Homemade Taco Seasoning (DIY, 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 that you’ll never use store-bought again.

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

Just mix everything together, right there in the bowl.

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.🙌🏻

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

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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.