This easy homemade taco seasoning recipe is a tasty blend of bold, rich flavor. Perfect for tacos, burritos, fajitas, soup, beans, vegetables, and more!
Store-bought seasoning packets are convenient but nothing beats the freshness and versatility of making your own taco seasoning spice blend right at home.
This quick + easy homemade taco seasoning recipe is a great way to save money and control the ingredients (because it has no additives, preservatives, or excess sodium).
Plus it is made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, and you can adjust it to your own taste.
Ingredients for Taco Seasoning
You will need the following spices for this seasoning mixture:
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Dried oregano
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt
This mix is mild (if using mild chili powder).
So if you like yours spicy, add black pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. Ground chipotle is also a great addition for some warm smokiness.
How to Make
To make your taco seasoning, simply combine all the spices in a bowl or jar, then thoroughly shake or stir to mix it together.
Storing
I often make a larger batch by doubling, tripling, or quadrupling the recipe.
Then I store it in a sealed glass mason jar in our pantry to have on hand whenever needed - super convenient!
It keeps for several months at room temperature in an airtight container.
Store-Bought Packets
A standard packet of taco seasoning mix typically has about 2 or 3 tablespoons of seasoning.
This recipe yields about 3 tablespoons, so it's a great match and replacement for one store-bought taco seasoning packet.
How to Make Taco Meat
This seasoning mix is great for making simple ground meat tacos. (Since we are vegan, I use Beyond Meat's plant-based grounds which work great.) The general recipe is:
- 1 pound of ground beef or meat
- 2-3 Tbsp. taco seasoning
- 1/3 cup water (more or less as desired)
Simply brown your "meat" in a skillet first, then add the taco seasoning and water. (The water helps to combine and coat the crumbles evenly.) Let simmer for a few minutes until the water has absorbed.
Recipes
You can use this seasoning in a wide variety of dishes such as:
- Chickpea-Walnut Taco Crumbles (pictured above)
- Portobello Fajitas (pictured below)
- Black Bean Lentil Taco Soup
- Vegan Taco Salad with Southwestern Dressing
- Black Bean + Quinoa Fajita Burritos (freezer-friendly)
- Black Bean Tempeh Tacos
It is also great for general use on veggies, potatoes, rice, casseroles, soups, and more.
For more inspiration, browse all Mexican-inspired recipes.
Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder*
- 1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. onion powder
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika (or regular)
- 1/2 tsp. salt (more/less as desired)
Optional spicy additions:
- 1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne pepper, or a dash of ground chipotle
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl or jar. Stir or shake until thoroughly combined.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container for later use. (It keeps for several months.)
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)
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Jayne
I am so happy I saved this recipe! I am making another round. 😊 I also used as a steak marinade for fajitas!! Score. Thank you for sharing.
Kaitlin
Glad you're enjoying it, Jayne! Thanks for the feedback!
Claire Wankiewicz
This is awesome! Not too hot, warms you in your tummy not your mouth. I've used this in other recipes too and it adds just the right lift in flavour. Love this recipe.
Kaitlin
Lovely to hear, Claire! I'm so glad you're finding various uses for it. Your kind feedback is appreciated - thank you!
Torrie
Tried this for tacos and it was great. Just added a bit more chili powder and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Big hit with the boys.
Kaitlin
Great additions, Torrie! Glad it was enjoyed!
Jeannette
This is great! Thank you. I made chicken fajitas. My daughter will like this because it isn’t very spicy. I intend on making the black bean soup soon. Thank you again!
Kaitlin
Fantastic, Jeannette! Hope you enjoy the soup as well. Thanks so much for your kind feedback!
Inga
Love this recipe thanks. I use it again and again.
Kaitlin
Thanks for sharing!
Becky
Perfect combination of spices! I used cayenne powder instead of flakes. This will be my go-to taco seasoning now.
Kaitlin
Great to hear!
Mandy
This was perfect. Thanks!
Kaitlin
Great to hear, Mandy. Thanks for sharing!
Kristin
Do you use the entire thing for 1 lb. of ground beef?
Kaitlin
Hi Kristin! Yep, typically 2-3 Tbsp. taco seasoning is used for 1 lb. meat. Simply add a little water if the mixture is too dry. (I've used it to season Beyond Meat ground beef before and it's fantastic.) But feel free to cater the seasoning amount to your own taste!
Mandy
Hi! Trying this tonight. How much do you use for a pound of meat and do you add water? Thanks!
Kaitlin
Typically 2-3 Tbsp. taco seasoning is used, and you can add 1/3 cup water to help combine/simmer.
Rosa
Do I still have to add water to this? Store bought asks for water.
Kaitlin
Hi Rosa! It depends on how you're using it and personal preference. If seasoning ground meat/meat substitutes, then you can add 2-3 Tbsp. water (or more) like the packets state to help better mix the seasoning if the mixture is dry. (In a recipe like my Chickpea-Walnut Taco Crumbles, I only use 1 Tbsp. water.)
Loraine
This turned out even better than any store bought taco seasoning. I will be using this as my go-to from now on for taco Tuesdays!! Thank you!
Kaitlin McGinn
Fantastic, Loraine! Thanks for giving it a try and sharing your kind review. Hope you continue to enjoy it on your Taco Tuesdays!
Michele
This is a great recipe! It tastes just like one you buy at the store. I will never buy a package mix again! Thanks for posting.
Kaitlin McGinn
So wonderful to hear, Michele! I appreciate you coming back to let me know - thank you!
Gayle
Love that it has oregano, but all I had was Italian seasoning! I used my pestle to make the onion powder from dried. Turned out great. It will be a regular in my spice arsenal. Especially for kids who can’t take peppery or hot flavors but like the savory kick this has. Thank you!
Kaitlin McGinn
Fantastic, Gayle! Love that you made this work with what you had. Thank you so much for the kind feedback - very appreciated!
Anonymous
Hi, I love your site. One quick question, if I may, if I put a little extra garlic and onion powders in it, would it ruin it? I love garlic and onion.
Katerina
Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer
Hi Katerina! Glad you're enjoying the site. Adding more onion and garlic powder would definitely not ruin it - go for it! It's a pretty versatile seasoning. Hope you enjoy!