This Super Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe is filled with simple pantry spices and is my go-to blend for all Mexican inspired recipes!
Use this taco seasoning blend in my ground beef tacos, enchiladas, and more!
Have you ever been ready to make a recipe that calls for taco seasoning, only to find out that you’re fresh out of the small foil packages of pre-made taco seasoning?
It’s the worst, right?!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Have no fear, because this simple and easy blend of spices is PERFECT for using in place of that pre-made blend at the store, plus it’s fresh and way cheaper too!
You probably already have all the spices in your pantry right now to whip up this super easy Mexican blend!
What Spices Are In Taco Seasoning?
Here’s the basic spices you’ll find in taco seasoning. All ingredients are shelf stable, making it easy to whip up this homemade blend.
- Chili Powder – a basic dark chili powder works best
- Cumin – gives the blend a nice smoky flavor
- Salt – to enhance and boost the flavor of the mixture
- Garlic Powder – you can increase for more garlic flavor
- Onion Powder – one of my favorite dry spices to use
- Paprika – regular paprika or smoked paprika would work
- Oregano – gives the blend a nice balance with an herb flavor
- Red Pepper Flakes – use more or less depending on how spicy you like it
- Black Pepper
The coolest thing about this recipe is that I’ll give you the measurements for a single batch of taco seasoning (used to make 1 pound of taco meat), but it’s also super easy to double, triple (or more) the recipe so you’re always prepared for when you need taco seasoning.
PRO TIP: Keep unused taco seasoning in a sealed mason jar or air tight container for up to 3 months.
Different Ways To Use Taco Seasoning
Not only is this gluten free taco seasoning perfect with ground beef, you can also use it with chicken, pork and in soups too! Here are a few of my favorite recipes that utilize taco seasoning.
Recipe for Easy Taco Meat
My favorite way to make juicy taco meat is by browning 1 pound of ground beef with 1/2 of an onion that’s been diced.
Drain the fat off and then add in 2 1/2 tablespoons of my homemade taco seasoning along with 1 cup of tomato sauce.
Stir it all together, letting the taco meat simmer over medium heat, until the sauce has thickened (about 3 minutes).
Serve the taco meat in soft flour or crispy corn tortillas and enjoy!
More Homemade Seasoning Blends
Ready to take control of your pantry? Here are a few more of my favorite seasoning blends that you can whip up and use in no time.
- Simple Italian Seasoning – perfect for all your Italian recipes
- Homemade Greek Seasoning – I love to use this on grilled chicken
Keep this recipe for taco seasoning handy for whenever you have a craving for tacos!
Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp Chili Powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine all the spices in a bowl and keep in an air tight container in a cool dry place until ready to use.
Notes
Nutrition
PIN THIS IMAGE TO SAVE THE RECIPE!
10 Easy Chicken Dinner Ideas
Susan
Excellent flavors and easy to control salt.
Lyslee
Yummy! I didn’t measure I just eyeballed it and it turned out delicious!
Robyn
This recipe was easy, quick, tasty and clean. I use this recipe every time (and aways double or triple)!
Margaret B.
Does not taste like a taco????
Joan
This is the perfect taco seasoning thank you so much! I used it to make your enchilada recipe!!. That is fantastic too!!
Unknown
Easy recipe and good flavor but a little too salty! I would recommend cutting back a bit.
Brenda Wayland
I love this recipe! It was so easy to make, it really did only take two minutes! I haven’t cooked it yet but I’m sure I’ll be using this again and again
Shawn
Fantastic! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Roger
What chili powder do you recommend? Most of the store bought is a blend including cumin , onion powder, salt, paprika, etc. which makes some of the recipie redundant. I use a home made blend of ancho, california, new mexico, and chipotle.
Shawn
Hmm.. I’ve never purchased a blended chili powder. I would recommend just plain chili powder.
Shaunna
Better flavor then the packets. Thanks for sharing!
Shawn
Hooray! So glad you enjoyed it!
pauline morris
I’AM MAKING THIS NOW, BUT IS IT 2 1/2 TBSP OR 2 1/2 teaspoon?
Shawn
The yield of the recipe should be about 2 1/2 tablespoons.
Alina
Shawn, it looks so yummy! I love the step-by-step instructions, making it an easy recipe to follow!
Shawn
I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Angela
I love this recipe! I always site to it when directing my readers to a delicious homemade taco seasoning recipe. It’s the perfect blend!
Shawn
I’m so glad you are enjoying it!
Olga
Shawn, it looks perfect and tasty! Can’t wait to have this anytime of the day, love it!
Shawn
I hope you enjoy it!
Karen U.
Thanks so much for this recipe!! My hubby and I moved to Mexico about 8 months ago and when we lived in the states, I ALWAYS used to buy the packets of taco seasoning. Guess what?? In Mexico, they do not sell the packets!! Duh, I should have known……..they do sell lots of spices and all sorts of different spice concoctions, but many of them are very spicy and we go for the less spicy stuff, so I am looking forward to trying yours and adjust if need be. Thanks!!
Shawn
I’m so glad you’re able to put this to good use Karen! 🙂
Mike from Chili Pepper Madness
Yep, a very nice seasoning blend that works great for tacos. I love it. I always like to slip in some extra spicy chili powder (like ghost!) to get an additional kick. Great stuff!
Shawn
Oh I bet that spicy chili powder would be a great addition!