Homemade Taco Seasoning is easy to make and tastes so much better than store-bought. Loaded with an abundance of flavor and a tiny bit of heat, taco seasoning gets used more than anything else in my spice cupboard.
It is beyond simple to stir together this Mexican spice mix and it will save you time when you are cooking later. My family eats a lot of Mexican food and for years I have used taco seasoning regularly in countless recipes.
Mexican Seasoning
About ten years ago, I decided to try making my own taco seasoning recipe and I’m so glad I did. I found a basic recipe for taco seasoning over on Allrecipes.com long ago and over the years, I’ve tweaked and adapted it to our tastes.
It makes sense to prepare a double or triple batch of this seasoning mix and keep it on hand at all times.
Just a bit spicier than standard taco mixes and completely adaptable to your individual tastes, these are some of my favorite Mexican spices in the kitchen.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
I use this Homemade Taco Seasoning at least 3-4 times a week and I keep it on hand at all times. My kids already know to stir a new batch together when it’s running low.
This is probably the most used spice staple in my pantry. Just a spoonful will add an abundance of flavor to any meal.
Homemade spice mixes always taste so much better than store-bought and they’re surprisingly easy to make too. If you haven’t tried it yet, you need to put Homemade Crazy Salt on your must-try list.
This Homemade Italian Seasoning is another favorite that gets used constantly in my cooking. Jamaican Jerk Seasoning, Homemade Mild Curry Powder, and Harissa Dry Spice Mix are great ones to try as well.
Many of our favorite recipes use this Taco Seasoning. The Best Taco Meat has been a hit with everyone who tries it along with Taco Meatballs.
I keep a package of that taco meat cooked and ready to use in the freezer almost all the time.
Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas are a dinner that almost cooks itself and these Black Bean Taco Nachos are a kid and adult favorite for lunches and for dinners.
The Southwest Chicken Skillet is filled with plenty of vegetables and an abundance of flavor from these Mexican spices.
Kitchen Tip: I use these jars to make this recipe.
Taco Seasoning Recipe
- In a jar or small mixing bowl, combine chili powder, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, oregano, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and pepper.
- Shake or stir to combine.
- Store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons of chili powder I used NM Red Chili Powder
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, stir together all of the spices. Store the seasoning mix in an airtight container. I keep mine in a glass mason jar in my spice cabinet.
Nutrition
{originally published 10/17/11 – recipe notes and photos updated 6/29/21}
Mary says
Love it! ❤️ Made it for the family non was left. Success!
Annie says
About how much of this taco seasoning would you use for, say a pound of ground beef? And do you add water like the packaged stuff?
Mary Younkin says
I do like to add a few tablespoons of water. It helps to keep things from drying out. As for how much to use I would start with 2-3T and then taste and adjust if needed. It all depends on how spicy you like things.
Debra says
I have tried so many ranch dressing recipes on here and Never made any of the recipes more than once, I’m so picky. I have to say in all honesty, this is the closest ranch to perfect in my humble picky opinion I absolutely love it for dressing and dipping. Thank you so much! I am going to try a few of your other dressings, and homemade condiments.
Mary Younkin says
Thank you, Debra. It is definitely that good.
Marian Lincoln says
I’ve tried a couple of your recipes and except for using Black Pepper which triggers Migraines in myself and many other people,
I change black pepper to white as it has more of that pepper flavor without the migraine trigger and you don’t need to use as much for the same resultI’ve loved your down home two friends talking over a cuppa in the kitchen approach. Thanks for the recipes your helping to renew my nearly forgotten passion for cooking great food since my children are grown and gone.. It’s not ALOT of fun cooking for just two when you’ve been used to cooking for a houseful and their friends.
Mary Younkin says
Marian, Those migraines sound awful. I am so glad you have found a solution. Thank you for sharing your kind comments about this site and the recipes. I do love creating them and sharing what my family enjoys.
Carol says
I loved this seasoning… I added sautéed jalapeño, onions and garlic to the beef and this seasoning and my tacos were amazing!!!!
Mary Younkin says
That sounds like a delicious combination, Carol.
Nares says
Wow!!! Im lost for words!!
This is hands down the Best Mexican Spice mix that i have ever tried,and i have tried quite a few over the years but this one is Perfect i just toned down the heat slightly,used it tonight for a pulled king oyster mushroom tacos and a pico de gallo👌 🌶🧄💜🌮
Mary Younkin says
Now that is some serious praise. I am thrilled you LOVE it. I use it just about every week it seems.
Karen says
Just delicious! I only put a teaspoon of salt in, ‘cuz you can always add it, but can’t take it away!
Mary Younkin says
Sounds perfect, Karen.
Lisa says
How many batches does this mixture make @ 2-3 T each batch? Stated another way… how many pounds of meat will the recipe season?
Mary Younkin says
For me, this makes about 3.5-4 ounces of seasoning. As far as how much meat it will season, really depends how spicy you like your mixture.
Mertie says
Have not made yet but going to next week. SOOOO glad to find this as those packets, they sell in the grocery store, near me, have quadrupled in price during these inflationary times. I cook a lot of meals using this seasoning. I have made our holiday meals all leaning towards nachos! Large family with tons of grandkids too and this meal can be made ahead of time. Cold vegetables, I wash and cut/chop the day before and store in aluminum storage containers. Meat cooked ahead of time and put in one crock pot and nacho cheese in another smaller one so these stay hot for a long time. This meal is ready to serve at any time which has worked out wonderful as family members always have to arrive at different times due to mandatory holiday work schedules. Even some of my friends, having the same problem, have adopted this meal for their large families too. Works great for us as everyone, especially grandkids, love nachos! I also buy flour tortillas so some can make soft tacos too!
Mary Younkin says
That sounds delicious! I’m glad you’ve been enjoying my seasoning recipes. Happy cooking!