This homemade taco seasoning mix is easy to put together at home and allows you to control the perfect amount of spices. You’ll never pick up a packet from the store again!
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Have you ever wondered how to make homemade taco seasoning mix? Sure, buying a packet from the store is easy, but have you ever looked at the ingredients on the back? Can you pronounce all of them?
Making at home taco seasoning lets you control exactly what goes into it. The heat level, the quality of ingredients, the amount of sodium. All under your control.
Also, you gotta love recipes whose sole directions are “mix all ingredients together”.
For that reason alone, why wouldn’t you make this yourself instead of buying the packets at the store? Don’t say because you’re lazy because I’m lazy too (sometimes) and I do it. You probably have all these ingredients in your cupboard anyway.
Plus, you’ll save money.
Why you’ll love this DIY Taco Seasoning
- You control exactly what goes into it.
- It’s easy! You probably have all the components in your spice cabinet.
- It’s cheap – make a batch and keep it on hand instead of buying a packet each time you need it.
Helpful Tools
- Measuring spoons – I like this set because they’re magnetic and stack so you don’t lose them in your drawer.
- Small hinge jars – These little jars are cute (same ones pictured) and hold just the right amount of homemade spices (3 oz).
- Mini whisk – Not totally necessary, but it’s cute!
Ingredients for homemade taco seasoning mix
Below is a list of the ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe, why you need them, and possible substitutions. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card with measurements.
Jump- Chili Powder – Chili powder is made from dried chiles in varying heat.
- Ground Cumin – Made from ground cumin seeds, cumin is essential in many Mexican and Indian dishes. It has a warm earthy flavor with a bit of sweetness and bitterness.
- Garlic Powder – Much sweeter and more subtle than fresh garlic, garlic powder is made from grinding down dehydrated garlic.
- Onion Powder – Onion powder is concentrated fresh onion and adds a sweet and savory flavor.
- Dried Oregano – Oregano has an herby, peppery flavor that works well in most tomato-based dishes. Thyme and basil would also work.
- Paprika – Paprika is made from dried, ground red peppers. It has a sweet and peppery taste. You can also choose a smoked paprika for an added chargrilled flavor.
How to make homemade taco seasoning
This section shows you how to make this recipe, with process photos showing the steps to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
JumpThis one is a doozy, are you ready? lol
- STEP ONE: Combine all seasonings in a small bowl or plate. Whisk together. That’s it!
What to use taco seasoning in
Taco seasoning is used in many recipes such as crock pot salsa chicken, taco dip, in a copycat Taco Bell Mexican pizza, or baked chicken fajitas, to name a few.
How to store taco seasoning
Homemade taco seasoning should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature.
Possible additions
You can add sea salt, black pepper, Tajin, etc. I like to leave out salt and pepper so I can control those components separately.
To make it spicier, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
How much does this recipe make?
This recipe makes approximately 6 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix, which is equal to approximately 3 packets of store bought seasoning.
How much taco seasoning do I need for 1 pound of meat?
Use approximately 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning for every 1 pound of meat (chicken, ground beef, ground turkey, etc.).
FAQs
Is taco seasoning spicy?
No, this taco seasoning is not spicy, but it adds great flavor.
Is there MSG in taco seasoning?
Yes, there is likely MSG (Monosodium glutamate) in store bought packets of taco seasonings. That’s the beauty of making it yourself – you control the ingredients and this recipe does not include any.
How many tablespoons are in a packet of taco seasoning?
A typical packet of taco seasoning contains 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) of mix. If your recipe calls for a packet of seasoning, simply replace the packet with 2 tablespoons of this homemade mix.
Need more homemade seasoning mix recipes? Try these:
Homemade Italian Seasoning
Homemade Tuscan Seasoning
Homemade Seasoning Salt
Shawarma Seasoning
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 8 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 teaspoons paprika
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together.1 Tablespoon chili powder, ½ teaspoon ground cumin, 2 teaspoons garlic powder, 8 teaspoons onion powder, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 4 teaspoons paprika
- Store in an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
Did you make this recipe?
Tag me on Instagram @melissa_pplates so I can see!Originally published July 3, 2013; photos and text updated January 2022
Did You Make This?
If you made this recipe, I’d love to know how it went in the comments section below.
You can also tag me on Instagram – @melissa_ppplates or share a pic in the Persnickety Plates Community Facebook group. I love seeing what you’ve tried!
I LOVE making my own taco seasoning. It is crazy how quickly it comes together. Thanks for sharing this Melissa!
Glad you liked this DIY seasoning. I’m a fan of those recipes where the methods consists of “Mix everything together.” too! (Although I like to call it “being efficient” instead of “lazy.”) 😛
ha efficient does sound better than lazy =)
This is a cute post and great recipe! I like making my own taco seasoning and have linked to several different recipes. Now I’ll use this one instead 🙂 xoxo
Thanks, Andi =)
I use taco seasoning all the time. And frankly, the store bought stuff gets old. Can’t wait to try this!
It is a very happy day for me…..I just found your site. You have the cutest recipes I can make for my best friend. She is 4 years old.
Is this taco seasoning (1X) serving means one store-bought package?
Thank you in advance
Sheri
Hi Sheri – as written, it makes about 6 Tablespoons, which is about 3 packets.