Once you try this DIY….you’ll never go back!
How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning.
Lately I have LOVED making my own seasonings. Chili, hamburger and taco seasonings are so easy to make, taste a heck of a lot better than the packaged ones, AND you can control what goes into them. Heat things up with some extra spice, lower the sodium levels, you name it! I know some of you are thinking that the prepackaged are sooooo much more convenient. Well, at times yes.
BUT if you take just 3 minutes to make a big batch of your very own seasoning, you don’t even have to go to the store to pick up those “convenient” packs. You will already have some ready to go in your pantry. Fresh, the way you like! Doesn’t get more convenient than that.
Can I make this diy homemade taco seasoning low sodium?
Yes! Start by cutting the salt in half and see how that tastes to you. And if your diet requires very strict restrictions, cut the salt entirely.
How long can I store my homemade taco seasoning?
Make sure to store your taco seasoning in an air tight container and it should stay good a whole year.
DIY Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Ingredients you will need:
- chili powder
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- crushed red pepper flakes
- dried oregano
- paprika
- ground cumin
- sea salt
- black pepper
- Mix together all ingredients. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
When you are ready to use use your Homemade Taco Seasoning, use about 2 tablespoons per 1 pound of meat. Feel free to add more or use less, I just found that to be the sweet spot 🙂 - Brown your beef and drain off fat. Sprinkle seasoning evenly over meat and add 1/3 cup of water. Simmer until water is adsorbed.
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DIY Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients. Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
- When you are ready to use use your Homemade Taco Seasoning, use about 2 tablespoons per 1 pound of meat. Feel free to add more or use less, I just found that to be the sweet spot 🙂
- Brown your beef and drain off fat. Sprinkle seasoning evenly over meat and add 1/3 cup of water. Simmer until water is adsorbed.
Nutrition Information:
READY FOR SOME MORE YUMMY MEXICAN CUISINE?
- Crockpot Taco Casserole – always a winning dinner
- Crockpot Citrus Pork Street Tacos – perfect for Taco Tuesday
- Easy Taco Pasta Salad – a fun twist on pasta salad
- Tater Tot Nachos – a family favorite!
Post Updated August, 2020
BusyWorkingMama says
I just posted a homemade taco recipe the other day – great minds think alike. So easy to make!
Marsha says
Is this gluten free?
Andrew says
Yes. This recipe is 100% gluten free.
Katie says
Love it!!!
Laura @ Gluten Free Pantry says
What a fantastic recipe! Homemade seasonings are the best and I love the different spices you used in this blend!
Karla Glaser says
Thank you for your recipe! We loved how all the seasons blended & tasted so well together.
Corey says
Yay! I am so glad you guys liked it Karla 🙂
Tobi Iott says
Used this taco seasoning tonight when I decided to throw dinner together last minute. So yummy!
Corey says
Yay! I am so glad you liked it Tobi 🙂
Joanne says
This was great! My two teenagers gobbled up tacos tonight. This mix has the right bit of spiciness to it.
Kelly says
use this today and it was delicious. didn’t have onion powder so I used fresh onions instead.
Corey says
Awesome Kelly!
Alexandria says
Being Mexican, this recipe is close to how most Hispanics make their seasoning, except the oregano. We don’t use that spice often.
shon says
Mexican oregano is the Best. And I’m Not Mexican.
Tommie Rivera says
So what’s the 3 stars for? 🤔🤷🏻♀️
Rebecca says
I have made this a few times and loved it every time. This Mexican always uses oregano. When I was little, my mother made a tea from the leaves when I got sick. Oregano and Cumin are always in use in my kitchen.
Sophia says
I use it all the time as well and I’m Mexican 😍
Rebecca says
OOPS, forgot to rate the recipe. 5 stars all the way.
Corey says
Haha. Thank you SOOO much Rebecca 🙂
Meg says
This was so easy I make and a huge hit at my house! Thank you for sharing!
Corey says
YAY! I am so glad you liked it Meg. XO – Corey
Randomly Fascinated says
Is this recipe 2T worth or more? I want to make a big batch and I need to know if I should make as is or multiply it. Thanks! It looks good!
Corey says
This makes about 3 tablespoons worth of seasoning. 🙂 Hope that helps!
Joellen says
I think this is our new favorite taco seasoning. I’ve gotten used to the reduced sodium taco seasoning packets, so this was a little bit saltier than I prefer, but my family loved it. It tastes so much better than the taco seasoning packets.
Corey says
Awesome Joellen! I am so happy to hear you love this recipe!
Rebecca says
I always multiply the recipe by 6 or more so I have plenty on hand. Keep it stored in a covered container with my other spices.
Melissa Ott says
Wow made chicken tacos with this and wow I am never buying taco seasonings again so tasty and just nice to know exactly what I am eating so yummy the family loved it too
Corey says
This comment made me so happy Melissa! Thank you!
Mark Waldron says
Glad to see that you used this for chicken tacos instead of beef tacos because that was my plan too but I wasnt sure how a beef recipe would work for chicken. Glad to see it did! Thanks for the feedback.
Meaghan says
I’ve seen and tried at least a half a dozen of these homemade taco seasonings and none of them ever taste right. This one finally looks like it might make sense because it incorporates the water. I can’t wait to try yours this week. Yippee!
tEb says
Greetings and thanks for the recipe. But I’m afraid I really failed with this recipe, problem is that in my country I can get alot of different types of chilli powders, and I can’t use 1 tablespoon of my chilli, it’s maybe possible to use 1/4 ts.
Do you have any tips for me, what kind of chilli should I use, or maybe an alternative?
Thank you so much!
Ben G. says
Not sure what country you’re posting form, but I’m guessing you’re not familiar with American chili powder, the main ingredient in Texas style chili (and other regional variations). American chili powder is a spice blend with a somewhat sweet smokey character, not just powdered chile peppers, which is comparatively very mild due to all the other ingredients. (Yes, this recipe adds a spice blend to another spice blend)
If you can’t find american style chili powder you can just omit it and increase the cumin, paprika, onion and garlic powders. If you look up a recipe for chili powder you’ll note that it’s basically the same as taco seasoning in different proportions.
JODY says
making tacos tonight but I didn’t have any seasoning found this on line thank you so much , willl let you know how we like it
Mary says
I made this tonight after realizing I forgot to buy a pack at the store! I LOVED it! It was, however, a little too spicy for my husband and children. What should I do to make it a little less spicy?
Linz says
Leave out the red pepper flakes. 🙂
Great recipe, Thanks!
Christal says
This was such a great recipe and the subtitle is so true Once you try this you will never go back. I love to cook and I’m always looking for homemade stuff to replace store bought but the whole reason I needed this recipe is because I thought I had taco seasoning mix at home so failed to buy some for tacos the other night so I did a search and I like this one so I tried it. I even told my mother that I will never use store bought taco seasoning again. Thank you sooooo much for sharing this great recipe!
Corey says
That is wonderful Christal! Thank you so much for the wonderful comment! XO
Jennifer Reynoso says
Could you possibly share which spices should be omitted or replaced to make this less spicy?
Sara says
Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe! I just made it and I will never but package taco seasoning again! I did cur the salt in half though, but still the best!
Tim says
Don’t think I could ever buy taco seasoning again, it’s so simple but the results are great. I think just a little less chilli (not for me) I used lamb, cooked quickly and made a fresh salsa (red onion, red chilli, tomatoes, with lime and coriander), guacamole, cheese and tabasco on a soft flour tortilla.
Thanks so much 🙂
Corey says
I am so glad you love my recipe Tim! Thanks for sharing 🙂 XO
Carrie says
I liled the way this tasted! However, my husband and young children thought it was a little too spicy. Any ideas on how I could tone it down a little???
Corey says
You could remove the crushed red pepper flakes. That would help 🙂
Sharon says
Perfect timing, needed it for dinner tonight. Only change I made was using Mexican ground oregano (just as I do in my chili and other Mexican sauces)
Justin says
Didn’t have the red pepper flakes and substituted with 1/2 as much ground cayenne. Turned out great!
Kimberly says
This was a big hit with my family. I will never buy store bought seasoning again.
I concur, bye bye McCormick! says
Bye bye McCormick!!!
Aliisa says
We moved to Costa Rica about 5 months ago from the States, there are many things they don’t sell down here including taco seasoning! This was a great find and everyone loves it! Thanks!
Libby says
I was happy to find your recipe for homemade taco seasoning today. I made ground beef tacos with it (I omitted the crushed red pepper flakes), and the flavor was just right. Delicious! Thank you for creating the recipe and posting it.
Tee says
We have tried about a dozen taco seasonings and they have all been lacking. I was at the point of people who said homemade seasoning was better a liar. We didn’t use oregano (because we are out) and didn’t use crushed pepper (To spicy for our toddler) but this taste amazing. It the perfect balance.
Corey says
Awesome Tee! Thanks 🙂
Christopher says
Was making “soft turkey tacos” last evening, and had used the “last packet of the expensive taco seasoning”. Online I went to find a quick recipe. This MORE than filled the bill, thx so much for it 😉
Appreciate your recipe and the helpfulness you provide to folks 😉
Mike G. says
I really never do this, but if may add one teensie ingredient? May I suggest 1/4 tsp ground coriander? Cilantro is a staple of Mexican cooking but sometimes hard to find fresh off-season. This gives it just a bit more cultural flair. Otherwise love this recipe.
HappyHusband says
My wife called me at work frantic because she was out of the prepackaged taco seasoning. I looked up this recipe and gave it to her. She absolutely LOVES IT!!!
Thanks for posting the recipe!
-A Happy Husband
4Graces says
Where were you last night when I needed you? Really, I should have looked for your recipe earlier. I was in a hurry to get tacos made and I grabbed a major national brand of taco seasoning out of the cupboard. I found that it produced a definite metallic taste in the taco meat. I added some ketchup and a spoonful of sugar, and that helped, but I am not wasting good meat on the packaged stuff again. Most of the recipes I have found now have basically the same ingredients, but there are different measurements. I will probably do some comparisons and then see if yours tastes best to me. I wonder why the major companies cannot produce a good package of seasoning. Is it because they have to add stabilizers and preservatives? I will give you five stars because this has to be better than what I had last night, Hey, only one star will light up.
Tanya says
You should delete and re-post your comment because your one star will drag down this awesome recipe’s rating! You intended 5, so don’t just give a 1! That’s worse than giving no rating and just leaving a comment.
amieJ says
Tried this tonight when I realized I was out of commercial taco seasoning. It was great!! Thanks for the recipe!!!
Corey says
Thank you! I am so glad you loved it!
Dirose says
It was delish! Thank you so much for the recipe!
Dirose says
Forgot to give it “5 Stars!”
Landgoddess says
In my quest to eat more healthfully, I searched for a recipe for taco seasoning, because I don’t like store packages with all the extra fillers & preservatives in them.
Last night, we changed dinner plans mid prep & decided to make chicken tacos instead, but then realized we had no taco seasoning. Perfect opportunity to try out this new recipe I had found a few weeks before. It was GREAT! I did not use the red pepper flakes and it was perfectly spiced -not too mild not too hot.
Aubrey Hammond says
Hey! I’m sure you wrote this forever and a day ago, but I just wanted to say thanks! This is by far my husband and my favorite recipe for taco seasoning. It’s our go-to now! Have a good one! 😀
Corey says
Thanks Aubrey!
Elmo Smiley says
I’ll tell you what I like most about make-it-at-home spice mixes – No MSG.
Now, please direct me to the “California” blend, or the Italian blend for my Italian dishes!
Cathi says
This recipe is so easy and so tasty. I make it all the time, and look it up all the time. I think I should probably print it since it is my go-to! I also quadruple it for a few uses and keep in a small jar. Thank you!
Suzie says
LOVED this! It is by far the best homemade taco seasoning I’ve found. I like the spiciness of it, and it’s so full of flavor. Absolutely perfect!
sherri says
Ever tried mixing taco seasoning and bottled ranch dressing. Its awesome. Im going to use ur recipe and try it with the dressing!
Victoria A says
I have been buying taco seasoning in packets forever and I only tried this recipe because I am out of taco seasoning. So I googled homemade taco seasoning and found your website. This is THE BEST taco seasoning I have ever tasted! The whole family loved it! I will never use store bought seasoning again. Thank you so much!!!!
yvette says
This was great. I give it out to family and friends. It is nice to be able to control how much salt goes into it. I was using it for salsa chicken which already has salt from cream of chicken soup so, I used 3/4 tsp salt instead and it was great. Thanks so much will definitely be using this from now on.
Amber says
Made this tonight with homemade tortillas(new recipe as well) and they were delicious! Spicy, but delicious! Thanks for my new go to taco recipe 🙂
elf says
Great recipe. I used this seasoning on seitan for vegetarian tacos. Five stars!
Syl says
Can anyone tell me if the chili powder used in this recipe is hot? Australia chili powder is 100% ground hot chili so am wondering if it’s the same ingrediant.
elf says
All of the recipes I’ve tried from this site are great. This is another winner! Once you try it, you’ll never go back. It’s made from ingredients you most likely already have so why not at least try it? I’m making it for the second time tonight. I increased t the recipe by 50% but cut the salt down to a quarter. I also added more red pepper and some cayenne too because we like it spicy. That’s one of the benefits of making your own spice blends; you can adjust it to the way you like it.
Lacy says
Like many others, I was out of taco seasoning and searched the internet for a recipe. Love, love, LOVE this recipe and will never go back to pre-made mix. Thank you!
Kelly says
I cannot believe this but my story is like most on here. My son (21) called to say he would like to come for supper and we discussed what we should have as he was on his way out to our home (we live just outside a major Canadian city and he just moved into the city to be closer to school but likes to come home once in awhile for a meal). We decided to have Tacos in a Bag (except we actually eat it in a bowl rather than a bag) but I needed him to stop at a grocery store for the Nacho chips and sour cream – thinking I would have everything else. When he was almost here, I realized I did not have Taco seasoning!! So I went on line and found this recipe. I was still making it when he arrived but it took no time at all and I had all the ingredients. It is a bit spicy but EXCELLENT otherwise. I said to my husband, ” ‘My’ homemade taco seasoning was really good, eh? You can bet I won’t be buying that expensive packaged stuff anymore!”
And I will not.
Thanks, we just loved it.
Tracy says
What if I don’t have oregano and cumin? 🙁