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    Home » Recipes » Sauce + Seasoning

    Taco Seasoning

    Apr 22, 2012 by Kaitlin

    This easy homemade taco seasoning recipe is a tasty blend of bold, rich flavor. Perfect for adding instant flavor to tacos, burritos, fajitas, soup, beans, vegetables, and more!

    homemade taco seasoning in a small jar

    Have a few minutes? Let's make some taco seasoning!

    Store-bought seasoning packets are convenient but nothing beats the freshness and versatility of making your own spice blends 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 easily customize + adjust them to your own taste!)

    Spices on a plate for homemade taco seasoning ingredients

    Ingredients for Taco Seasoning

    Scroll down to the recipe for full amounts, but these are the spices you will need to grab from your pantry:

    • Chili powder: Most often I either use "Simply Organic" brand chili powder, or whatever is in the bulk bins and my local co-op (usually "Frontier Co-op" brand). In my experience, most chili powders are mild to moderately spicy depending on how much cayenne pepper they contain.
    • Ground cumin
    • Dried oregano: Be sure your dried spices are fresh (not expired and past their prime) for best flavor and results.
    • Onion powder
    • Garlic powder
    • Smoked paprika
    • Salt: I use fine grain salt for this recipe. You can add as much or as little as you prefer. For low-sodium or no sodium, simple reduce or leave it out.

    Like it spicy? Add black pepper, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes. Ground chipotle is also a great addition for some warm smokiness.

    Small bowl of homemade taco spice blend

    How to Make

    Combine + shake: To make your taco seasoning, simply combine all the spices in a bowl or jar, then thoroughly shake or stir to mix it together. That's it!

    Storing

    Sealed container: Store it in a sealed glass mason jar at room temperature to have on hand whenever needed.

    Storing time: We find it keeps for several months in an airtight container in the pantry.

    Tip: I often make a larger batch by doubling, tripling, or quadrupling the recipe to save for later - super convenient!

    Homemade spice blend in a small jar with teaspoon

    Store-Bought Packets

    A standard packet of taco seasoning mix typically equals 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.

    Note: This seasoning mixture is mild if using mild chili powder.

    How to Make Taco Meat

    This seasoning mix is great for making simple ground meat tacos. Since we are vegan, I often use Beyond Meat's plant-based grounds (or something similar) which works great. The general recipe is:

    • 1 pound of vegan ground beef or meat crumbles
    • 2-3 Tbsp. taco seasoning
    • 1/3 cup water (more or less as desired)

    Instructions: 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.) Then let it simmer for a few minutes until the water has absorbed.

    Plate of three vegan tacos with chickpea-walnut taco filling

    Recipes with Taco Seasoning

    Use this seasoning in a wide variety of dishes for instant, bold flavor. A few ideas include:

    • Chickpea-Walnut Taco Crumbles (pictured above)
    • Portobello Fajitas (pictured below)
    • Southwest Tofu Burrito
    • Black Bean Lentil Taco Soup
    • Vegan Taco Salad with Southwestern Dressing
    • Black Bean + Quinoa Fajita Burritos (freezer-friendly)
    • Black Bean Tempeh Tacos

    Tip: It's also great for general use on veggies, potatoes, rice, casseroles, soups, and more!

    Vegan portobello mushroom fajitas on a corn tortilla

    For more inspiration, also browse all sauce + seasoning recipes or Mexican-inspired recipes.

    homemade taco seasoning in a small jar

    Taco Seasoning

    A tasty spice blend with bold flavor. Perfect for adding instant flavor to tacos, burritos, fajitas, soup, beans, vegetables, and more.
    4.91 from 20 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Comment
    Prep Time: 3 minutes
    Total Time: 3 minutes
    Author: Kaitlin - The Garden Grazer
    Course: Seasoning
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Mexican-inspired, Vegan
    Servings: 6 (1/2-tablespoon servings)

    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

    *Chili powder: I use American-style mild chili powder.
    Yield: Recipe makes about 3 tablespoons. (So double, triple, or quadruple as desired.)
    Storing: If preparing for later, store seasoning blend in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. (I keep ours in a small, sealed mason jar in our pantry.)

    Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)

    Nutrition Facts
    Taco Seasoning
    Amount per Serving
    Calories
    10
    % Daily Value*
    Fat
     
    1
    g
    2
    %
    Saturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    6
    %
    Polyunsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Monounsaturated Fat
     
    1
    g
    Potassium
     
    56
    mg
    2
    %
    Carbohydrates
     
    2
    g
    1
    %
    Fiber
     
    1
    g
    4
    %
    Sugar
     
    1
    g
    1
    %
    Protein
     
    1
    g
    2
    %
    Vitamin A
     
    572
    IU
    11
    %
    Vitamin C
     
    1
    mg
    1
    %
    Calcium
     
    17
    mg
    2
    %
    Iron
     
    1
    mg
    6
    %
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
    Did you make this recipe?Leave a star rating or comment below!

    Follow The Garden Grazer on Instagram, Pinterest, or Facebook for more updates and inspiration.

    More Vegan Sauce & Seasoning Recipes

    • Vegan Big Mac Sauce (No Mayo!)
    • Cilantro Jalapeno Hummus
    • Roasted Red Pepper Dressing (Oil-Free)
    • Vegan Cashew Queso

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

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      Recipe Rating:




    1. Jayne

      October 30, 2021 at 2:51 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        October 30, 2021 at 5:26 pm

        Glad you're enjoying it, Jayne! Thanks for the feedback!

        Reply
    2. Claire Wankiewicz

      September 30, 2021 at 11:03 pm

      5 stars
      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 flavor. Love this recipe.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        October 01, 2021 at 7:54 am

        Lovely to hear, Claire! I'm so glad you're finding various uses for it. Your kind feedback is appreciated - thank you!

        Reply
    3. Torrie

      July 27, 2021 at 10:04 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        July 28, 2021 at 7:35 am

        Great additions, Torrie! Glad it was enjoyed!

        Reply
    4. Jeannette

      July 15, 2021 at 1:58 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        July 15, 2021 at 2:11 pm

        Fantastic, Jeannette! Hope you enjoy the soup as well. Thanks so much for your kind feedback!

        Reply
    5. Inga

      July 13, 2021 at 3:27 pm

      4 stars
      Love this recipe thanks. I use it again and again.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        July 15, 2021 at 10:18 am

        Thanks for sharing!

        Reply
    6. Becky

      July 05, 2021 at 3:50 pm

      5 stars
      Perfect combination of spices! I used cayenne powder instead of flakes. This will be my go-to taco seasoning now.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        July 05, 2021 at 4:35 pm

        Great to hear!

        Reply
      • Mandy

        July 07, 2021 at 4:48 pm

        5 stars
        This was perfect. Thanks!

        Reply
        • Kaitlin

          July 08, 2021 at 12:22 pm

          Great to hear, Mandy. Thanks for sharing!

          Reply
    7. Kristin

      May 04, 2021 at 3:28 pm

      Do you use the entire thing for 1 lb. of ground beef?

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        May 04, 2021 at 3:46 pm

        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!

        Reply
    8. Rosa

      April 14, 2021 at 2:25 pm

      Do I still have to add water to this? Store bought asks for water.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin

        May 03, 2021 at 8:19 am

        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.)

        Reply
    9. Loraine

      April 08, 2021 at 5:38 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        April 10, 2021 at 9:00 am

        Fantastic, Loraine! Thanks for giving it a try and sharing your kind review. Hope you continue to enjoy it on your Taco Tuesdays!

        Reply
    10. Michele

      April 06, 2021 at 4:24 pm

      5 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        April 06, 2021 at 4:49 pm

        So wonderful to hear, Michele! I appreciate you coming back to let me know - thank you!

        Reply
    11. Gayle

      March 13, 2021 at 1:04 pm

      5 stars
      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!

      Reply
      • Kaitlin McGinn

        March 31, 2021 at 9:08 am

        Fantastic, Gayle! Love that you made this work with what you had. Thank you so much for the kind feedback - very appreciated!

        Reply
    12. Anonymous

      October 03, 2015 at 12:15 pm

      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

      Reply
      • Kaitlin | The Garden Grazer

        October 03, 2015 at 2:46 pm

        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!

        Reply

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    Hi, I'm Kaitlin!
    I share vegan recipes that are easy & healthy. (Mostly whole food plant-based, oil-free, & gluten-free.) About Me →

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