The secret spice mix I keep up my sleeve!
I grew up in Southeast Texas, so I’ve spent my ENTIRE life surrounded by real Tex-Mex flavors.
Anytime I make my famous Crock-Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup (or really any Tex-Mex dish), everyone always asks why it tastes so good.
The secret?
It’s all in this homemade taco seasoning recipe you see right here!
What makes this seasoning so special?
- Balanced: I’ve tweaked and tested this recipe for years to get the ratios just right so no one spice overwhelms the others!
- Easy: You only need a handful of common Mexican spices (no weird ingredients!) and it comes together in minutes.
- Customizable: Not everyone loves heat. Unlike store-bought packets, you can easily dial down the cayenne pepper to make it milder without losing flavor.
- Scalable: Make as much or as little as you like, then store the rest for up to a year in an airtight jar.
- Versatile: It goes WAY beyond just tacos! From Enchilada Burgers, Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers, Fajita Steak Salad, and more. You can add this to basically anything that needs that authentic Tex-Mex punch.
Notes about the Spices
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
Salt. This can be left out to control the sodium level.
Cumin. A common spice used in many Mexican, Mediterranean, and Indian recipes. Cumin has a slightly peppery, earthy taste.
Paprika. Make sure to use regular paprika, not smoked as it will change the flavor.
Chili Powder. Mild chili powder, such as McCormick’s, is suggested. Spice level of the powder can vary drastically between brands, so make sure you’re using one you like.
Garlic Powder. Do not substitute for garlic salt or granulated garlic. You want a fine powder concentrated with flavor.
Cayenne Pepper. Adjust this seasoning to your preferred spice level. Omit completely for the mildest taste, and add more to make it spicy.
How to Make a Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
These are the simple steps to take when making taco seasoning. See the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.
The only step: mix it up!
Add all of your spices to a small bowl, mason jar, or the container you’ll be storing it in, then stir or shake until everything’s well combined.
Pro Tip: Give it a quick mix before each use since the garlic powder (and the other spices) can settle at the bottom over time.
Storing Instructions
When stored properly, this taco seasoning should last for up to 1 year.
Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry spot (like your pantry or a spice cabinet!) and out of direct sunlight. Avoid storing it over the stove, where heat and humidity can weaken the spices.
For the best flavor, use a container that just fits the mix so there’s minimal air inside. Small glass spice jars and 4-ounce mason jars work perfectly.
FAQs
It has just the right amount of kick, but you can easily adjust the cayenne pepper to make it milder (or spicier if you like)
Taco seasoning is easy to customize. You can use any of the ingredients you have on hand to make your own blend. The most important components are a mix of chili powder and cumin. Or, use this Fajita Seasoning.
Absolutely! This recipe is easily scalable—just double or triple it and keep the extra on hand for quick weeknight dinners.
Totally. It’s great in black bean tacos, lentil tacos, or even stirred into sautéed veggies for a Tex-Mex kick.
Recipes That Use Taco Seasoning
This homemade taco seasoning isn’t just for taco night—it’s the secret flavor booster I use in everything from soups to stuffed veggies. Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:
Tacos & Wraps
- Shredded Chicken Tacos – Juicy and easy thanks to a quick Instant Pot or slow cooker cook.
- Crispy Baked Turkey Tacos – Family-style tacos baked until golden and crunchy.
- Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps – A lighter but still bold and flavorful option.
Soups & Salads
- Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup – My most-requested Tex-Mex soup, made rich and flavorful with a spoonful of taco seasoning.
- Fiesta Lime Chicken – Fresh, zesty, and perfect on top of greens or rice bowls.
- Fajita Steak Salad – A hearty salad with bold Tex-Mex flair.
Stuffed Veggies
- Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers – Classic Tex-Mex comfort food.
- Mexican Zucchini Taco Boats – A lighter take that still packs tons of flavor.
- Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes – Cozy, filling, and totally weeknight-worthy.
Basically, if it’s Tex-Mex inspired, this taco seasoning can take it from good to incredible!
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Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
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Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons cumin
- 3 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt optional
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl until well combined. Store taco seasoning in an airtight glass container until ready to use for up to 1-2 years.
- Use 2 – 2 ½ tablespoons seasoning mix per pound of meat.
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Video
Notes
- Paprika: Use a mix of regular and smoked for a smokier flavor.
- Chili powder: Opt for a mild chili powder to keep it less spicy, or hot to give it a kick!
- Salt: Feel free to leave this out if you’d prefer to salt each recipe you use it in separately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Love this taco seasoning! It’s my go to recipe for! Thank you for sharing! 😁
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Bianca! Mine too! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
Thank you! I was out of taco seasoning. This was really easy!
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Stephanie! It is so easy! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!