Skip the store-bought stuff and make your own homemade taco seasoning with basic pantry staples you probably already have on hand. No fillers, food colorings, hidden sugars or potential gluten-containing mystery ingredients needed!
🌮Why Make homemade Taco Seasoning?🌮
- No mystery ingredients:
- Unless specifically labelled as ‘certified gluten free’ artificial/natural flavors may be made with gluten-containing ingredients making them unsafe for Celiac’s and other gluten-avoiding people.
- No dealing with half-used store-bought packets:
- The portioned taco seasoning packets are convenient in theory, but less ideal when you need more or less than you get from a single packet.
- It’s easy & convenient:
- You probably already have everything you need in your spice drawer with an extra trip to the grocery store! Make a big batch, store in an airtight container in a dry, dark place and save for future use.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Ingredients
- Chilli Powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt
- Oregano
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Cayenne (optional)
Ingredient Notes:
- Chili powder: Use mild, medium or hot depending on how spicy you like it. You can also use a mix of different types to really narrow down of your personal preferences.
- Paprika: Any type – regular paprika (sweet), hot, or smoked paprika. Use one variety of a mix of the different types.
- Oregano: Mexican oregano (bold & pepper) is the more technically correct option, but regular Mediterranean oregano (light & herby) works too if you don’t have it available.
- Cayenne: For extra heat, add cayenne pepper. The amount it up to you!
difference between taco seasoning & fajita seasoning
Though they are fairly similar, taco seasoning and fajita seasoning differ in flavor and use:
- Taco Seasoning:
- Richer, spicier, bolder flavor
- Usually has more chili powder & cumin
- Often used to season ground beef, chicken, beans & saucy fillings.
- Fajita Seasoning:
- Lighter, tangy, citrusy flavor
- Less chili powder & often includes an acidic ingredient like citric acid or lime juice (my Homemade Fajita Seasoning uses sumac) and sometimes sugar to balance out the acid.
- Usually used to season sliced, sautéd meats & veggies.
How to Use Taco Seasoning
There are so many different ways to use this homemade taco seasoning mix other taco meat (though that’s a good start!).
This spice is great to use in Mexican/Southwest cuisine. Add it to burrito bowls, ground meat, Mexican rice, black beans and more.
A couple things to keep in mind:
- 3 tbsp taco seasoning = 1 store-bought taco seasoning packet
- You need about 2-3 tbsp to season 1 pound of meat
More Ways to use Taco Seasoning
More Homemade Spices & Blends
- Homemade Ancho Chile Powder
- Lebanese Seven Spice (Baharat)
- Homemade Chinese Five Spice
- Homemade Za’atar Spice
- Masala Chai Spice Mix
- Homemade Vegetable Bouillon Powder
- Low FODMAP Chili Powder
Enjoy!
Let me know if you try making your own taco seasoning! Leave a comment and review with your thoughts. I always appreciate the feedback and serving suggestions that you come up with!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Made with a simple blend of spices - perfect for tacos, burritos, weeknight meals & more!
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp chili powder - hot, medium or mild depending on your spice preference
- 1 tbsp + 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne (optional)
Instructions
- Add spices to a small bowl or jar and mix together until evenly combined.
- Transfer to a spice jar or airtight container if needed or screw the lid on tight. Keep stored out of direct sunlight and enjoy.
Notes
- This recipe makes about 1/2 cup spice which is comparable to about 4 store-bought packets.
- Keep in a cool, dark, dry place for 6 months to 1 year.
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