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Home » Food » Homemade Taco Seasoning (DIY, From Scratch)

Homemade Taco Seasoning (DIY, From Scratch)

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Homemade Taco Seasoning Pin
Homemade Taco Seasoning Pin

Homemade taco seasoning is such a versatile seasoning, perfect for tacos, nachos and so much more! Plus, it’s easy to make from scratch with a few pantry staples that you’ll never use store-bought again.

Taco seasoning ingredients on a gray surface with red towel

This is such a handy trick to have up your sleeve! Whether you want to avoid sketchy mystery ingredients, or if you forgot to get a taco seasoning pack from the store, this is the DIY taco mix for you! And honestly, it just tastes WAY better.

We use this to make taco meat for our ground beef tacos. One serving of this homemade taco seasoning is perfect to season a pound of ground beef (or any meat used for tacos, nachos, fajitas). You can use it in any recipe that calls for a packet of taco seasoning.

I love that it is made with five simple spices that I always keep on hand anyway, plus some salt and pepper.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Ingredients

To make this homemade taco seasoning recipe, you will need the following seasonings:

  • cumin
  • chili powder
  • garlic powder
  • paprika
  • oregano
  • salt and pepper

Tools Used to make this recipe

This post may contain affiliate links, which pay a referral fee to me at no additional cost to you. My full affiliate disclosure can be seen here.

  • Measuring spoons – I have these magnetized ones, and they are fantastic!
  • Mason jar with lid or other storage container
  • Small bowl and spoon or whisk
  • On the nails – Zoya Kaitlyn (optional😉 – I get asked about nail polish colors a lot)

How to make taco seasoning

separated seasoning piles in a bowl before mixing into taco seasoning

Just mix everything together, right there in the bowl.

whisking together homemade taco seasoning

If you want to make a big batch, I recommend bumping up the serving size to 4 on the recipe card below. This will make 1 cup of seasoning, and you just measure out 1/4 cup when you are ready to use it. I don’t recommend making much more than that, unless you plan to use it pretty quickly (since there are no preservatives or anti-clumping additives, like the store brand mixes may contain).

Did you know you could do that? Yep, it’s a handy little trick on my site. I always publish in suggested batch size/ serving size, but you can move the needle to right-size the recipe just for you.🙌🏻

Closeup of homemade taco seasoning in a white bowl

When I get ready to use it in meat, I brown the meat and drain it first. Then I add water plus the seasoning blend, and stir to combine. Then I simmer it until most of the liquid evaporates. It is SO delicious and easy. I hope you enjoy this recipe!

Side note: stay tuned for an epic beef nacho supreme recipe later in the week. I used this seasoning blend to make it too.✅

Why it makes sense to make your own taco seasoning

Simply put, it just tastes better, y’all. Seriously, it does make a difference.

Also, it can be cheaper than store-bought packets depending on where you get your spices.

Also, customization y’all. You control what goes in there. For example, watching your salt intake? No problem, dial it back. Want a milder blend? Back down on the black pepper.

Other ways to use this taco seasoning recipe

I have used this blend in som many other recipes! Use it in any recipes that call for a packet of taco seasoning. Here are some examples:

  • Vegan taco soup
  • Taco soup with beef
  • Beef tacos
  • Taco bowls
  • Epic beef nachos supreme
  • Beef enchiladas
  • Easy chicken fajitas

FAQs

What’s the proper way to store this taco seasoning mix?

Store in a dry, air tight container such as a mason jar.

How long does this taco seasoning last?

As long as it keeps dry, it would last for 2 to 3 months. After that, it will still be fine to use. It just may start to wane in flavor a little bit. That is why I do not recommend making any more than 4 packet equivalents.

How much taco seasoning equals “one packet”?

This recipe makes a one pack equivalent serving, and it will season a pound of ground beef.

What’s the difference between taco seasoning and fajita seasoning?

Taco seasoning and fajita seasoning contain a lot of the same ingredients. Taco seasoning tends to go a bit heavier on the chili powder. That being said, I have used my taco seasoning for chicken fajitas, and we loved it!

Should I drain the meat before adding the taco seasoning?

Your choice, but yes. I prefer to drain mine.

Did you try this recipe?

Give it a star rating. Pin it and share it if it looks good to you. And be sure and stay connected on social media!

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Homemade taco seasoning is such a versatile seasoning, perfect for tacos, nachos and so much more! Plus, it's easy to make from scratch with a few pantry staples. | APinchOfHealthy.com
4.91 from 10 votes
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Homemade Taco Seasoning (DIY, Made from Scratch)

Homemade taco seasoning is such a versatile seasoning, perfect for tacos, nachos and so much more! Plus, it’s easy to make from scratch with a few pantry staples. Cumin, chili powder, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper.

Course Basics
Cuisine Mexican, Tex Mex
Keyword Homemade taco seasoning, Taco seasoning
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 7 kcal
Author Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy

Ingredients

Single Serving (used on pound of beef/ meat)

  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

To make the seasoning blend

  1. Measure out all ingredients into a bowl, and stir together until well-combined.

Instructions for Taco Ground Beef

  1. Brown the meat, and drain.

  2. Return the meat to the pan, and sprinkle the seasoning on top, along with 3/4 cup water.

  3. Stir to combine, and bring to a simmer.

  4. Reduce heat, and simmer on low until the liquid evaporates, about 7 minutes.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

If you want to make a big batch, I recommend bumping up the serving size to 4 on the recipe card under “servings.” This will make 1 cup of seasoning, and you just measure out 1/4 cup when you are ready to use it. I don’t recommend making much more than that, unless you plan to use it pretty quickly (since there are no preservatives or anti-clumping additives, like the store brand mixes may contain).

Nutrition Facts
Homemade Taco Seasoning (DIY, Made from Scratch)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 7
% Daily Value*
Sodium 400mg17%
Potassium 30mg1%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Vitamin A 290IU6%
Calcium 8mg1%
Iron 0.6mg3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
(Visited 199,430 times, 16 visits today)

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3124 shares
  • Share243
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Hayley says

    November 25, 2022 at 6:53 am

    Can I use chilli flakes instead of powder?

    Reply
    • Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says

      November 25, 2022 at 7:59 am

      Hi Hayley! I would recommend sticking with the chili powder. It would not taste too good with red pepper flakes, I don’t think.

      Reply
  2. Mai nowlin says

    April 24, 2022 at 8:22 am

    5 stars
    We just tried the homemade taco seasoning on nachos and it was so delicious than the store bought. I put it on fish tacos yesterday and it was so good. Thanks for sharing the recipe.

    Reply
    • Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says

      May 6, 2022 at 9:56 am

      Yay!❤️🙌🏻 So happy to hear that.

      Reply
  3. Kim says

    February 13, 2022 at 4:05 pm

    5 stars
    I through away my expired taco seasoning and tried this. Delicious on my nachos💕

    Reply
    • Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says

      February 13, 2022 at 4:09 pm

      Yay Kim!💖

      Reply
  4. Jean Auber says

    February 12, 2022 at 6:07 pm

    5 stars
    Thank you so much Marjorie! Stuck inside by a snowstorm, with a pound of ground beef, I had a yen for Taco Bell. This was MUCH Better! Your taco seasoning hits all the right notes.

    Reply
    • Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says

      February 13, 2022 at 4:11 pm

      Yay, I am so glad you enjoyed it Jean🙌🏻

      Reply
      • Russell Johnson says

        March 5, 2022 at 5:30 pm

        This is the best!!!!!!!

        Reply
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