Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Elevate your taco game with a Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix. This simple recipe allows you to control the flavors and create a blend of spices that’s tailored to your taste. With just a few common pantry staples, you can whip up a batch in 5 minutes. Whether you’re using it for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas, this taco seasoning will add a burst of flavor to every bite.
Ditch the store-bought packages of spices and create your own homemade seasoning recipes. They’re easy to make and like this taco seasoning, you control what goes in the mix of spices and herbs. There’s nothing like the aroma of freshly mixed spices to elevate your cooking.
Transform your taco night with this simple homemade taco seasoning mix recipe. Unlike store-bought spice packets, which can be high in sodium and contain unwanted additives, this DIY version uses all-natural ingredients to bring bold, authentic flavors to your meals. Crafting your own mix ensures you know what’s in taco seasoning and what’s not.
My family became tired of the boring flavor of the pre-packaged mix for tacos so I created this bold blend and they love it. We love it in 30 Minute Beef Taco Skillet and in this Hot Baked Taco Dip Recipe. It’s easy to make a large batch and store it in my pantry to have it always on hand.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
My homemade taco seasoning recipe has a balanced mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a hint of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Use it to make beef, chicken, or vegetarian tacos. It also adds a kick to soups, stews, and dips. It will elevate all of your Mexican-inspired dishes and more.
A typical packaged taco mix contains about 3 tablespoons of spices and that’s what this recipe will make. I make it in a large batch as we use it often. You use the DIY seasoning the same as a packet. So for a typical taco recipe with one pound of ground beef, you would use 3 tablespoons of mix with 3/4 cup of water. Easy! Best of all, no preservatives or additives!
Buying the individual spices might seem more expensive initially, but in the long run, it’s cheaper than buying pre-made mixes every time.
Timesaving Tips and Variations
- Ensure your spices and herbs are fresh by checking their expiration dates. Fresh ingredients will give you the best flavor.
- I like to use a spice grinder to blend my taco spices and herbs so that the red pepper flakes incorporate better.
- Store your homemade spice blends in airtight containers like glass jars, and keep them in a cool, dark place to preserve their freshness.
- If your spices have clumped together, don’t worry—they’re still usable! Simply pour them into a bowl and break up the lumps with a whisk, or use a small food processor to blend them again.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to match your preferred heat level.
If you find yourself making tacos frequently, consider doubling or tripling this recipe. It will save you time, and you’ll always have a ready-made mix at hand.
Is Fajita Seasoning the Same as Taco Seasoning?
The two are very similar in taste but there is a bit of difference. They do share common spices but fajita seasoning tends to be a little milder than taco. It also depends on how you create your spice mixes. Both of my homemade versions have very similar flavor profiles with fajita seasoning having coriander and my taco has red pepper flakes for more spice.
How to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning
Beyond tacos, this flavorful blend can be used to enhance a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas:
- Steak: Rub 3-4 tablespoons onto one pound of steak before grilling or cooking your preferred method.
- Ground beef: For 1 pound of ground beef, use 3 tablespoons. This is comparable to a store-bought mix.
- Chicken: Apply 3-4 tablespoons per pound of chicken as a dry rub before grilling or baking.
- Marinade: Combine 3-4 tablespoons with 2-3 tablespoons of olive oil in a ziplock bag. Add 1 pound of meat and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
- Vegetables: Toss your favorite veggies in a bit of olive oil and this spice mix for a quick and easy side dish. The savory-spicy kick will bring out the veggies’ natural sweetness.
💡Explore my favorite Kitchen Essentials (Amazon affiliate link)
Recommended Tools to Use to Make Taco Seasoning
The tools needed are very few and you will most likely have them. I have linked to my favorite spice jars but every day mason jars work very well.
This post may contain Amazon or other affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see my disclosure policy.
Pro Tip: Sometimes I find my local Asian or Mexican markets to have less expensive herbs and spices without losing their freshness or potency.
Ingredients
Full amounts for the ingredients are in the recipe card below. These are common spices that are found in the spice aisle (near the baking items) in your local grocery store.
- chili powder
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- crushed red pepper flakes
- dried oregano
- paprika
- ground cumin
- fine sea salt
- black pepper
Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, this homemade seasoning is a game-changer. It’s simple to make and packs a punch of flavor.
How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
It doesn’t get simpler than mixing everything together in a bowl. Just store your DIY mixes in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, away from any heat sources. It will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
Keep a jar of this bold mixture in your pantry, and you’ll always be ready to whip up delicious tacos, fajitas, or even flavorful taco-inspired dips!
Package up your homemade spice blends in a charming jar with a custom label. It’s a unique and thoughtful gift that’s perfect for any occasion.
What to Make with Taco Seasoning
Give these recipes a try using the blended mixture. You won’t be disappointed.
- Taco Chicken in the Crock Pot
- Air Fryer Tilapia Tacos with Cilantro Lime Slaw
- Taco Soup in the Crock Pot
- Charred Corn Veggie Tacos
- Easy Tater Tot Casserole
The savory and slightly spicy flavors will complement a variety of dishes, adding a delicious and unique twist to your meals.
Ready to make your tacos taste better than ever? Save or print this recipe today!
Printable Recipe Card
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Equipment
- fork
Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fine sea salt, can adust or omit
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, adjust to your tastes
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Use as you typically would a packet of taco seasoning.
- To use for TACOS: Use about 3 Tablespoons per 1 pound ground beef (adding more or less, depending on your tastes) to the 3/4 cup water, mix well. Conitue with your recipe.
- Note – Multiply the amounts to make a larger batch to have on hand for future uses.
Notes
- Ensure your spices and herbs are fresh by checking their expiration dates. Fresh ingredients will give you the best flavor.
- I like to use a spice grinder to blend my taco seasoning so that the red pepper flakes incorporate better.
- Store your homemade spice blends in airtight containers like glass jars, and keep them in a cool, dark place to preserve their freshness.
- If your spices have clumped together, don’t worry—they’re still usable! Simply pour them into a bowl and break up the lumps with a whisk, or use a small food processor to blend them again.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to match your preferred heat level
Nutritional Disclaimer
“Blogghetti” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
Connect with Blogghetti
Be Sure To Follow Me On My Social Media, So You Never Miss A Post!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram
If you try a recipe, please use the hashtag #Blogghetti on INSTAGRAM for a chance to be featured!
Enjoy!
