Best Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
If you’re looking for an Easy Taco Seasoning Recipe that tastes better than anything from a packet, you’re in the right place. I honestly don’t buy seasoning packets anymore, and this homemade version is my go-to for taco night and comes together in minutes! It’s flavorful, customizable, and made with spices you probably already have sitting in the pantry.
Living in Ecuador, you might think tacos and taco seasoning would be everywhere, but actually, they’re not. Taco seasoning packets are hard to find, and when I do spot one, it’s usually loaded with salt!
That’s exactly why I started making my own. This DIY taco seasoning recipe is bold, balanced, and way more flavorful than store-bought, without relying on excess sodium. It’s become my standard seasoning for tacos, taco bowls, and honestly anything that needs a little smoky kick!
Why You’ll Love This DIY Taco Seasoning Recipe
- Better than store-bought! This homemade blend is packed with real spice flavor, not fillers or anti-caking agents. You get a bold flavor without the overly salty aftertaste.
- Quick and easy. It takes less than 5 minutes to mix together, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute taco cravings.
- Customizable heat level. This is a mild taco seasoning recipe, but you can easily adjust the spice level depending on who you’re feeding.
- Pantry-friendly ingredients! Everything in this recipe is a common pantry spice, so no special shopping trips required.
Easy Taco Seasoning Recipe Ingredients
- Chili powder: The base of the seasoning, adding that classic taco flavor.
- Ground cumin: Earthy and slightly nutty, this is key in DIY taco seasoning!
- Garlic powder: Adds savory flavor!
- Dried oregano: Brings a subtle herbal note that balances the spices.
- Smoked paprika: Adds mild smokiness and a rich, deep flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika.
- Crushed red chili flakes: Just enough heat to keep things interesting without making it spicy.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors without making it overly salty.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle heat.
DIY Taco Seasoning Variations & Substitutions
- Spice: Make it spicy by adding cayenne pepper or extra crushed red chili flakes.
- Paprika: Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if you prefer a less smoky flavor.
- Add-in: Use onion powder if you like a slightly sweeter, more rounded seasoning. I usually add onions to most of my taco-like creations, so I skipped it.
- Salt: Leave out the salt entirely if you’re watching sodium or seasoning meat separately.
How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
For the full list of ingredients and instructions, click here.- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, crushed red chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk or stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Use immediately, or store in an airtight container or spice jar for up to 6 months.
Lauren’s Top Tips for the Best Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Use fresh spices! Older spices lose potency over time, so fresher spices mean bolder flavor. If your chili powder has been sitting around for years, it might be time for a refresh.
- Adjust to taste. This seasoning is mild by design, but feel free to tweak it. Add more chili flakes for heat or even a dash of cayenne pepper!
- Double or triple the recipe and keep it on hand for quick meals. Future-you will be very thankful on busy weeknights!
How to Use DIY Taco Seasoning
This seasoning works beautifully for ground beef, chicken, turkey, or even roasted veggies. I especially love using it in sweet potato taco bowls, where the spices pair perfectly with the natural sweetness of the potatoes!
How Much Seasoning to Use
Use about 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat or veggies, adjusting to taste depending on how bold you like your tacos.
How to Store Homemade Taco Seasoning
Store your taco seasoning in an airtight container or spice jar in a cool, dry place. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 6 months, making it perfect for meal prep and easy dinners.
Easy Taco Seasoning FAQs
Smoked paprika is often the secret, since it adds depth and a subtle smoky flavor that makes homemade taco seasoning taste extra special.
You can easily make your own using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper! This recipe covers all the basics.
Simply combine a blend of warm spices like chili powder and cumin with garlic, herbs, and seasoning. Mixing it yourself, instead of buying a blend from the store, lets you control flavor and sodium.
The best homemade taco seasoning is well-balanced, not overly salty, and customizable. Fresh spices and the right blend of smoky, savory, and mild heat make all the difference!
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Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, smoked paprika, crushed red chili flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Whisk or stir until everything is evenly mixed.
- Use immediately, or store in an airtight container or spice jar for up to 6 months.
- Use about 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat (or to taste) whenever taco night calls!
Nutrition
Notes
- Use fresh spices! Older spices lose potency over time, so fresher spices mean bolder flavor. If your chili powder has been sitting around for years, it might be time for a refresh.
- Adjust to taste. This seasoning is mild by design, but feel free to tweak it. Add more chili flakes for heat or even a dash of cayenne pepper!
- Double or triple the recipe and keep it on hand for quick meals. Future-you will be very thankful on busy weeknights!
