Quick and easy, this taco seasoning is the ultimate mix to keep on hand to sprinkle all over everything. It’s perfect for tacos, burrito bowls, beef, chicken, fish or pork, plus it comes together in minutes!
Watch this quick recipe video to see just how easy it is.
Store-bought taco seasoning is often filled with preservatives and other hard-to-pronounce ingredients that are just not necessary for a good taco night.
I’ve been making my own seasoning for years and keeping it in a little jar in my pantry so we’re always ready for tacos or homemade nachos.
Aside from being the healthier choice, I’m also a big fan of making my own seasoning because I am able to adjust the spiciness, salt, and quality of ingredients.
If you like your tacos with a bit of extra kick, you can adjust the amounts as needed. I’ve found that mixture below provides the perfect amount of spice and flavor, while still being kid-friendly.
Taco Seasoning Ingredients
To make my favorite taco flavoring, you’ll need just a few simple spices:
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or less if you don’t like it very spicy)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
How to make your own Taco Seasoning
To make your own DIY taco seasoning, simply add all of the spices into a glass jar, top with a lid and shake until thoroughly mixed. Store on a dry shelf or near your other seasoning mixes.
How does DIY taco seasoning compare to store-bought seasoning packets?
As far as flavor? Homemade seasoning is always fresher, and tastier! The ingredients in this recipe are very basic, and having the other spices in bulk allows you to use them in other dishes.
The best part is that it’s free MSG, preservatives, and anti-caking agents. Hello, fresh!
How Many Tablespoons in a Packet of Taco Seasoning
There are 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning inside each store-bought packet. One batch of this seasoning is about 4 packets -and a little xtra because you’ll want to sprinkle it on everything!
Best Recipes for DIY Taco Seasoning
It’s no secret, taco Tuesday is my absolute favorite day of the week. I love it so much I put together the Taco Tuesday Cookbook with 52 epic taco recipes (plus seasonings, salsas and toppings).
Yes, that is one taco recipe for every week of the year. You’ll never have a boring Tuesday ever again. I’m cooking my way through the book on my YouTube Channel. Click here to subscribe and see a brand new taco recipe every single week.
A few of my favorite tacos that go perfectly with homemade seasoning:
And naturally, you can pair any of these yummy tacos with homemade grain-free tortillas. Watch how easy they are to make in the video below.
And if you’re looking to branch out beyond the traditional taco, you can try burrito bowls, quesadillas, scrambled eggs, soup and so much more. The possibilities are endless!
Are you ready for the best taco night of your life?
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Simple, delicious and comes together in a matter of minutes. You’ll love this taco seasoning on everything from tacos to quesadillas!
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 2 minutes
- Yield: 9 tablespoons 1x
- Cuisine: mexican
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (or less if you don’t like it very spicy)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine all the seasonings. Transfer the mix to a sealable container or lidded glass jar.
To use:
- Use 2 tablespoons for every 1lb of meat.
Notes
- 2 tablespoons = 1 store-bought packet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 47
- Sugar: 0.9g
- Sodium: 1399.3mg
- Fat: 2.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8.3g
- Fiber: 4.3g
- Protein: 2.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
JoLayne Morneau
This taco seasoning is amazing! I made it for the first time last week (out of the 52 weeks of taco Tuesday book) and we loved it. This morning, when I prepped some strips off steak for taco dinner tonight, I added a heaping tbsp to the marinade. This seasoning has a serious level of flavors and I so enjoy it. I will continue to keep it stocked in my pantry. Thanks for sharing the goodness, Laura.
MOMables-Laura
You’re so very welcome!
Marie
Usually packets have a flour/corn starch/potato starch included and you add water to make a sauce. How would you do that with this seasoning recipe?
MOMables - Laura
to make a sauce, add 1/2 teaspoon of corn starch to 2 tablespoons of this taco seasoning. Then, add water.
Jamie
How long is this good for in a container before going bad?
MOMables
given that it’s airtight and no humidity gets in there, a long time.