This Homemade Taco Seasoning is so easy to make and tastes so much better than the store bought packets. It’s perfect to use on beef, chicken, pork, seafood, and more.
Use this DIY taco seasoning for Homemade Ground Beef Taco Meat, Taco Pasta, or use it to make chicken tacos! Just substitute the seasonings for about 2 tablespoons of this homemade version.
*Originally published June 2015. Text and photos updated.*
Taco seasoning is what I consider to be a pantry staple. But don’t feel like you need to buy those pre-made packets. I promise this will take 5 minutes or less to make and it’s so much more budget friendly too!
Plus you are in total control of what goes into your seasoning this way. Need to lower your sodium intake no problem! Want more heat add in more cayenne or red pepper flakes. The options are endless and this is a good base recipe to start with.
Ingredients
- Chili Powder: since this is the bulk of the seasoning I suggest buying a good quality chili powder and not the cheapest. Also, this is an American chili powder which is a blend and not a pure ground chili. (Just a note for any international readers) Chili powder will also vary in flavor from brand to brand. A pretty standard chili powder is this McCormick Chili Powder but Gebhardt Chili Powder is a good quality brand if you are looking to spend a little more.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, oregano: these are all pretty standard taco seasoning ingredients and feel free to adjust amounts to your liking.
- Paprika: I am using regular sweet paprika in this recipe but if you would like to change things up replace it with smoked paprika.
- Salt and pepper: As I mentioned earlier if you are looking to lower your sodium this is where making your own mix shines because you control how much you add!
- Cayenne pepper: feel free to make it as mild or hot as you like. The recipe below is for a mild taco seasoning. You can also add red pepper flakes too.
How add thickness:
Most premade taco seasoning packets have a thickening agent in them and you add in a little water to make the taco meat a little saucy.
If you are looking to recreate that add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the taco seasoning mix. Add 1/2 cup of water to the meat when you add your taco seasoning.
How to store homemade taco seasoning:
It’s best to store this in an airtight container. I like to use mason jars but a small oxo container would work well too. Or even an old spice jar!
Store for up to 6 months for maximum freshness.
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Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 4 teaspoons cumin powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
Notes
- Use 2 tablespoons per 1 pound of meat.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- How add thickness: Most premade taco seasoning packets have a thickening agent in them and you add in a little water to make the taco meat a little saucy. If you are looking to recreate that add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the taco seasoning mix. Add 1/2 cup of water to the meat when you add your taco seasoning.
- Nutrition Facts: Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate.
Love having this at the ready in my pantry!
Me too! Thanks Alison!
We use this all the time and it’s so nice to have on hand all the time! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much!
My husband and I don’t like a ton of taco flavor on our taco meat so we typically would only use half a packet of the store-bought kind. This has been the perfect seasoning to have on hand! We use a small sprinkling to our liking and save the rest for next time!
Thank you so much for sharing Megan!! So glad you like it and adjust to suit your needs!
I love that this can be used with hamburger, pork and chicken! Makes for a variety of meals! 🙂
Thank you!