This Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe only requires 7 ingredients, spices you probably already have on hand in your pantry or kitchen. Use this as a flavoring agent or rub for your favorite meats, veggies, and more.
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If you read the ingredients on a lot of packaged taco seasonings you will find things like Maltodextrin, vegetable oil, canola oil, Silicon Dioxide ( a preservative to keep the mix from caking), and a few other things you just don't need. Especially when making your own is so easy!
Vegetable oil and canola oil aren't healthy oils and they don't really belong in your seasoning. You only need 7 ingredients you probably have in your pantry.
Table of Contents
What Spices You Will Need
Can You Use it as a Dry Rub For Meat?
Absolutely! If you're making carnitas, Instant Pot Pulled Pork, Instant Pot Barbacoa, or a host of other things, this seasoning and rub will work great. I love to keep this on hand for weeknight dinners. It really eliminates the guessing game on what to have for dinner.
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
How to Store the Seasoning
If you are making a large batch of the Taco Seasoning, store it in an airtight container. I love to use these glass jars for storage. Ground spices usually last for 6 months. After that they will start to lose their flavor. I check this by giving the jar a whiff. If the smell is still potent it's probably still good.
Whole spices will last up to 5 years.
Pair the Seasoning With These Recipes
Leftover Taco Meat Bowls
Taco Zucchini Boats
Air Fryer Taco Egg Rolls
Keto Low Carb Taco Soup
Turkey Nachos
Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
Cheesy Taco Pasta
Taco Bell Breakfast Crunchwrap
Taco Bell Creamy Jalapeno Sauce
Roasted Creamy Poblano Soup
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Taco Soup
More Homemade Seasonings and Rubs
Homemade Blackened Seasoning
Homemade Chili Seasoning
Homemade Ranch Seasoning
Homemade BBQ Seasoning and Rub
Homemade Steak Seasoning Rub
Dry Rub for Chicken
Homemade Burger Rub and Seasoning
You will also love our Smoked Salsa Recipe.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Want to save this recipe for later?
I'll email it to you, so you can come back to it later! You will also get our free digital cookbook with 30-Minute One-Pot Recipes and weekly recipes and tips.
Equipment
Ingredients
One Single Serving (2 tablespoons)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional spicy
- 1 /2 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
10 Servings (20 tablespoons)
- ½ cup + 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 3 ½ tablespoons cumin
- 3 ½ tablespoons cayenene pepper
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons onion powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons smoked paprika
Instructions
- Combine the ingredients and stir.
- If making a large batch store the seasoning in these glass jars.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition Data
Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
Anna says
I used this recipe to make your air fryer southwestern egg rolls and they were seasoned perfectly! I will be making this in bulk from now on. Thank you so much!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoy the spice blend!
Linda says
This was perfect! No more taco seasoning packs for me!
staysnatched says
Yes! Homemade is the way to go!
Emily Pifher says
Very easy and delicious. I made a large batch to make taco meat frequently in no time.
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad you liked it.
Valerie says
My go to taco seasoning. So much better than store bought. Also, be sure you have a good chili powder, makes a difference.
staysnatched says
Love to hear that it's a go-to.
Lisa says
Delicious and easy to whip up, no reason to buy it now!
Also love that that you can just make enough for one dish if you don’t want to store it.
staysnatched says
Yay! So glad you enjoyed it.
Alison says
So easy...who needs to use packets of taco seasoning anymore!? Love the single serving option as well!
staysnatched says
Yes! I totally agree.
Abby C says
So easy, using basic kitchen spices and tastes amazing! I did end up adding more cayenne pepper and it is perfect!! Can't wait to use this with my meal prep taco bowls this week!
staysnatched says
Can never have too much cayenne!
Lainie says
Mixed up a large batch of this seasoning for some taco prep. Love this simple seasoning recipe without adding extra Salt! So much better than store bought. Thanks for giving us another winner.
staysnatched says
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Andree says
When you go to make tacos and don't have any seasoning...you pull up stay snatched's recipe! I will never my store bought again...let me tell you! Thank you for sharing!
staysnatched says
Yay! Thank you.
Melissa says
Love this taco seasoning! I use it on meat, shrimp, whatever I have. I love that I can customize the amount of heat I want too. So much easier and tastier than packets
staysnatched says
Wonderful! I'm so glad to hear it.
Nia says
Wanted to say loved this seasoning (used last week in taco meat). ❤️ that there are no preservatives. Will use this recipe from now on. Thanks for the healthy alternative!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Kimberly says
Way better than the prepackaged store bought! Thanks for sharing!!
staysnatched says
You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoy it.
Ciny says
This homemade taco seasoning was SOOO easy to make and is so tasty! My new go to seasoning for everything -not just tacos!
staysnatched says
Yes! So good with everything!
Mona says
This is the only taco seasoning I use now. This recipe is way more flavorful than any store bought brand. No more packets and added chemicals. Thank you Brandi!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad to hear that!
Kayla says
Love how simple this is, but so flavorful. Using it for a taco salad tonight.
staysnatched says
Yum! That sounds so good!
Heather says
I used this in my taco mac recipe and it was perfect. Thank you for sharing!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Tiffany says
I have not bought taco seasoning in a long time, been using other recipes. Not anymore, I will now be using this one. It's so good! Thank you for all of the work you put into your recipes. That's the reason I have to leave a review each time I make something new of yours, which my family has yet to dislike. You da bomb!
staysnatched says
Thank you so much! I'm glad you enjoy it!
Meghan Huet says
Started with the single serving for my weekly meal prep of taco meat, tried a bite if the seasoned beef & before I was done, I prepped the 20 serving option for future usage! Taste great with clean ingredients & no additives!
staysnatched says
Awesome! This is great to keep on hand.
Kristin says
I will never buy packaged taco seasoning again! I did not think that I could make taco seasoning at home, so this is definitely a game changer! I had all the ingredients in my pantry and quickly whipped it up for the shredded chicken tacos that I made tonight!
staysnatched says
It's a game-changer indeed!
Adrienne says
This is my go to seasoning recipe for tacos and fajitas!! I no longer buy the seasoning packets, this is all I use! Thank you!
staysnatched says
You're welcome!
Kristin says
I never thought of making my home homemade seasonings! Thank you for "putting me on" because your recipe is flavorful and low in sodium, which is very important to my family! I've made this recipe several times!
staysnatched says
I'm glad to hear you have made it multiple times.
Amanda Blank says
Loved using this as a base for my tacos tonight! I found that I didn’t need quite as much chili powder, and wanted more cumin & onion so I modified. Start with this recipe and modify to your personal taste and you can’t go wrong!! Thanks Brandi
staysnatched says
You're welcome. I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Lindsey says
Do yourself a favor and just make the bigger recipe - it’s perfect and stores in a little jar the pantry just as the rest of your spices will. This way it will be ready and waiting for whatever recipe you need!
staysnatched says
Yay! I'm so glad to hear that.
Sabrina B says
This seasoning is perfect! I used to love the old el paso taco seasoning packs but hated the amount of sodium. This makes it so I can easily season any meat to make a delicious meal.
staysnatched says
I agree with you there!
Anonymous says
By far my favorite taco seasoning mix ever. Ground beef actually tastes like it was perfectly seasoned!
Lydia says
By far my favorite taco seasoning mix ever. Ground beef actually tastes like it was perfectly seasoned!
staysnatched says
Wonderful! So glad you enjoyed it!
Brenda Lara says
Delicious
staysnatched says
I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Jennifer says
Seriously one of my favorites. I haven't bought taco seasoning since I found this recipe. So simple and easy!
staysnatched says
I’m glad you enjoy it!
Felicia says
I admit I use premade taco seasoning. But I was all out. I remember using this in a recipe before. Well now I have a batch to use anytime. It was so easy to make. I dumped the ingredients in a jar and shook it up. Best part is there’s no filler in here and I adjusted the seasoning to my preference. Thanks for this easy recipe!
staysnatched says
I’m glad you enjoy it!
Kalera says
My go-to taco seasoning!
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Regina says
Love this recipe. I just made my second mix. I love that I can keep it premade and use when I need it. Brandi just knows what’s right.
staysnatched says
So glad to hear it!
Kimberly says
Have you ever used a six chili powder in place and f the regular chili powder and if so would you still use smoked paprika?
staysnatched says
I haven't.
Katie says
Topped some popcorn make on the stove top with this combo and it’s a new house favorite! Always made in bulk to have on hand 👌🏼
staysnatched says
I love that idea!
Regina says
I love that Brandi included both recipes for one serving and to make a jar. I always make the jar and use it as needed. Thanks again Brandi!!!
staysnatched says
You're welcome! So glad to hear it.
Regina says
Love that Brandi included the bulk recipe. I make it ahead of time and always have it on hand.
staysnatched says
I'm glad to hear you make it!