Taco Seasoning
This homemade taco seasoning recipe is cheaper and more flavorful than store-bought! It's easy to make with spices you already have in your pantry.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- In a small bowl, stir together the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano, pepper, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Store at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Why buy taco seasoning in a packet when you can make your own?! This homemade taco seasoning recipe uses basic spices that you likely have in your pantry already, and you can stir it together in less than 5 minutes. Once you learn how to make it, you’ll never get the store-bought stuff again!
One of the biggest reasons I make my own taco seasoning is that I can tweak the balance of flavors. The recipe below yields a blend I love—it’s savory and smoky with a subtle kick of heat. When you make it, don’t hesitate to adjust it to suit your tastes. Want it smokier? Go heavy on the paprika. All about that spice? Add more chili powder. You have complete control with this DIY recipe.
How to Make Taco Seasoning
This recipe calls for 9 simple ingredients:
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Dried oregano
- And sea salt!
Making it is as simple as adding these spices to a small bowl or Mason jar and stirring to combine. Adjust the balance of flavors to taste!
Find the complete recipe with measurements below.
How to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning
This DIY taco seasoning is a great way to punch up the flavor in all kinds of homemade dishes. Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:
- In taco meat. Taco seasoning is commonly used in chicken or ground beef tacos, but it works just as well in plant-based taco fillings! I love to use it to season the vegan taco meat in this taco salad recipe.
How to Store Taco Seasoning
Store this homemade seasoning blend in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
The recipe yields a modest quantity, about 2 tablespoons, but you can easily scale it up to make a big batch. Keep it on hand to spice up whatever you’re cooking!
