Homemade Taco Seasoning comes together quickly to create a cheaper, tastier, healthier version of store-bought taco seasoning.
Keep this Homemade Taco Seasoning on hand at all times to use in recipes, such as Taco Meat, Instant Pot Chicken Tacos, and Taco Pizza, that call for a packet of taco seasoning.
The #1 pice blend used at my house would have to be Taco Seasoning. From shredded chicken tacos to bean burritos to Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup, taco seasoning adds just the right amount of flavor to endless recipes.
Instead of relying on store-bought seasoning packets, I opt to make my own taco seasoning, just as I prefer preparing homemade chili seasoning, dried onion soup mix, and ranch seasoning.
why homemade taco seasoning is best
- Homemade is more economical. I know I just said that the store-bought packets are cheap, but when you use taco seasoning several times per month, it still comes out to be less expensive to make your own.
- Allergy-Friendly. This recipe for taco seasoning is free of the top 8 allergens--no need to carefully read labels to look for traces of gluten, dairy, eggs, corn, or nuts.
- Quality Control. Most store-bought taco seasoning mixes are full of preservatives, MSG, and added sugars. Not to mention they are high in sodium. By making Taco Seasoning at home, you can skip all those additives AND you can customize your taco seasoning blend to suit your taste buds and dietary restrictions.
- Easy. It is INCREDIBLY easy to make taco seasoning. Much easier than having to run out to the store to grab a packet when the craving for tacos strikes.
- Flavorful. The dried spices I use in this recipe for taco seasoning are the perfect ratio to replicate the store-bought seasoning--without being overly salty!
Spices in Taco Seasoning
- Chili Powder: Use basic chili powder, not ancho chili powder or chipotle chili powder for the best balance of flavor.
- Cumin: Use ground cumin, not cumin seed.
- Paprika: Use regular paprika. While smoked paprika adds a nice smokey finish, it may overwhelm the seasoning blend.
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Dried Oregano: Italian or Mexican dried oregano both work in this taco seasoning recipe.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add a bit of balanced heat to the taco seasoning without being overly spicy.
- Black Pepper
- Salt: Use kosher salt for best results, as you it imparts more flavor using less sodium than table salt.
∗ important to remember ∗
For optimum flavor, be sure you use dried herbs that are no more than 6 months old. As spices sit in the pantry, they begin to lose their flavor.
How to Make Taco Seasoning
- In a medium bowl, combine all the ingredients and mix together until everything is well distributed.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container for storage.
Storage Instructions
Be sure to store taco seasoning in an airtight jar or container, like a ball jar, or small spice jar, to keep out moisture and so that it will not absorb flavors from other spices in your spice cabinet.
Homemade Taco Seasoning will last for up to 6 months when stored in an airtight container in the pantry. While certainly safe to consume after 6 months, the flavor will begin to lose potency.
Recipe Modifications
As stated earlier, by making your own Taco Seasoning, you can control the flavoring and adjust the seasonings to fit your taste buds.
- Don't like garlic? Omit the garlic powder.
- Can't handle the heat? Omit the red pepper flakes.
- Like it spicier? Increase red pepper flakes from ¼ teaspoon to ½ teaspoon.
- Need Sodium-Free or Low Sodium Taco Seasoning? Omit the salt completely or cut it in half. I promise this spice blend will still add great flavor to your recipes.
How to Use Taco Seasoning
This recipe for taco seasoning can be used in any recipe that calls for taco seasoning. And while it is the perfect seasoning for traditional ground beef tacos and Instant Pot chicken tacos, think outside the box and use taco seasoning to give your recipes a Mexican spin.
- In place of salt, use 1-2 teaspoons of taco seasoning to season homemade fries.
- Add taco seasoning to Crockpot Chicken Chili, Instant Pot Taco Chili, or Instant Pot Tortilla Soup to add a Tex-Mex flair to easy recipes.
- Mix 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning with 1 cup of sour cream for a quick dressing for Taco Salad or Southwestern Chicken Salad.
- Season Burgers with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to ground meat and form burgers with a Southwestern spin.
- Add taco seasoning to Lentil Tacos, Cauliflower Tacos, or Black Bean Tacos for a meatless spin on taco night.
- Make a creamy taco dip by adding taco seasoning to cream cheese and sour cream.
- Add just the right flavor to Refried Beans, Rice and Beans, Bean Burritos, or Sweet Potato Burritos by using a homemade taco seasoning blend.
More Homemade Spice Blends
- Homemade Fajita Seasoning
- Adobo Seasoning
- Homemade Chili Seasoning
- Old Bay Seasoning Recipe
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning
If you tried out this homemade version of taco seasoning I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup chili powder
- ⅓ cup kosher salt
- ½ cup cumin
- ⅓ cup paprika
- ¼ cup garlic powder
- ¼ cup onion powder
- ¼ cup black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Add the spices to a small mixing bowl or jar and mix to evenly combine.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store in the pantry for up to 6 months.
- For every 1 packet of taco seasoning, use 2 tablespoons of this homemade taco seasoning.
Notes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Marg
Good