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Make your own taco seasoning right from your spice rack in 5 minutes. This simple seasoning recipe is perfect for all things Mexican!
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Why you'll love this taco seasoning recipe
Taco seasoning is an essential ingredient for homemade Tex-Mex recipes in the North American kitchen. I grew up with the Old El Paso brand, and I never realized how easy it was to make homemade taco seasoning with a handful of common spices.
- quick - It takes less than 5 minutes to make.
- easy - Combine spices in a bowl. That's it!
- versatility - You can use it on all of your favorite Mexican recipes.
- save money - Homemade taco seasoning is cheaper than store-bought.
- use on-hand ingredients - Make taco seasoning right from your spice rack.
- fresh - Nothing like a freshly made seasoning. This also keeps your spice rack from sitting dormant, which is another money saver!
- low-sodium - This is a low-sodium taco seasoning compared to packaged seasoning. You can always add more, to taste.
What's in taco seasoning?
This homemade mix is a blend of dried herbs and spices including chili powder, paprika, cumin, coriander, onion powder, oregano, and salt. If your spice rack is limited, you'll love my 3-ingredient taco seasoning substitute below.
Ingredient notes
Ingredient amounts are available in the printable recipe card below.
- dried onion powder - Also known as ground, dehydrated onion.
- chili powder - A key ingredient that adds a bold flavor to Mexican seasonings.
- garlic powder - If you're using garlic salt, consider reducing the salt listed in this recipe.
- ground cumin - This adds an inherently savory, Mexican-inspired flavor. If using cumin seed, you'll need to grind it into a powder for this recipe.
- paprika – I recommend sweet or smoked paprika to keep this seasoning mild. Use hot paprika if you want a kick of heat.
- oregano - Adds a slightly bitter, earthy flavor and green color as the perfect compliment to the mild chili powder.
- ground coriander - This is not to be confused with fresh cilantro, but it's from the same plant and adds aromatic, citrus notes to foods.
- sea salt - You can adjust the salt to suit your taste preference.
How to make taco seasoning
This recipe is as easy as combining a handful of herbs and spices.
Step 1. Combine chili powder, paprika, cumin, coriander, onion powder, oregano, and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine.
Step 2. Store your homemade seasoning in a small mason jar or spice container in a cool, dry place up to three months or longer at your discretion. I used tulip jelly jars for these photos.
Taco seasoning substitute
If you have a limited spice rack, you can make a super simple taco seasoning substitute by combining 2 teaspoons chili powder, 2 teaspoons cumin, and 1 teaspoon granulated garlic. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use this substitute in place of a 1-ounce packet with any recipe that calls for it.
How to use taco seasoning
This seasoning adds a distinct taco flavor to everything it touches.
Use it for entrees like this taco bowls recipe and chicken burrito bowl. It's a vital ingredient in my famous one-pot taco pasta and adds a festive taco flavor to everyone's favorite seven layer dip appetizer.
This homemade seasoning adds a depth of flavor to this delicious tortilla soup. It also turns out the best ground beef taco meat and refried black beans side dish.
How much taco seasoning is in a packet?
There are 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning in a 1-ounce packet. This recipe makes ½ cup, which equals 4 packets. At $1.00 per packet, it pays to know how to make taco seasoning.
How much taco seasoning per pound of meat?
Use two tablespoons taco seasoning per one pound of meat. Add more, if desired.
Recipe tips
- Make this mild taco seasoning spicy by adding small amounts of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder to taste. Be careful to not overdo it!
- Although not required, you can use a mortar and pestle to grind your taco seasoning mix into a finer texture. This enhances the flavor of each herb and spice in the recipe.
📖 Recipe
Mild Taco Seasoning Recipe
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Note about scaling
When scaling (2x or 3x), the light gray ingredient amount doesn’t scale. Please adjust those accordingly.
Ingredients
Recipe yield is 8 tablespoons = 4 (1-ounce) store bought packets
- ¼ cup Dried Onion Powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons Chili Powder
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- 1 tablespoon Dried Oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons Ground Cumin
- ½ teaspoon Coriander
- ¼ teaspoon Sea Salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl or jar, combine all ingredients.
- Store in an airtight container up to 3 months.
Recipe Notes
Equipment
- small mixing bowl
- airtight storage container(s) or spice jar
Elena says
We love this taco seasoning. In fact I made it up and gave it to my family as little gifts.
Traci says
Ok this makes my day! I've been wanting to gift it too and you've inspired me 🙂 Thank you for trying my recipe, sharing with others, and letting me know. xoxo
Justine says
This is great! Homemade seasoning absolutely blows the store bought stuff out of the water. What I love the most is that I can control not only the salt content, but adjust the flavors to my liking.
Traci says
Yes!! That's exactly why I created this recipe and use it all the time. I'm so glad you're enjoying it. Thanks for the review!
Katherine says
I love that this seasoning has all the flavor without all the heat! Perfect for my kids.
Traci says
Yes! This taco seasoning is definitely family-friendly. Glad you're enjoying and thanks so much!
Dana Sandonato says
Delicious! I love homemade seasonings like this one. This works so well not just in tacos but roasted potatoes and soups as well!
Traci says
Yes!! So many uses! Glad you're enjoying and thanks so much!
Tara says
Such a wonderful seasoning mix to make at home! I love how easily it comes together with just a few pantry staples.
Traci says
Yes!! I'm so glad you're enjoying it. I love how easy it is too! Thanks so much!
Cpg says
Thank you! this is so much better than the store bought. We use it all the time.
Traci says
Yay! You are so welcome and thank you! So glad you're enjoying it.
Kris says
Yummy, yummy, yummy. My family loves it. this is a keeper. ❤️
Traci says
Yay! Glad you're enjoying this one 🙂 Thanks so much!!
Fiona says
It was tasty! Just wanting to check, as there was quite aot of heat, about the chili powder. Here in the UK, chili powder is literally just chili, not a blend. I have heard chili powder in the US is a milder blend of spices, which is why for UK users, American recipes can sometimes be too hot. Is the chili powder you use a blend, or just 100% chili? Thanks 🙂
Traci says
Hi Fiona, the chili powder I'm using is a standard spice, which, as you indicated, is a blend. Hope that helps you understand why you had that outcome. Let me know if you have more questions and thanks for taking the time to ask. Cheers!
JB says
This homemade taco seasoning is totally the way to go. No sugar, less salt, and save money? Sign me up! And yes, I really can't believe I haven't always gone the homemade route. Thanks for another winner KG!
Mahy says
This taco seasoning is amazing. One of the best recipes of its kind that I've seen lately.
Natalie says
I use taco seasoning a lot in my cooking. But I always buy it in stores. I think I'll give your mix a try. Sounds easy to make. Thanks!
Sisley White says
So easy to make and we've used it many times already.
Amanda says
It makes much more sense to make your own spice mixes and use them on your favourite dishes. Great just sprinkled over meat for the bbq too.
Anjali says
This homemade taco seasoning was so much more flavorful than the kind I typically buy! I'm never going back to store bought again!