by Alyssa RiversThis website may contain affiliate links and advertising so that we can provide recipes to you. Read my privacy policy.
The perfect amount of spices come together in the homemade taco seasoning! You will never buy taco seasoning from the store again!
It is taco time and we love everything taco related! Try this Taco Stuffed Peppers, Taco Pizza or Baked Chicken Tacos with this homemade taco seasoning.
Taco Seasoning
I have continued my healthy eating habits and goals that I made back in December. Now don’t get me wrong. I ate so well and got more ice cream cones than one should consume on our cruise, but I have tried to maintain a healthy diet back at home.
One of my favorite meals to make are turkey tacos. I make a big batch at the beginning of the week and have them almost every day during the week.
Tacos are the best. Seriously.
As I was making my weekly batch of turkey taco meat I reached into the cabinet to grab a seasoning packet.
There weren’t any there! What would I ever do without unseasoned meat? So I pulled out the computer and began my search for the perfect seasoning.
I had all of the spices in my cabinet. It took only a minute to throw them all together.
The first recipe that I tried was a little to spicy for my liking. So I tweaked it to my liking and found the perfect taco seasoning just for you.
It was amazing! I can’t believe that I have never made my own taco seasoning before.
It is WAY better than the store bought packages and I know that your family will love it too!
What you need to make taco seasoning
This is a great seasoning that you can add or subtract as much or as little of spices that you like. There is some added heat but that can also be minimized to your families liking.
- Chili powder- for some added heat.
- Garlic powder- a good balance and adds a brighter flavor.
- Onion powder- this is a subtle onion flavor you will not want to skip even if you are not a fan of onions.
- Dried oregano- brings in a spicy but sweet flavoring.
- Paprika- has a smokey flavor and helps color the taco seasoning.
- Ground cumin- lots of flavor with a little spice.
- Salt and Black pepper- an added taste to finish the seasoning.
How to make Taco Seasoning
This is such a simple recipe and it all comes together quick and easy for you to make several taco dishes!
I use about 2 tablespoons in one pound of ground turkey.
Recipe can easily be doubled and use more or less to taste.
Tip: I also like to add ½ cup of water to the meat and seasonings to make the meat more moist.
- Mix spices together. Combine all the seasonings together in a bowl.
- Store. Place In an airtight container.
How long does taco seasoning last?
This is the best part! Homemade taco seasoning will last up to 6 months.
Keep your taco seasoning stored in a cool, dry place in an airtight container and you will be set for life on this recipe!
Your tacos will be thanking you!
How to store taco seasoning
Mine always stay in an airtight container like a mason jar or OXO containers.
I like to double or even triple my homemade taco seasoning recipe just to have it always ready.
How much homemade taco seasoning equals one packet?
A standard store-bought packets of taco seasoning uses about 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat.
This homemade taco seasoning recipe makes more so you can have a few taco meals!
The great thing about making your own is you can add more or less seasoning depending on how much flavoring you are wanting.
Want more taco recipes?! Try these ones!
Who doesn’t love a good taco! Here are some of my favorites listed here. For more taco recipes click here on tacos.
- Beef Taco Salad
- Easy Shrimp Tacos
- Crock Pot Taco Soup
- Instant Pot Salsa Verde Chicken Tacos
- Smoky Paprika Fish Tacos with an Apple Slaw
The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all seasonings together and store in an airtight container.
- I used 2 tablespoons in one pound of ground turkey. Recipe can easily be doubled and use more or less to taste. I also like to add ½ cup of water to the meat and seasonings to make the meat more moist.
Video
Nutrition
Serves: 4
All nutritional information is based on third party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods and portion sizes per household.
I haven’t tried this yet, but I’m looking forward to trying it. I was wondering if I’m understanding correctly. This entire recipe is to be used for one pound of ground meat? Thanks
I use 2 tablespoons per 1 lb of meat. You can use more or less depending on the intensity of the flavor that you like.
The whole family loved this! Will be making up a big batch!
As a guy in the kitchen this is a life saver and of course easy.
You could really cut all the ingredients in half and it would be great seasoning. Following the measurements it’s just too much everything. In my opinion just cut everything in half except the salt, just don’t add any salt.
This is my go to recipe, really good
I also love this recipe and make my own @ a much less price than store bought, and it tastes so much better.
Waayyyy less salt…that was the only issue with this recipe..you might want to add a note. I wouldn’t use any salt or maybe just 1/4 tsp would be plenty
Great recipe due to my hubby blood pressure I use less salt but everything else perfect. Very yummy tacos and one of my family favorites!
Very simple combination of spices for this recipe but I felt the salt should have been cut in half. I agree also with adding 1/2 cup water for moistness. This will be a staple in my recipe collection.
Didn’t like it. Taste like chili
Ran out of taco seasoning last minute as I was cooking. Found this recipe and used it in my taco soup. Everyone loved it!
I love this recipe so much Mexican flavor my favorites. Thank you
Beats the store bought with all the preventatives!!
Susanna Toscano
Made this recipe this evening for the first time as I realized at the last minute, I did not have any packaged taco seasoning mix. Wow. It was so much better tasting and only 2 carbs! I’m never buying packaged seasoning mix again. Thank you!
Made this and it was so easy. Already had everything in my cupboard. Very good and economical.Thank you Alyssa
Realized too late I didn’t have Taco seasoning. Made this and it was perfect! I won’t go back to the other, I had the spices already! Thank you!
Perfect! Homemade seasonings are the best! 🙂
Honestly, this recipe wasn’t really my cup of tea. It was too spicy for my liking.
Very good recipe. Kept from buying Taco Seasoning for people as myself that want to pinch Pennies. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
You’re welcome! Homemade seasonings are my favorite, and this taco is the BEST! Glad you loved it too!
Can I use a salt substitute in this taco seasoning mix?
Yes!