Homemade Taco Seasoning
This post may contain affiliate or sponsored links. Please read our disclosure policy.
I’ve been making this homemade taco seasoning recipe for years and have perfected it. Use this easy taco mix for all your Mexican-inspired meals! This recipe is enough to season 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Pro tip: Make a big batch to store in the pantry.
“Simply the best. It’s been over two years since I first tried this taco seasoning recipe. No more store-bought taco seasoning for me!”
– Edna ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Why Make Your Own Taco Mix?
Like me, you may like the convenience of the little store-bought packets. But, here are a few reasons why it makes sense to make your own…
- It’s better for you. There’s no additives, MSG, or fillers. Plus, you can also control the sodium content.
- It’s cheaper. Buying and prepping spices in bulk saves about 75% over individual packets.
- Reduces waste. Buying in bulk means less packaging to throw away.
- It’s easy! All you do is grab a few pantry staples (you might already have them), stir together, and store for months to come.
Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients in order to make this taco seasoning recipe…
You can always add a little pinch of sugar or extra salt to your seasoning, if you’d like.
How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
It’s so easy! Place all the seasonings in an air-tight jar, seal, shake, and store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
This makes enough to make 1 pound of seasoned Taco Meat, but we recommend quadrupling the batch (x4) to store in the pantry to use in all your favorite Mexican recipes.
See the full, printable recipe below.
Storage Tips for Taco Seasoning
- Choose an airtight container: Opt for a glass jar or a sealable plastic container to keep your homemade taco seasoning fresh.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Place the container in a pantry away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve the flavor and potency of the spices. For longer storage, store in the fridge or freezer.
- Label the container: Clearly mark the container with the date you prepped it and the contents.
- Use within 6 months: While homemade taco seasoning can last longer, for optimal flavor, aim to use it within 6 months of preparation. For sure throw it out after a year.
- Shake before using: Before adding the seasoning to your recipes, give the container a good shake to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
How to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning
We have SO many delicious Mexican-inspired recipes that utilize this seasoning blend. Here are some of the most popular recipes…
- Taco Meat for a Taco Bar
- Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
- Mexican Soup
- Layered Taco Dip
- Mexican Chopped Salad with Southwest Ranch Dressing
- Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
- Shredded Beef Tacos
Taco Seasoning FAQs
If you’ve been used to using one packet of taco seasoning per 1 pound of meat, then you might have this question. There’s typically 3 tablespoons (sometimes 4 tablespoons depending in the brand) in a store-bought packet of taco seasoning.
We typically use 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of ground meat. Add more if you like the flavor, less if you have sensitive palates. You can always season the meat with more salt at the end, if you’d like, as well.
According to Food Network, “Ground spices…typically don’t last past 6 months. The best freshness test for ground spices is to give them a whiff — if they smell like nothing, then it’s time to say goodbye.”
I will say this though…my homemade taco seasoning seems to pass the “whiff” test and stay flavorful for longer than 6 months. Use your own discretion after the 6 month mark.
This Taco Seasoning Mix makes about 3 tablespoons or enough to season 1 pound of Taco Meat. But, I recommend quadrupling (4x) the recipe and storing the rest in the pantry in a mason jar to use in any Mexican recipes.
I just know you’ll love this taco seasoning recipe as much as our family does!
Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!
Taco Seasoning Mix
Skip the additives and artificial ingredients and whip up a big batch of this FABULOUS all-natural taco seasoning mix. I’ll never go back to buying those expensive little packets again!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- a pinch of red pepper flakes (or more if you like things spicy)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon sugar
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
To Make the Seasoning:
- Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
- Double or even triple this recipe to have on hand for all of your favorite Mexican meals!
To Use the Seasoning on Ground Meat: Use 2-3 tablespoons of taco seasoning plus 1/2 cup broth or water per pound of browned meat. Taste and season with more of the mixture or more salt, as needed. Or follow this delicious Taco Meat recipe.
Notes/Tips
- Storage Tips for Taco Seasoning:
- Opt for a glass jar or a sealable plastic container to keep your homemade taco seasoning fresh.
- Place the container in a pantry away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve the flavor and potency of the spices. For longer storage, store in the fridge or freezer.
- Clearly mark the container with the date you prepped it and the contents.
- While homemade taco seasoning can last longer, for optimal flavor, aim to use it within 6 months of preparation. For sure throw it out after a year.
- Before adding the seasoning to your recipes, give the container a good shake to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
It’s worth making yourself. Good flavor and you know what’s in it and adjust according to taste.
We agree! Thanks so much for leaving a review Susan.
This is so easy to make and I always have everything on hand. My kids and husband like it way better than the pre-made store bought packets, as do I!
Hi Lori! Yes! I have been using this homemade taco seasoning for so long. I love it and love gifting jars of it to friends. 🙂
I just made at least my 10th, triple batch! Thanks for this money saving
recipe.
So glad you found this recipe Mary. I keep a jar with my spices and regularly refill it. 🙂
Thank you for providing a healthier, and cheaper option!
Hi Caroline! You’re so welcome. Glad you found us. 🙂
Delicious. I especially like how you added amounts for doubling and tripling the recipe. I like to make this for my friends.
Glad you found us Tami! I love to gift this seasoning to people as well. 🙂
The only taco seasoning I use!
Me too! Thanks for leaving a review Rebecca.
I can see this being used in Spanish Rice, too.
Mmmm. Yes, great suggestion Bobbie!
I, too, am trying to make my own food combinations in lieu of purchasing additives. I just need the garlic and onion powders. What I want everyone to see is the “Scale” with 1X, 2X, 3X buttons on the recipe that adjusts to doubling and tripling the recipe. How very, very handy!! They are easy to miss.
Thanks Bobbie!
This is the best tasting taco seasoning recipe. I always make a quadruple batch and have it in my cupboard. I’ve made it for several years.
Thanks for the review Jill! I always have it on hand too and love to gift it in cute jars to friends. 🙂
This is the best taco seasoning! I stopped buying store bought years ago & always keep this on hand for our Mexican dishes!
Yay! Love to hear this Brittany!
This is going to be my son’s gift to his teachers this year. Along with a tag that says “Season’s Spicy Greetings” and the recipe attached.
Love it Morgan! Thanks for sharing!
I was looking for an alternative for a packet of seasoning I have to buy every time we have tacos. I had all these ingredients at home, and it was super simple to make. I used it to make chicken for tacos in the crockpot. 🤩
Love to hear that Theresa! I’ve actually found some cute spice jars and gifted the seasoning to my girlfriends over the years. 🙂
Yum! This seasoning has just the right amount of heat. I love using it in your Instant Pot Creamy Mexican Chicken recipe and in other dishes. Many thanks!
Yum! This seasoning has just the right amount of heat. I love using it in your Instant Pot Creamy Mexican Chicken recipe, and in other dishes. Many thanks!
So glad it has become a staple in your home Holly! I’ve been making homemade taco seasoning for 15+ years. I give it in cute little jars for gifts. Thank you for taking the time to leave a review and let others know how you use it.
Just a suggestion…I “jumped” to recipe then began to read comments. Someone (Chris) mentioned using water/broth, etc. I kept going back to recipe but couldn’t find that mentioned. Began to doubt my reading skills. LOL Finally read through entire post and found mention of using broth/water. If that was mentioned in the actual recipe it might be beneficial. Thanks!
Great idea. Thanks so much, Susan. I’ll add that in now.
Love this will definitely be doing more often.
So glad it was a hit, Rae Ann. Thanks for leaving a review!
This is the perfect amount of seasoning for 2 lbs of meat. I used the optional sugar & omitted the red pepper flakes which made it palatable for my toddlers. The whole family loves the flavor of this mix.
Good to know this worked well for your family. Thanks for sharing and for the review!