Ditch the store bought taco seasoning packet and make your own! This Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe comes together in minutes with ingredients that you already have in your pantry so it’s much more cost effective. You control the sodium and it keeps in the pantry for months!

Homemade taco seasoning ingredients in a bowl

I’m a huge fan of Mexican food, and make it in some form at least once a week. This Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is my go-to to season everything from ground beef tacos to chicken breast for my Santa Fe chicken salad.

It was important to me to create my own seasoning because every store bought taco seasoning packet that I’ve used in the past were full of preservatives and sodium.

I quickly discovered that I could make my own taco seasoning from scratch in mere minutes with herbs and spices that were already in my pantry, and it was every bit as good without all of the added salt!

Now I always have a batch prepped and ready to go to so that I can use it whenever we have Mexican food cravings.

And those cravings are often. 🙂

Taco seasoning ingredients sectioned in a bowl

Why you’ll love this recipe:

  • This homemade taco seasoning is packed with flavor and is perfect for tacos, fajitas or any Mexican recipes.
  • It includes simple ingredients that you already have in your pantry and you control the sodium.
  • It comes together in minutes and it keeps for up to 3 months in the pantry.

Recipe ingredients

The glory of this DIY taco seasoning is that you control the sodium and you can customize it to suit your tastes.

Homemade taco seasoning recipe ingredients labeled

Ingredient notes

  • Chili powder. This is a spice blend that includes a combination of dried, ground red chilies and other spices such as cumin and garlic powder.
  • Ground cumin. This spice is essential to this taco seasoning for it’s warm, earthy flavor.
  • Smoked paprika (or regular). Like chili powder, paprika is made from dried ground chili, but it typically only includes one variety and there are no other spices or seasonings added. Smoked paprika will add smokiness to your taco seasoning, but plain paprika may be used as well.
  • Onion and garlic powder. The onion powder and garlic powder are made from dehydrated ground onion and garlic, and add savory depth of flavor to the seasoning.
  • Dried oregano. Oregano is often used in Mexican cuisine. It’s aromatic, earthy and pungent flavor compliments the deep flavors of the red chilies. It can be substituted with dried coriander.
  • Cayenne pepper. This is ground red pepper and is very spicy. Use just a touch for mild taco seasoning or add more if you like your seasoning medium or spicy!
  • Salt. This Mexican spice mix includes just enough salt because I prefer to add more salt when I’m preparing a recipe. The amount of salt can be customized to suit your tastes.

How to make this Mexican spice mix

This Mexican spice mix has so many uses and it couldn’t be easier to make.

Taco seasoning ingredients include basic herbs and spices that you no doubt have in your pantry, and the recipe comes together in mere minutes.

Pro tip:  This taco seasoning includes just enough salt so that it doesn’t overpower a dish.  Add more or less salt to suit your tastes. 

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

How to make Mexican spice blend
  1. Place the spices and salt in a small bowl.
  2. Stir well to combine.

FAQs

What is taco seasoning mix made of?

This homemade taco seasoning mix is a flavorful blend of chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, onion and garlic powder, dried oregano, cayenne pepper and salt.

The seasoning can be customized to make it mild or spicy by adjusting the cayenne pepper, and the best part is that you control the sodium and there are no preservatives.

How much taco seasoning per pound of meat?

Use roughly 2 tablespoons per every pound to pound and a half of meat or veggies for maximum flavor, adding additional salt as necessary.

How long does homemade taco seasoning last?

This homemade taco seasoning lasts up to 3 months in an air tight container stored in a cool, dry place such as your pantry or spice drawer.

DIY Taco Seasoning

Serving suggestions

The good news is that this homemade taco seasoning isn’t just for tacos. There are so many delicious ways to utilize it as shown below.

Recipe notes

  • Pro tip:  This taco seasoning includes just enough salt so that it doesn’t overpower a dish.  Add more or less salt to suit your tastes.  
  • I normally use 2 tablespoons of the spice blend for every 1 – 1 1/2 lbs. of taco meat or veggies.
  • Use seasoning as taco meat seasoning or for fajitas or your favorite Mexican recipes.
Spoonful of Mexican spice mix over a bowl

More homemade spice blends you’ll love:

Did you try this recipe?  If so, be sure to leave a review below and tag me @flavorthemoments on Facebook and Instagram

Homemade taco seasoning ingredients in a bowl

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

This Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe comes together in minutes with ingredients that you already have in your pantry so it's much more cost effective. You control the sodium and it keeps in the pantry for months!
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Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika sub with regular paprika
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano sub with dried coriander
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper use less or more according to the level of spice that you desire
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt or to taste

Instructions 

  • Place all spices in a small bowl and mix well to combine.
    4 tablespoons chili powder, 2 tablespoons ground cumin, 2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1.5 teaspoons salt
  • Place the taco seasoning in a small air tight container and store in a cool, dry area for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Pro tip:  This taco seasoning includes just enough salt so that it doesn’t overpower a dish.  Add more or less salt to suit your tastes.  
  • I normally use 2 tablespoons of the spice blend for every 1 – 1 1/2 lbs. of taco meat or veggies.
  • Use seasoning as taco meat seasoning or for fajitas or your favorite Mexican recipes.

Nutrition

Calories: 23kcal, Carbohydrates: 4g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 450mg, Potassium: 145mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 1937IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 36mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

**This post was originally published in April 2018. The post has been structured for better readability and the text has been modified to include more recipe information.

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