Taco Seasoning Recipe

Make your own taco seasoning right from your spice rack in 5 minutes. This simple seasoning recipe is perfect for all things Mexican!

3 reasons you'll love this DIY recipe

1. It's easy to make with simple pantry spices.
2. You can use it on everything.
3. You can save money!

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, back then, I didn't realize you could make your own taco seasoning with a handful of common spices.

Versatility is another reason to love this flavor-packed seasoning. It's delicious on chicken, beef, pork, tacos, nachos, burrito bowls, and taco pasta – all the things.

Since this recipe uses common spices, you'll save money when you diy this seasoning, especially if you use it often. This also keeps your spice rack from sitting dormant, which is another money saver.

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 make a low-sodium taco seasoning by simply reducing or omitting the salt.

How to make taco seasoning

This recipe is as easy as combining a handful of herbs and spices. To do so, combine chili powder, paprika, cumin, coriander, onion powder, oregano, and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir to combine. That's it!

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.

The 3-ingredient 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 garlic granules. 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 your own.

How much taco seasoning per pound of meat?

Use two tablespoons per one pound of meat. Add more, if desired.

Recipe tips

Add heat to this mild taco seasoning recipe by adding small amounts of cayenne pepper or chipotle powder. Be careful to not overdo it!

Use a mortar and pestle to grind the seasoning mix into a finer texture. This enhances the flavor of each herb and spice in the recipe.