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This taco seasoning recipe makes the best tacos, taco soup, and more! It takes just minutes to make, using spices that you likely have in your kitchen.

Homemade taco seasoning in a small jar with a spoon.

Once you start making your own taco seasoning, you’ll never go back to store bought! This taco seasoning recipe is incredibly easy, made from just a handful of spices and seasonings. You will love the flavor that it brings to taco night!

Store-bought packets of taco seasoning often contain a few questionable ingredients. When you make your own seasoning blends at home, you’ll know exactly what’s going into your meals. You can also adjust the ingredient amounts, salt and spiciness to your tastes.

You can make this taco seasoning recipe ahead of time and store it in your spice drawer to use in quick meals later on. Once you mix together the spices, the taco seasoning will stay fresh for months. Below you’ll find a list of my favorite ways to use homemade taco seasoning.

Spices for taco seasoning recipe added to a bowl in separate sections.

Why you’ll love this Taco Seasoning Recipe:

  • Quick & Easy: This recipe takes less than 5 minutes to make, using ingredients that you likely keep on hand in your kitchen.
  • Simple Ingredients: It’s healthier than many of the store bought seasoning packets, and tastes better, too.
  • Flavor: This taco seasoning has the best flavor! You can customize the recipe to suit your tastes, such as making it more or less spicy by adjusting the amounts of chili powder and cayenne pepper.
  • Versatile: You can use this taco seasoning in so many healthy meals, such as burrito bowls, tacos, ground turkey tacos and taco salad. You can even use it to season veggies such as roasted sweet potatoes.

Taco Seasoning Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this taco seasoning recipe. Find the full recipe with ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.

  • Chili Powder: I use mild chili powder because my kids don’t like too much spice; you can use a spicier chili powder if you wish. Try adding a little chipotle chili powder for lots of smoky spice, but not too much, since it can be very spicy.
  • Ground Cumin: Cumin is a common, earthy spice that is often used in Mexican cuisine.
  • Paprika: You can use sweet paprika or smoked paprika, depending on your preference.
  • Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Onion powder and garlic powder are often used in spice mixes and add mild onion and garlic flavor.
  • Dried Oregano: Dried oregano adds another layer of flavor. While it’s often used in Italian cuisine, oregano is also commonly used in chili and Mexican dishes.
  • Cayenne Pepper: This recipe uses just a small amount since cayenne is spicy.

Ingredient Notes

  • I usually wait and add salt when cooking, rather than adding it to this seasoning mix. This way, you can season to taste with salt and adjust the amount depending on how much salt is called for in the recipe you’re using. This taco seasoning recipe has plenty of flavor from herbs and spices, so you won’t miss the extra salt found in the little packets from the store.
  • The freshness of your spices will determine the freshness of your taco seasoning, so check the expiration dates before you mix the ingredients together.
Homemade taco seasoning in a small bowl with a spoon.

How to Make Taco Seasoning

This taco seasoning couldn’t be easier to make!

  1. Combine the taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. Use a small whisk or spoon to mix the spices together until everything is well combined.
  3. Use right away or store in an airtight container.

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How Much Taco Seasoning Per Pound of Meat

Use 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of ground beef or ground turkey. To make taco meat, first brown the ground meat in a large skillet. Then add the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water. I also like to add 1/2 cup of canned tomato sauce for added moisture and flavor, but this is optional. Cook at a low simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. After cooking, season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually add about 1/4 teaspoon of salt per pound of meat.

Ground beef taco meat in a skillet with a wooden spoon.

Storage Instructions

Store homemade taco seasoning in a labeled zip-top bag or other sealed container. I like to use a small glass Weck jar to store my spice mixes. Keep it in a cool, dry place, at room temperature. I keep mine in a spice rack with the rest of my spices. Stored this way, taco seasoning will stay fresh for about 6 months, or for as long as the individual spices would be fresh.

Recipes that Use Taco Seasoning

Taco seasoning in a jar with a spoon.

More Homemade Seasonings

Once you start making your own spice blends, you won’t want to go back to store bought! Here are a few more favorite homemade spice blends:

Homemade taco seasoning in a jar with a spoon.
4.78 from 9 ratings

Best Taco Seasoning Recipe

Servings: 24 servings (makes about 1/2 cup)
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
This taco seasoning recipe makes the best tacos, taco soup, taco salad and more! It takes just minutes to make, using spices that you likely have in your kitchen. You won't want to go back to store-bought!
Print Recipe Leave a Review Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons cumin
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk or stir until well combined. Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.
  • To make taco meat, use 2 tablespoons taco seasoning per pound of ground beef or turkey. Brown the meat, then add in 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste), 1/2 cup of water and an optional 1/2 cup of canned tomato sauce. Simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. Serve taco meat in warmed tortillas or as desired.

Notes

  • I usually make this taco seasoning without salt and then add salt to taste when cooking. If you prefer to add salt to the seasoning mix, I recommend adding 1 teaspoon.
Serving: 1teaspoon, Calories: 6kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Sodium: 17mg, Potassium: 35mg, Vitamin A: 395IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 0.6mg
Nutrition information is an estimate.
Cuisine: Mexican
Course: DIY, How To, Seasoning
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