This homemade taco seasoning is a simple blend you can mix in minutes and use anywhere a recipe calls for a packet of taco seasoning. It uses common spices, keeps well in a jar in the pantry, and gives you the same savory flavor as store-bought seasoning without needing to run to the store for a packet. I love making my own because I get to control the level of spice and heat, and never need run out!
Over the years I’ve found that a handful of small pantry systems make cooking much easier, and this is one of them. Taco seasoning is something recipes call for constantly when making taco meat, casseroles, soups, slow cooker meals , and keeping a jar of it in the pantry means dinner can come together quickly without opening a packet or realizing too late that you don’t have one. Plus, I love how this homemade seasoning tastes… it’s even better than storebought!
WHEN I USE THIS
Taco seasoning is one of those ingredients that shows up in a surprising number of recipes. It’s not just for tacos. I use it for taco soup, Mexican-style casseroles, seasoned rice, roasted vegetables, and slow cooker chicken
What This Seasoning Is Like
This blend is warm, savory, and slightly smoky with a little heat. Chili powder forms the base, cumin gives it that classic taco taste, and cayenne pepper gives it the heat.
There is a common misconception that chili powder is just a blend of normal spices, and while it is a blend, it still contains something we don’t normally keep in our kitchens: ground chile powder made from ancho chiles, New Mexico chiles, and/or California chile. I don’t know about you, but I don’t have those chiles handy, so I keep the chili powder in my recipe.
Once a little water is added and the sauce thickens, the seasoning coats the meat just like the familiar taco seasoning packets do, thanks to the cornstarch.
Because the spices are simple pantry staples, it’s easy to adjust the flavor if you like things milder or spicier. This is a big deal, since I’m not a fan of spicy.
Why I Prefer This to Packets
Making taco seasoning this way has a few advantages.
- Uses spices you likely already have
- Keeps well in the pantry
- Easy to scale into a jar for quick use
- You can adjust salt and heat to your preference
- Tastes fresher!
It also eliminates those moments when you’re halfway through cooking and realize the recipe calls for a taco seasoning packet you don’t have.
Tips and Possible Variations
Make it milder
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. (I usually leave them out, unless I’m making something for others.)
Make it smokier
Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. (My fav!)
Make a big pantry jar
Make a big batch and store the mix in an airtight jar. (This is what I do!)
Lower the sodium
Reduce the salt or omit it entirely and season the dish separately.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
Ingredients for One Packet Equivalent
- 1 1/2 tablespoon chili powder
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (I prefer smoked)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional, depending on sodium preference)
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, depending on heat preference)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, this will make your sauce thicker like the taco seasoning packets)
Ingredients to Fill One Half-Pint-Size Jar
- 3/4 cup chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 teaspoons salt (optional, depending on sodium preference)
- 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (optional, depending on heat preference)
- 6 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, this will make your sauce thicker like the taco seasoning packets)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix all the spices together until evenly combined.
- Use immediately, or store in an airtight container or spice jar. Shake the jar before each use to redistribute the spices.
- To make taco meat, brown 1 pound of browned ground beef and drain. Then add 3 tablespoons of seasoning mix and 2/3 cup of water to the meat and stir well. Bring it to a boil, them immediately reduce the heat and simmer until thickened.
Nutrition
Notes
To Season Taco Meat
Add the seasoning to 1 pound of browned ground beef or turkey along with 2/3 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for several minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.Proper Storage
Store taco seasoning in an airtight jar or spice container in a cool, dry pantry.
The spices will keep their best flavor for about 6–12 months.
Helpful Tip
Tip to Keep It Even Longer: If you use a vacuum sealer on your jar each time you close it and pop in an oxygen absorber, you can get 1-3 years out of this mix in storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much homemade seasoning equals one taco seasoning packet?
About 2-3 tablespoons, which is what this base recipe makes.
Can I make a large batch?
Yes. Multiply the ingredients and store the mix in a jar in your pantry to do a bulk recipe. Scoop out 3 tablespoons whenever a recipe calls for a packet.
Can I make this without salt?
Yes, you can turn this into a salt free taco seasoning recipe. Simply omit the salt and season your dish separately to taste.
How much taco seasoning is in packet?
About 2-3 tablespoons, which is the same amount as this base recipe. The amount varies based on settling.
Is taco seasoning healthy?
The store-bought prepackaged taso seasonings is generally NOT considered healthy due to high sodium levels, preservatives, MSG, and thickeners like cornstarch or maltodextrin. While convenient, these store-bought mixes often contain hidden sugars and artificial flavors. Making your own blend using chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt is a much healthier alternative.
How do I make this taste more like pre-packaged taco seasoning?
Be sure to include the cornstarch in the recipe, and also add in 1/4 teaspoon of sugar per 1 lb of meat to simulate the taste of the maltodextrin.
Is taco seasoning gluten free?
The prepackaged taco seasoning packets are often NOT gluten free because they can have wheat-based fillers, but when you make your own with my recipe, it is indeed gluten free! The optional cornstarch is naturally gluten-free, so as long all of your individual spices are certified gluten-free, the seasoning mix is also gluten free.
How do I make a label for my jars?
I have a free label for both the top of your jar and for the front (or use it as a tag). Both list the exact ingredients that go into the jar, so it’s easy to refill when you run out. You can get the free printable jar labels here.
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Meet Jennifer
Jennifer cooks and experiments in the kitchen at Maker Farm, where she focuses on simple pantry cooking, homemade staples, and practical recipes that make everyday meals easier. Over the years she has tested many ways to make cooking simpler and more dependable, and shares the methods that work best in her own kitchen, occasionally showing them on her Heart to Home at Maker Farm vlog.
This tastes great. It has a much fresher taste. I also used it with plant based “meat” and it was delicious. I used it with sour cream for a taco chip dip.
Hooray! So happy to hear this, Debra! I agree that it tastes fresher, too.