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    Foodtasia ยป Recipes ยป Spices and Seasonings

    Homemade Taco Seasoning

    Published: Jul 6, 2018 ยท Modified: Jun 24, 2024 by Kelly ยท This post may contain affiliate links ยท 54 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    The BEST Homemade Taco Seasoning with the perfect balance of flavors. So quick and easy to make with spices you probably already have in your cupboard. You'll never want to buy prepackaged taco seasoning again!

    spoons with spices for taco seasoning this recipe!

    Jump to Section

    • 🥇 The BEST Taco Seasoning!
    • 🌶️ Grind your own chilies
    • 📝 Ingredients
    • 🧑🏻‍🍳 How to make Homemade Taco Seasoning
    • 🧂Storage
    • Recipe
    • Homemade Taco Seasoning

    🥇 The BEST Taco Seasoning!

    Get ready Taco Tuesday! We are taco lovers in our house, and after tweaking this recipe over the years, here it is - the BEST Homemade Taco Seasoning! It has the perfect balance of flavors, and makes your tacos taste awesome!

    This Homemade Taco Seasoning can be used in any of your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes: tacos, burritos, nachos, quesadillas, or tostadas. Try it in my Beefy Bean and Cheese Quesadillas or my family favorite Carne Asada Nachos!

    For more Tex-Mex and Mexican favorites, try my chicken flautas, refried beans, and enchilada sauce. My avocado crema and pico de gallo make all of your favorite Mexican dishes better. Serve with this icy-cold mangonada.

    spoon of taco seasoning

    🌶️ Grind your own chilies

    My secret to making the best Homemade Taco Seasoning even better? Grinding your own chilies. The flavor will be so fresh and so aromatic - it really does make a difference. You can play around with the flavors and make your own signature blend. Plus, you can choose how spicy or mild you want your chilies to be. If you like it mild, by grinding your own chilies, you can make a full-flavored chili powder without reducing the amount of chili powder you use. I find a decent selection of dried peppers in the ethnic aisle of my supermarket. Simply grind them up in a coffee or spice grinder.

    jar of taco seasoning with a spoon

    While you're at it, grind up some whole cumin seeds as well. As soon as spices are ground, they start losing flavor. How long do you suppose those ground spices have sat on the shelf at the supermarket and then in your cupboard? With whole spices and a spice grinder, you will always have freshly ground. Freshly ground is definitely the way to go for the best flavor.

    jar of taco seasoning

    📝 Ingredients

    • chili powder - use store bought or grind your own mix of chilies for control over the flavor and heat level
    • ground cumin - grind your own for the best flavor
    • paprika
    • dried oregano
    • black pepper
    • garlic powder
    • onion powder
    • Optional: salt - you can add salt to the spice mix if you like. I prefer leaving it out and adding salt while cooking
    • optional: corn starch - Commercially packaged taco seasoning contains a thickening agent to thicken the sauce. I have listed cornstarch as an optional ingredient.

    🧑🏻‍🍳 How to make Homemade Taco Seasoning

    Simply Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine.

    🧂Storage

    Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. The longer you store it, the more flavor it will lose.

    Recipe

    jar of taco seasoning

    Homemade Taco Seasoning

    Kelly
    The BEST Homemade Taco Seasoning with the perfect balance of flavors. So quick and easy to make with spices you probably already have in your cupboard. You'll never want to buy prepackaged taco seasoning again!
    4.82 from 11 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Spices and Seasonings
    Cuisine Mexican
    Servings 28 teaspoons
    Calories 8 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 tablespoons chili powder
    • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
    • 1 tablespoon paprika
    • 1 tablespoon salt or to taste
    • 1 teaspoon oregano
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 tablespoon corn starch optional

    Instructions
     

    • Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine.
    • Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

    Notes

    • Use 2 tablespoons per pound of ground meat for tacos.
    • Commercially packaged taco seasoning contains a thickening agent to thicken the sauce. I have listed cornstarch as an optional ingredient.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1teaspoonCalories: 8kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 0.3gFat: 0.3gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 269mgPotassium: 40mgFiber: 1gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 469IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword taco seasoning
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
    The BEST Homemade Taco Seasoning with the perfect balance of flavors. So quick and easy to make with spices you probably already have in your cupboard. You'll never want to buy prepackaged taco seasoning again!
    The BEST Homemade Taco Seasoning with the perfect balance of flavors. So quick and easy to make with spices you probably already have in your cupboard. You'll never want to buy prepackaged taco seasoning again!
    The BEST Homemade Taco Seasoning with the perfect balance of flavors. So quick and easy to make with spices you probably already have in your cupboard. You'll never want to buy prepackaged taco seasoning again!

    More Spices and Seasonings

    • a spoon of vanilla bean paste
      Easy, Homemade Vanilla Bean Paste Recipe
    • Easy Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning - with its bright citrus tang and its zingy peppery flavor - is my favorite seasoning for all things chicken and fish. So much better and cheaper than store bought.
      Homemade Lemon Pepper Seasoning
    • Dried Lemon Peel is easy to make at home without the need for a dehydrator or even an oven.
      How to Make Dried Lemon Peel
    • This Easy, Homemade Cajun Seasoning is my go-to, all purpose spice mix. It adds boldness and flavor to any dish.
      Easy Homemade Cajun Seasoning

    Comments

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    1. Joanne Ashford says

      December 22, 2024 at 4:44 pm

      5 stars
      I've made this several times and have given it to family. So much better than the packaged. You can also use really fresh ingredients. Thanks!!

      Reply
      • Kelly says

        January 03, 2025 at 3:45 am

        So happy you liked it, Joanne!

        Reply
    2. Maria Smith says

      July 14, 2024 at 1:50 pm

      5 stars
      Keep the homemade seasoning coming. The commercial seasoning have something in them that Iโ€™m allergic too.
      Please think about us.

      Reply
      • Kelly says

        August 04, 2024 at 10:49 am

        So happy you found it useful, Maria! Thanks so much!

        Reply
    3. Mary Stuckmeyer says

      May 02, 2024 at 12:16 pm

      4 stars
      Do you add water like with the packaged seasoning?

      Reply
      • Kelly says

        May 02, 2024 at 12:30 pm

        If you add cornstarch and would like to add some water you can.

        Reply
        • Juli says

          July 11, 2024 at 11:26 pm

          How much water to 1 pound of meat?

        • Kelly says

          July 12, 2024 at 3:44 am

          Hi Juli, if adding cornstarch to the spice mix, I add a couple of tablespoons to 1/4 cup of water and simmer it until it's as juicy as I want it.

    4. Joanna says

      March 18, 2024 at 6:15 pm

      We LOVE this taco seasoning recipe and have to keep it on hand at all times (I had one before and it was quite right but this one is spot on). My kids compare the flavor of this to restaurants and repeatedly say how "ours" has lots more flavor than some restaurants. I've been using it for a while now and just wanted to let you know.

      Reply
      • Kelly says

        March 18, 2024 at 6:18 pm

        So happy you like it, Joanna! Thanks so much!

        Reply
    5. Patricia says

      December 17, 2023 at 12:54 pm

      Very much enjoyed this. Had to substitute a couple ingredients but it still turned out amazing and gave it more of a kick. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
      • Kelly says

        December 18, 2023 at 10:08 pm

        So happy you liked it, Patricia!

        Reply
    6. Rebecca Corlew says

      August 01, 2023 at 7:01 pm

      5 stars
      Great seasoning

      Reply
      • Kelly says

        August 04, 2023 at 5:11 am

        Thanks Rebecca!

        Reply
    7. Mary says

      June 27, 2023 at 8:08 pm

      Store bought is over $1 an envelope and I made this for pennies using spices I had on hand. Tastes better, too! Thanks!

      Reply
      • Kelly says

        July 07, 2023 at 4:50 am

        So happy you liked it! Thanks Mary!

        Reply
    8. Roger says

      March 20, 2023 at 10:51 pm

      4 stars
      Easy to make. I used it t season lentil taco โ€œMEATโ€. I may use spicier chili mix next time. I like it hot. Ewcipe is definitely a KEEPER.

      Reply
      • Kelly says

        April 24, 2023 at 5:40 am

        Thanks Roger!

        Reply
    9. GrannyP says

      March 18, 2023 at 5:40 pm

      5 stars
      I add smoked paprika.

      Reply
      • Kelly says

        March 21, 2023 at 3:45 pm

        That would be fantastic!

        Reply
    « Older Comments
    Kelly Shaban

    Hi there! My name is Kelly Shaban. Here youโ€™ll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. Read More About Me

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