This homemade taco seasoning recipe takes just minutes to make with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand! Save money by making your own spice blend at home.
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Aside from Wine Wednesday, Taco Tuesday is my favorite night of the week and I love whipping up a batch of chicken or beef taco meat. We’ll use it in our tacos that night, but then, since it’s just the two of us, I’m left with the yummy leftovers to be nibbling on all week. Sometimes I like to switch things up by adding on one of these tasty taco sauces.
For a quick and easy lunch, I love topping a bowl of Instant Pot Rice or Instant Pot Quinoa with it. Or, if I’m wanting to eat a bit healthier, I’ll serve it up on a salad, or make Taco Lettuce Wraps or Cauliflower Tacos with it. And, I also love adding it to these Air Fryer Quesadillas.
And because taco night is on regular rotation at our house, I love having a batch of this homemade taco seasoning on hand. There’s no need to buy packets of taco seasoning at the grocery store anymore, since this easy spice mixture is so easy to whip up at home and keep on hand in the spice cupboard.
My recipe below makes a big batch, that will keep for up to six months. As written, this recipe makes enough to season 3 pounds of beef. But if you’d like to make just enough seasoning for one meal, simply adjust the recipe card below to make “1 serving.” It will liven up all your favorite Mexican dishes.
Ingredient notes
You only need a handful of ground spices to make this mild taco seasoning:
- Chili Powder – smoky and delicious
- Ground Cumin – adds bright, citrusy notes
- Paprika – smoked paprika adds a great smoky flavor, but regular sweet paprika is fine too
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Oregano
- Salt & Black Pepper
Want a spicier taco seasoning? Try adding in some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
How to make homemade taco seasoning
- Combine the ingredients. Combine all spices in a small jar, seal and shake until well combined.
- Store. Homemade taco seasoning will last 6 months stored tightly sealed.
How to store it
- I like to store my seasoning in mason jars or another airtight container. Keep it in a dry place like your spice drawer.
How much taco seasoning do I need for 1 pound of beef?
- 2 Tablespoons of taco seasoning are equivalent to 1 packet of taco seasoning (like McCormick or Old El Paso). Use 2 tablespoons of this homemade version for every packet you’re replacing in a recipe, or for every 1 pound of ground beef, chicken, ground turkey or tofu.
How to use it
This homemade taco seasoning mix works great as a seasoning on everything from beef and chicken tacos to veggies, meat, seafood, rice, beans, soups, salads and more. Use it in this Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken, Quinoa Taco Bowls, Cheesy Southwestern Lentils & Brown Rice or Taco Lettuce Wraps with Turkey & Quinoa. Or, try it in one of these delicious recipes:
- Season chicken, beef, tofu or pork in your favorite taco recipe.
- Add it to some rice for a Mexican rice.
- Spice up some pasta chips.
- Rub chicken or steak with it before throwing it on a hot grill.
- Season some homemade baked tortilla chips or air fryer tortilla chips with it.
- Sprinkle it on popcorn with some parmesan cheese.
More taco recipes
Did you try this homemade taco seasoning recipe?
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Full Recipe
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 4 Tablespoons chili powder
- 2 Tablespoons cumin
- 1 Tablespoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small jar and stir (or shake) until well combined.
- Store tightly sealed for up to 6 months.
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