Skip the store-bought seasoning packets and learn how to make this homemade taco seasoning in minutes using simple pantry spices. It’s budget-friendly, easy to customize, and perfect for busy weeknights when you need dinner on the table fast.
We use this seasoning all the time for tacos, soups, and even roasted veggies—it’s a simple way to save money and still get bold, family-approved flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
I started making this homemade taco seasoning years ago when I realized how quickly those little packets added up at the store. Now we keep a jar of this in the pantry at all times. It’s one of those simple staples that makes dinner easier and more affordable.
I usually mix up a double batch during meal prep so it’s ready to go on busy nights, and my family honestly prefers the flavor over anything store-bought.
- Saves money every time you use it – made with spices you likely already have
- Quick and convenient for busy nights – mix once and use for multiple meals all week
- Easy to adjust for your family’s taste – make it mild, spicy, or low sodium
This homemade taco seasoning works great in all your favorite recipes. Homemade seasoning blends simply taste better, and you can adjust them to fit your family’s preferences. If you enjoy making your own seasonings, try our Pizza Seasoning, Texas Roadhouse Steak Seasoning or Homemade Chili Seasoning Recipe for even more easy, budget-friendly options.
What is Taco Seasoning Made Of?
Homemade taco seasoning is a simple blend of pantry spices that creates bold, savory flavor without additives. Most blends include:
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Onion powder
- Garlic salt (or garlic powder)
- Smoked paprika
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Cayenne or red pepper flakes
The best part is you can adjust every ingredient to fit your family’s taste and budget.
Ingredients
- Chili Powder – We use regular chili powder but you can also use ancho chili powder or chipotle chili powder
- Ground Cumin – Adds unique to the seasoning blend
- Onion Powder – For more of a onion flavor, add in minced onion
- Garlic Salt – Garlic powder can be substituted for Garlic Salt
- Smoked Paprika – You can use regular paprika
- Cayenne or Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a hint of spice
How to Make Taco Seasoning
Step 1 – Mix all the seasonings in a small bowl.
Step 2 – Transfer to a jar and store in a cool, dark place.
Step 3 – When you need taco seasoning, use 2 Tablespoons for a pound of meat or chicken.
Variations
- Salt – To reduce the sodium in the taco seasoning, you can omit the salt or use less of it. You can also use sea salt or pink salt instead of regular salt.
- Mild Taco Seasoning – We like to add in cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes but if you prefer a mild seasoning, you can easily omit this seasoning.
- Extra Heat – If you like a more spicier taco seasoning, increase the cayenne pepper.
- Dried Oregano – Oregano is another great option to add to this seasoning blend.
How Much to Use
Use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning per 1 pound of meat, just like a store-bought packet.
Add about ½ to 1 cup of water when cooking to help distribute the seasoning evenly.
More Ways to Use It
There are many ways to use this Homemade Taco Seasoning. Yes, it is great when you are making pound of ground beef, steak fajita’s or chicken fajita’s. But I have used it in many other ways and it came out so amazing.
- Soup – If you are making a taco soup or a enchilada soup, add this seasoning. It gives it so much flavor. We love using it in all our taco soup recipes.
- Marinate – Add a dry rub to your chicken breast, shrimp, steak and use this taco seasoning. This is a great dry rub when grilling, baking or sauteing meat. It adds so much flavor and can easily be customized.
- Roast Vegetables – Spice up your vegetables and sprinkle a tablespoon or two on your vegetables before putting in the oven. We have even used this taco seasoning in black beans or cauliflower rice.
- Mixed in a Dip – We love adding a tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning in our Taco Dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder as a quick substitute.
About 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning equals one store packet.
Store in an airtight container or mason jar in a cool, dark place. If stored properly, it will last about 6 months.
When applying the taco seasoning as a dry rub on the chicken, allow time for it to marinate on the chicken. We recommend for at least an hour and up to 12 hours. While the chicken is marinating keep it in the refrigerator.
Dry rub is the perfect option to allow chicken to marinate overnight or all day to add so much flavor.
Favorite Recipes to Make With it
- Easy Crock Pot Taco Meat Recipe
- Doritos Taco Salad Recipe
- Easy Taco Crescent Ring Recipe
- Taco Rice Bowl Recipe
More Homemade Seasoning to try
We love to hear from you. If you make this recipe, please leave us a comment or a star review.
Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Chili powder
- 2 Tablespoon Cumin
- 2 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon garlic salt
- 4 teaspoons pepper
- 4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes
See how we calculate recipe costs.
Instructions
- Mix all the seasonings in a small bowl.
- Transfer to a jar and store in a cool, dark place.
- When you need taco seasoning, use 2 Tablespoons for a pound of meat or chicken.
Easy and delicious on many things! Thanks Carrie!
Kimmi – I love hearing this so much! Thank you so much for sharing!
If I wanted to make a “mild” version, should I adjust the chilli powder or cayenne?
So good with anything.
Love this homemade recipe, and saves us money too!!