of spices to add to your favorite Mexican recipes. It is so easy to make, you can put it together in less than 5 minutes. You will never buy store-bought taco seasoning again!
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At the beginning of this year I made a commitment to eat a lot healthier and that includes not eating things that I can not pronounce. If you have ever looked at the back of a store-bought taco packet. It has a lot of things that I have no idea what they are.
So I came up with this easy homemade version that tastes so good and will make taco Tuesdays your favorite day of the week. Some of my favorite recipes to use this DIY version in are Ground Beef Tacos, Taco Spaghetti, 7 Layer Dip, and chicken tacos. No matter what meat you use it on. It will add so much flavor to any of your favorite Mexican recipes.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Ingredients
To make this DIY taco seasoning recipe, you will need the following spices:
- Chili Powder: Is the base of the taco seasoning and adds a mild amount of heat.
- Paprika: Gives the taco seasoning a beautiful color. I like to just use regular paprika, but sweet and smokey paprika also work well.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Just enough to compliment the flavors of the other spices.
- Onion Powder: Adds a subtle hint of onion flavor. You definitely don’t want to skip this spice even if you don’t like the flavor of onion.
- Garlic Powder: This is such a great flavor booster and is so tasty in the mix.
- Cumin: This little spice packs a lot of flavor and adds some nice color.
- Cayenne Pepper: This is what adds the heat. You can adjust depending on how much spice that you like.
I have included instructions in the recipe card to make a large and small batch of this easy to make taco seasoning.
How To Make Taco Seasoning
This homemade taco seasoning is so easy to make, that it only has one step.
- Add all of the spices to a small mixing bowl. Whisk together until well combined.
- If you are making a large batch, add all spices to a pint sized mason jar. Then, add the lid and shake until well combined.
How to store
The best way to store your taco seasoning is in an air tight container. If I am make a smaller batch I like to use these Glass Spice Jars. They are just like the jars that your spices come in from the store. If I am making a large batch I will store it in a pint sized mason jar and transfer it to the glass spice jars as needed.
How long does it last?
As long as you store your taco seasoning in a cool, dry place and in a air tight container. It will stay good for 1 to 11/2 years. But if you are anything like me it won’t last longer than 3 months.
How much homemade taco seasoning equals one packet?
For every pound of chicken or beef that your recipe calls for, add 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning. The best part of making your own seasoning. Is that you can add as much or as little as you want and not have half empty packets left over.
Can I make Different Spices Levels?
Yes, the great thing about making your own taco seasoning. Is that you can make it as spicy or mild as your family likes. At my house we keep everything on the mild to medium side. Because my kids won’t anything that has a lot of spice to it.
- Make It Spicy: For a single batch add 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. For a large batch add 4 teaspoons of cayenne pepper. You can add more, but this is what I recommend starting out with. To really add some spice I would also add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes. This also adds some beautiful color to the seasoning.
- Make It Medium: The recipe is made just to have a little bit of spice to it. Leave everything as is.
- Make It Mild: Completely remove the cayenne pepper from the large and small batch.
Some Other Yummy Mexican Recipes That Use Taco Seasoning
- Crock Pot Fiesta Chicken Goes on just about anything.
- Sheet Pan Chicken Nachos The perfect dinner or party meal.
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Perfect for a quick and easy dinner.
- Cafe Rio Sweet Pork Recipe Better than the original.
- Taco Soup A blogger reader favorite!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
Equivalent to 1 store-bought packet
- 1½ tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Large batch – equivalent to 8 store-bought packets
- ¾ cup chili powder
- ⅓ cup paprika
- 1½ tbsp kosher salt
- 2½ tbsp onion powder
- 2½ tbsp garlic powder
- 2½ tbsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Add all of the spices to a small mixing bowl. Whisk together until well combined.
- Store in a small spice jar or mason jar for up to 1 year.
Nutrition
Have you tried this recipe?
RATE and COMMENT below! I would love to hear your experience. Getting feedback from you helps me and other readers too!
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I’m not a fan of funky ingredients added to commercially prepared taco seasonings. That’s why I love this recipe!
Me either, that’s why I love making my own so much.
I’ve never made homemade taco seasoning before, but I’m pretty sure I already have all of the ingredients in my kitchen! Will definitely try this out whenever we decide to have our next taco night 🙂
I love to hear what you think once you have taco night.
This is great. I love having homemade spice mixes on hand. Delicious and super budget friendly.
Me too, Diana. Plus they taste so much better.
Some time ago, I started learning how to make spice blends at home. And this taco seasoning is going to my recipe collection. I will definitely make it.
So glad that you like it enough to add to your collection of recipes.
Oh wow! This recipe is perfect for taco night! Definitely making this seasoning, so I have it on hand!
It’s a perfect seasoning to have on hand! Glad you enjoy it!
Hi I made the large batch for our tacos and was way to hot for us (just saw advise on the strength of heat after) was wondering how to tone it down a bit! Hate to throw it away! Any advice?
I’m sorry it was too spicy for your family. I would try adding all the ingredients except the cayenne pepper to your batch. This will give you more seasoning, but it will tone down the spice.
For the large batch, how much seasoning do you add per lb of meat?
NM! Just found the answer ❤️