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This Homemade Taco Seasoning is so flavorful and takes less than 5 minutes to make. You will never buy taco seasoning from the store again!
Want to know what to make with this seasoning? Try these Taco Stuffed Peppers, this classic Taco Soup or this Rotel Dip with this homemade taco seasoning.
Taco Seasoning Recipe
Isn’t it the worst when you go to cook and don’t have the seasoning that you need for the recipe. That’s where homemade seasonings come in! If you don’t have store bought taco seasoning on hand, this recipe can be made in less that 5 minutes from classic seasonings that we all have in our pantry!
Once you try out this homemade recipe, you will never buy store bought again. These flavors make any taco have more flavor and make them taste SO much better! Try it out with this easy Taco Ring. It takes even the most simple recipe to the next level.
What is Taco Seasoning Mix Made of?
Taco Seasoning is made up of simple spices that, when they are mixed together, make the best flavor. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.
- Chili Powder: This gives it some kick. Add more if you like your seasoning extra spicy!
- Garlic Powder: The garlic powder complements all of the other flavors without being too overpowering.
- Onion Powder: This is a subtle onion flavor that really stands out.
- Dried Oregano: The oregano brings in a spicy but sweet flavoring.
- Paprika: Paprika has a smokey flavor and helps add color to the taco seasoning.
- Ground Cumin: This unique flavored seasoning adds lots of flavor with a little spice.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These enhance all of the flavors in the recipe.
How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
You can also change the flavor up to have more or less heat depending on your preference. That’s the beauty of homemade seasonings, you can customize them to be however you want!
- Mix spices together: Combine all the seasonings together in a bowl.
- Store: Place the mixture in an airtight container.
How much homemade taco seasoning equals one packet?
A standard store-bought packets of taco seasoning holds about 2 tablespoons of seasoning.
How much taco seasoning for 1 pound of meat?
I use about 2 tablespoons in one pound of ground turkey or ground beef. This is such a simple recipe and it all comes together quick and easy for you to make several taco dishes! The recipe can easily be doubled and use more or less to taste.
Tip: I also like to add 1/2 cup of water to the meat and seasonings to make the meat more moist.
How long does taco seasoning last?
This is the best part! When you store your seasoning, make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container and it will last up to 6 months.
Want more taco recipes?! Try these ones!
Who doesn’t love a good taco? I’ve gathered up a few of my favorites for you to try with this seasoning!
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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 of the seasonings in a bowl and stir to combine.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- This recipe can easily be doubled! To use the seasoning, cook 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink. Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning to the ground beef along with 1/2 cup of water.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’ve been using this recipe since the recipe critic posted it (2019 I believe). Hands down way better than any store ought taco seasoning.
Sooooo good! Definitely making this now instead of buying pre-made taco seasoning!! Thank you!
I dislike heavy cumin flavor which I see in most Tex-Mex style cooking. I prefer very, very little cumin. I adjusted this to omit all cumin and use just one teaspoon of chili powder and it was very good. I also used hot Hungarian paprika and added a bit of cayenne pepper and I liked it quite a bit.
I cook the meat a little differently also. I don’t add any water, just the spice mix and sometimes I add onions and peppers because I like spicy food. When the meat is done I steam it for about thirty minutes. This adds moisture, removes grease, and makes for really good tacos.
I just made tacos and have to agree that this was as good or better than any store bought package and to know it was msg free a big plus. I have been enjoying tacos a very long time and I enjoyed mine tonight.
i too am never buying store bought taco seasoning again. it was very flavorful without tons of salt. definitely will be my new go to.
thank you for sharing!!
At the last minute, I thought I bought a whole taco kit but actually I just had the shells and didn’t know it until after I browned the beef! I went right online and found this recipe. It was perfect!! So easy and delicious. Also, I love that the option to double the recipe was right there and it updates the measurements for you. Thank you so much. I will never buy store bought again!!
This makes me so happy to hear! I love homemade seasonings!
Holy moly – best taco recipe I’ve found and sooo much better than packet seasoning. I didn’t have onion powder so I doubled the garlic powder and also sautéed onions and fresh garlic to add to the chicken with the seasoning. It’s out of this world delicious. Highly recommend!
Thanks so much for trying it out! I’m glad you loved it 🙂
Delicious!!!
No worries about high sodium or msg.
Great spice blend. It’s our go to taco seasoning!
With the creation of Pinterest, I’ve made many homemade taco seasoning recipes until I found one that I liked. I’ve been using it for years, but I always felt something was “off” when using ground turkey instead of ground beef.
I googled “chicken taco seasoning recipes” and chose this based on stars-# of reviews/tries.
I can’t say this any louder – THIS IS THE BEST HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING I’VE EVER MADE.
I did a few things differently for personal tastes but do this every time I make seasoning – I reduced the paprika by 1/3 because I don’t like it much. I used a salt-free blend because we’re trying to omit it. I did use the onion powder, but I added about a 1/2C chopped onion to the crockpot too.
I used one full recipe for 1lb of ground turkey in the crock pot with about 1/3C water.
Thank you for this AMAZING seasoning recipe!
How much do you use for 1 pd of beef
I usually add about 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat.
Best taco seasoning recipe I have found. Mild enough for my kids but still very flavorful.
Thank you so much for this recipe! I was making lunch for my kids (who lovvvvveee tacos) and realized that I didn’t actually have any taco seasoning once the meat was already browning. I was so happy that this recipe used all ingredients I already had on hand AND my kids absolutely loved the tacos. I don’t think I’m going to bother buying taco seasoning any more, this was so easy and delicious!
The homemade taco seasoning is the best! And like you said, so convenient too! So glad you loved it!
This is definitely our households taco seasoning now. It is A-mazing! Way better than store bought. I already have all of the ingredients, and it is so easy. Thank you for a great recipe!
Ahh, that makes me so happy to hear!
Love this seasoning mix! I reduced the salt a bit to my own taste but otherwise made it according to the recipe. My husband doesn’t like the taco seasoning packets at all but he loved this recipe!
A little too salty for me, and not spicy enough. Next time I’ll reduce the salt and add cayenne! Great start!
I used this for so many other meats for flavor. Great on burgers and chicken on the grill