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Taco Seasoning is one of the easiest things to make and the flavor is far-superior to any store-bought packet! Ready in minutes using staples you likely have on hand, this all-purpose taco seasoning is the best way to add flavor to tacos and more!
Why Homemade Taco Seasoning?
Whether you have run out of taco seasoning or you simply want to have a little quality control over your seasoning blends--you will LOVE this recipe for homemade taco seasoning!
Homemade taco seasoning gives you full control-no weird additives, allergens, or extra sodium. Plus, it's super easy to whip up with pantry spices, and you can tweak it just how you like.
Even better? The flavor is so much better! Perfect for taco meat, taco pizza, taco dip and so much more!
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Recipe Highlights
Ingredients in Taco Seasoning
Taco seasoning is made with salt, pepper, and simple dried spices. You likely have everything on hand to make this blend, but I do have a few notes on a couple of ingredients.
- Chili Powder: Use basic chili powder, not ancho chili powder or chipotle chili powder for the best balance of flavor.
- Paprika: Regular, not smoked paprika, as the smoky undertones overwhelm the spice blend.
- Dried Oregano: Italian or Mexican dried oregano both work equally well.
- Red Pepper Flakes: I prefer red pepper flakes over cayenne pepper, as it adds heat without being overly intense.
- Salt: Use kosher salt not iodized salt (table salt), as kosher salt enhances the flavor and contains less sodium per teaspoon.
Kristen's Tip
For optimum flavor in your taco seasoning, be sure you use dried spices that are no more than 6 months old. As spices sit in the pantry, they begin to lose their flavor.
How to Make Taco Seasoning
- Place the salt, pepper, and dried spices into a small jar, like a ball jar, or small spice jar.
- Seal the jar and give it a good shake until everything is well distributed and store in cool, darky pantry for up to 6 months.
How to Use Taco Seasoning
For every 1 packet of taco seasoning, use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning. Or think outside the box and use this Tex Mex blend to add flavor to endless dishes.
- For Tacos: Perfect way to flavor ground beef tacos, shredded chicken tacos, black bean tacos, sweet potato tacos, lentil tacos, and more!
- Season Tex-Mex Dishes: Beyond tacos, taco seasoning adds just the right flavor to bean burritos, turkey taco skillet, Instant Pot refried beans, Instant Pot Spanish rice, and more!
- Jazz up Cozy Soups and Chilis: Taco seasoning is perfect for crockpot chicken chili, Instant Pot taco chili, or Instant Pot tortilla soup.
- Make a Creamy Taco Dressing: Mix 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning with 1 cup of sour cream and the juice of a fresh lime for a quick dressing for taco Salad or southwest chicken salad.
- Make a Taco Burger: Season 1 pound of ground beef with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning to form burgers.
- Flavor Potatoes: In place of salt, use 1-2 teaspoons of taco seasoning to season homemade fries, air fryer fries, or roasted red potatoes.
Recipe Modifications
- Don't like garlic? Omit the garlic powder.
- Can't handle the heat? Omit the red pepper flakes.
- Like it spicier? Double the amount of crushed red pepper flakes used OR replace it with cayenne pepper.
- Sodium-Free/Lower Sodium Taco Seasoning: Omit the salt completely or cut it in half. I promise this spice blend will still add great flavor to your Tex Mex recipes.
More Homemade Spice Blends
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Video
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup chili powder
- ⅓ cup kosher salt
- ½ cup cumin
- ⅓ cup paprika
- ¼ cup garlic powder
- ¼ cup onion powder
- ¼ cup black pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Add 1 ¼ cup chili powder, ⅓ cup kosher salt, ½ cup cumin, ⅓ cup paprika, ¼ cup garlic powder, ¼ cup onion powder, ¼ cup black pepper, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, and ½ tablespoon crushed red pepper flakes to a small mixing bowl or jar and mix to evenly combine.
- Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and store in the pantry for up to 6 months.
- For every 1 packet of taco seasoning, use 2 tablespoons of this homemade taco seasoning.
Notes
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe was originally published in 2014 and updated in 2025.
Use this all the time! Makes super great Taco Meat!
Thank you for sharing, Christina!!
Yum. Making my own allows me to cut the Kosher Salt 50% for family member’s sodium restriction, still is absolutely delicious and easy to make. I sprinkle it on all kinds of things besides tacos.
Love hearing you enjoy this blend, Laurie! I appreciate you sharing a review.