This homemade taco seasoning mix brings bold flavor to everything from ground beef tacos to taco soup, and it’s so easy to customize to your personal preferences. There’s just something satisfying about skipping the store-bought stuff and mixing up your own homemade taco seasoning.
Whether you’re whipping up a quick dinner for Taco Tuesday or preparing a big batch of birria tacos, this DIY taco seasoning will make you wonder why you ever relied on those store-bought packets.
🌮 Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe
The best part? You likely already have most of the ingredients in your spice cabinet or spice drawer. No added fillers, corn starch, or artificial food colorings—just fresh spices and the best flavor.
Best Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe for Authentic Flavor
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 3 Tablespoons Chili Powder
- 1 Tablespoon Ground Cumin
- 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 1½ Teaspoons Garlic Powder
- 1½ Teaspoons Onion Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1½ Teaspoons Salt
- ½ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper adjust for spice level
- ½ Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional for bold flavor
- 1½ Teaspoons Mexican Oregano
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, and Mexican oregano.3 Tablespoons Chili Powder, 1 Tablespoon Ground Cumin, 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika, 1½ Teaspoons Garlic Powder, 1½ Teaspoons Onion Powder, 1 Teaspoon Black Pepper, 1½ Teaspoons Salt, ½ Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper, ½ Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes, 1½ Teaspoons Mexican Oregano
- Mix thoroughly using a wooden spoon until well combined.
- Transfer to a mason jar, spice jar, or any airtight container.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Nutrition
How to Use DIY Taco Seasoning
To season taco meat:
- Brown 1 pound of ground beef, ground turkey, or other meat in a large skillet.
- Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning and ½ cup water.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes to let the spice mixture thicken and infuse.
- Use for taco salad, ground beef tacos, taco soup, Mexican rice, or your favorite Mexican recipes.
This is a great way to add incredible flavor without the excess salt content found in a packet of taco seasoning from the grocery store.
Other Great Ways to Use It
- Taco Soup. Add 2–3 tablespoons per pot to boost flavor.
- Taco Salad. Sprinkle over cooked meat or mix into dressing.
- Mexican Rice. Stir into the cooking water or sautéed vegetables.
- Black Beans. Add a teaspoon or two to canned or cooked beans.
- Pico de Gallo. Mix a pinch into your salsa for an extra kick.
- Spice Rub. Use it as a dry rub for chicken, shrimp, or steak.
- Vegetable Roasting. Toss with olive oil and vegetables before baking.
This spice blend is a great way to simplify meal prep—no need to run to the grocery store for a packet of taco seasoning. Just reach into your spice jar, grab a wooden spoon, and scoop out bold flavor whenever you need it!
🧡 Why You’ll Love This Homemade Version
- You control the ingredients and salt content
- Makes a larger batch perfect for future use
- Stores beautifully in a lidded jar or airtight container
- Works well as a spice rub or mixed into sour cream for a quick dip
- No more scrambling for store-bought taco seasoning packets
This homemade seasoning blend also complements meals like taco soup, black beans, or even sprinkled over pico de gallo. Keep a jar in your pantry or spice cabinet—it’ll become your go-to for all your easy recipes.
How much taco seasoning is in a packet?
A standard packet of taco seasoning from the grocery store contains about 2 to 3 tablespoons of seasoning. This is usually the right amount to season one pound of ground meat, like ground beef, ground turkey, or chicken.
How many tablespoons are in a packet of taco seasoning?
Most store-bought taco seasoning packets contain 2 tablespoons of seasoning. Some brands may include slightly more (up to 3 tablespoons), but 2 tablespoons is a good rule of thumb when using a homemade taco seasoning mix in place of a packet.
Is taco seasoning gluten-free?
Homemade taco seasoning is usually gluten-free, especially if you’re using pure spices without additives. However, some store-bought packets may contain thickeners or anti-caking agents that have gluten. To ensure your homemade version is gluten-free, just use verified gluten-free spices and skip the corn starch if needed. Always double-check spice labels if you’re cooking for someone with a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
👩🍳 Final Tips
- For best taco flavor, always start with fresh spices.
- Customize the heat: skip the cayenne pepper or use a milder regular chili powder for a mild taco seasoning.
- This mix recipe also makes a thoughtful gift. Just pour it into a cute mason jar and label it!
Next time you’re prepping for your next taco night, skip the store-bought packets and reach for your own taco seasoning. You’ll taste the difference in every bite!
this recipe is great for having homemade mixes on hand for my recipes.