It’s easy to make your own 100% natural Taco Seasoning from chili powder, cumin, paprika and a few other common pantry spices. Dodge the packet from the store and perfectly balance every smoky, savory, mild or spicy nuance of flavor!
This traditional, DIY blend of spices goes perfectly with many of our Mexican Recipes including chicken or beef Fajitas, Taquitos, and Shrimp Tacos. Make a big batch and use as a dry rub for meats, or to pep up savory dishes such as casseroles or chili!
Taco Tuesday has become an American tradition and our household is no different. Our kids crunch through the hard-shell variety while my husband and I do Taco Saladstopped with black beans, sliced olives and avocados. Switching from stale, filler-stuffed packets to the vibrant flavors of quality fresh spices means none of us can wait for Tuesday!
Ingredients in Taco Seasoning:
- Chili powder: Itself a blend of spices.
- Cumin: This lends that “Mexican” flavor that truly distinguishes taco seasoning.
- Oregano: Fresher, cheaper and in more bulk in the Latin foods aisle.
- Paprika: Try smoked to add depth of flavor.
- Cayenne: Just a pinch to add heat. Proceed with caution, a lot goes a long way!
- Pepper: Fresh ground makes a big difference in flavor.
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
How to Make Taco Seasoning:
Combine the above ingredients well and voila! You’re done. Use 2 Tablespoons to equal a taco seasoning packet, or use the amounts in the notes section of the recipe card below if you only want to make the equivalent of one packet.
To store Taco Seasoning:
Use immediately or store in an airtight container in your spice cupboard and use as needed. For maximum freshness use within six months.
If you enjoy Mexican cuisine, you may also fall in love with our Central and South American dishes!
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Recipe
4.97 from 139 votes
Taco Seasoning
This homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is completely natural, healthy, and just uses simple spices from your pantry. It only takes 5 minutes to stir together and it's cheaper and tastes better than any packet from the store!
Servings 4
Calories 64
Prep 5 minutes mins
Total 5 minutes mins
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano leaves
- 2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 Tablespoons ground cumin
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- crushed red pepper flakes , optional
Instructions
Mix all spices together until well combined.
Use immediately or store in an airtight container in your spice cupboard and use as needed. Use 2 tablespoons in place of one "packet" of taco seasoning, or to season 1 pound of meat.
Notes
Yields about ½ cup taco seasoning. Serving size is 2 Tablespoons.
Store in an airtight container in your spice cupboard and use as needed. For maximum freshness use within six months.
Packet Taco Seasoning replacement: if you only want to make enough taco seasoning to replace 1 packet, use the following amounts:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Pinch of cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Nutrition
Calories: 64kcalCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 0.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 2575mgPotassium: 401mgFiber: 6gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 4981IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 96mgIron: 5mg
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Photography by Nikole from The Travel Palate.
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About The Author
Lauren Allen
Welcome! I’m Lauren, a mom of four and lover of good food. Here you’ll find easy recipes and weeknight meal ideas made with real ingredients, with step-by-step photos and videos.
