Homemade Taco Seasoning

Everyone needs homemade taco seasoning in their lives! Tacos have never been more popular. My family’s taco obsession is strong, so it’s always nice to always have taco mix on hand. Whether it’s crunchy tacos, soft tacos, or taco salad, my kitchen is always taco-ready!

Nothing gets my kiddos (and hubby) more excited for dinner than hearing the words “Taco Tuesday.” Fun to say. Fun to eat. Everyone loves them. And since tacos are super-easy to prepare, it’s a win-win. 

The only thing I never liked about making tacos was the store-bought seasoning packs. The flavor was fine, but the seasoning blend is mixed with all sorts of things no one can pronounce. And if I can’t say it, I don’t want to serve it! 

So, one day I decided to create taco seasoning from scratch. For an entire weekend, my kitchen was transformed into a taco testing center. I mixed, measured, stirred, and sautéed my way through countless iterations of homemade tacos, finally nailing that perfect mix of spices and seasonings. 

Once the recipe had been perfected in the test kitchen, I said adios to store-bought seasoning packets and hola to tacos seasoned with good ingredients from home. Now our tacos are made with all-natural seasonings that taste great, cost less, and have no preservatives. Taco Tuesday just got even better! Now I want to share my recipe for how to make taco seasoning.

INGREDIENTS – WHAT YOU NEED

This ultra-simple recipe calls for chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, and ground cumin, plus salt & pepper, and cornstarch.

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING

1. Pour all ingredients into a bowl or a jar.
2. Stir thoroughly with a whisk.
3. Transfer to an airtight container for storage.

It’s that easy to make this recipe! I usually make a bulk batch of this yummy goodness so I can be ready for the next taco night!

HOW MUCH TACO SEASONING EQUALS 1 PACKET OF TACO SEASONING?

In terms of how much homemade taco seasoning to use, I’ve found the sweet spot to be 3 tablespoons for every pound of meat. This will be less than the amount in a packet, but remember that the store-bought seasoning contains other non-spice ingredients like preservatives, which take up space in the packet.

HOW LONG DOES TACO MIX LAST?

If you store your taco mix in an airtight container in that proverbial cool, dry, place, your seasoning will keep its flavor for up to 6 months. Because all of the ingredients are dry there’s really no chance of spoilage. The seasoning might lose some of its potency as time goes on, but it won’t turn rancid. Replace your supply with a fresh batch twice a year and you’ll be golden.

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE TACO SEASONING

To get that perfect ground beef taco seasoning, you need 5 spices, cornstarch, and salt & pepper. You might even have most – or all – of the ingredients already in your kitchen. Can you smell the savings?

Some other recipes you can make with taco mix include Chicken Tacos and Doritos Taco Salad in a Bag.

PRO TIPS/RECIPE NOTES

If you want to bump up the spice level, increase the amount of chili powder in the recipe. If you want to crank things even higher, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mix. Don’t forget to label your taco seasoning as “spicy.”

Store your taco seasoning in a spice jar, a mason jar, or Tupperware. Keep in mind that containers tend to hold the smell and color of the seasoning, even after you wash them. Be prepared to permanently dedicate your storage container to the taco seasoning.

WHAT OTHER MEXICAN DISHES CAN YOU MAKE?

• Use this seasoning to make the best Chicken Tacos.
• Make this delicious Easy Creamy White Chicken Chili.
• Create this Easy Chicken Burrito Recipe.
• Make this Southwest Chicken Taco Salad.
• Prepare this Lime Cilantro Chicken with Avocado Salsa.
• Make this Easy Burrito Pie.

The next time you make this Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe, I would love to see it! Snap a picture and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #happymoneysaver and tagging me @happymoneysaver!

This recipe was first posted on February 15, 2011, but has been updated with new photos and better-detailed instructions on September 27, 2021.