Look no further than this homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe for an authentic and quick way to add flavor to beef, chicken, shrimp, or veggies. You only need a few simple ingredients like cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to create your own mix. Forget the store-bought packets next time you are making tacos or fajitas and go with from-scratch!

Multiple Mexican spices in a white bowl to make a gluten-free, Paleo, and Whole30 taco seasoning recipe.

Have you ever made homemade taco seasoning?

It is actually super simple and can be made in huge batches so you can save it for later.

You can use it to season ground beef or turkey for tacos. Or, add it to your favorite chicken or steak fajita marinade.

I was looking for a healthy mix that could be personalized for spiciness or saltiness. After a little experimentation, this super simple and easy recipe was born.

It can be whipped up in about 5 minutes and you probably already have all of the spices that are needed. Plus, you can easily add more or less of your favorite flavors to suit your taste.

Taco seasoning ingredients on a wooden backdrop showing what is in taco seasoning mix.

Ingredients

Unlike many of the store-bought packets, this recipe has no added MSG, gluten, artificial ingredients, or hidden dairy.  That’s why making it at home is SO much healthier for you! This recipe uses common ingredients you likely have on hand.

The basic ingredients for taco seasoning include:

  • 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.
  • Salt. This can be left out to control the sodium level.

How to Make Taco Seasoning Mix

These are the simple steps to take when making taco seasoning. See the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.

Collect Ingredients

First, find all the spices you will be using. Likely, they are already in your spice cabinet. If not, a quick trip to your local grocery store will yield everything you need.

Consider purchasing spices in bulk, if possible, to save money as well as waste less plastic!

Cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper, in a white bowl as the ingredients in a homemade taco seasoning recipe.

Mix Well

In a large bowl or container, combine all of the ingredients. You can easily make adjustments to accommodate dietary tastes and needs.

It is best to use a whisk to evenly mix spices. Ensure there are no clumps left and there is a smooth consistency.

A white bowl full of spices for a DIY taco seasoning mix with a whisk.

Store

After the seasoning is mixed to your preference, you can either use it immediately or store it in an airtight container. You can use a small mason jar or reuse an old spice jar. This will last for up to 1-2 years if stored in a cool, dry place.

Use 2 to 2 ½ tablespoons of seasoning for each pound of meat.

FAQs

How much taco seasoning per pound of meat?

You will need roughly 2 – 2 ½ tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat.  This includes everything from ground beef or turkey to chicken or steak fajitas. But don’t just stop at the meat!  This blend also tastes incredible on grilled or roasted vegetables, too!

What does taco seasoning mix contain?

Most contain a mix of spices including chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Other additions include oregano, cayenne powder, and onion powder.

What can I use instead of taco seasoning?

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.

Pro Tips and Tricks

  • Some like it hot. Make the seasoning blend more or less spicy by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper used.
  • Just a little salty. You can leave out the salt or reduce the amount if you would like to.
  • Seal it tight. As the spices are exposed to air they lose their potency. If you don’t have airtight containers, plastic zip-top bags work well.
  • Keep it cool. Above the stovetop normally gets too hot. Also, it can expose your spices to steam which will cause them to clump.
  • Get creative! Use this blend to season vegetables, potatoes, casseroles, soups, and chili.
A white bowl full of spices for a DIY taco seasoning mix with a whisk.

Recipes that Use Taco Seasoning

There are a ton of recipes you can make with this homemade seasoning mix:

Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers

Mexican Zucchini Taco Boats

Shredded Chicken Tacos

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Fiesta Lime Chicken

Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Other DIY Spice Mix Recipes

If you like this taco spice blend recipe, you should definitely check out these other homemade seasoning mixes:

Blackened Seasoning

Greek Seasoning

Chili Seasoning

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Fajita Seasoning

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 6 votes

Taco Seasoning Recipe

Look no further than this homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe for an authentic and quick way to add flavor to beef, chicken, shrimp, or veggies. You only need a few simple ingredients like cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to create your own mix.
Yield 2 servings
Prep 5 minutes
Total 5 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 3 Tbsp. cumin
  • 3 tsp. paprika
  • 2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper optional
  • 1 ½ tsp. salt optional
  • 1 tsp. 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.

Tap stars to rate!

5 from 6 votes

Video

Notes

Meal Prep & Storage

  • To Prep-Ahead: Seasoning mix can be made before using and kept in the cabinet.
  • To Store: Keep in an airtight container for up to 1-2 years in a cool, dry place.

Nutrition

Calories: 59kcal, Carbohydrates: 9g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 2g, Sodium: 62mg, Potassium: 310mg, Fiber: 3g, Vitamin A: 2705IU, Vitamin C: 0.7mg, Calcium: 101mg, Iron: 7.3mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Made this recipe?Leave a comment below!
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    1. 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!