Make the best homemade taco seasoning to use on chicken or ground beef tacos, in taco soup or taco spaghetti. This mild, gluten-free, preservative-free blend is Whole30 compliant and easy to triple and store in the pantry.
Table of contents
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- How to make ground beef tacos
- Other ways to use the seasoning
- Recipe tips
- The difference between taco seasoning and chili seasoning
- More homemade seasoning recipes
I’ve made this homemade taco seasoning for years because it delivers fresh, balanced flavor without the additives and extra sugar found in many store-bought mixes. It’s versatile, economical, and speedy to prepare—just mix the spices and store in an airtight jar. The blend is mild by default, so you can easily adjust the heat to suit your family’s taste.
Ingredients
For the ingredient quantities used in this recipe, see the recipe card below. Below is a description of each spice and why it belongs in the mix:
- Chili powder – Use chili powder (a blended spice mix) rather than pure chile powder; it offers a milder, well-rounded base.
- Paprika – Traditional paprika adds color and sweetness. Swap with smoked paprika if you prefer a smoky note.
- Garlic powder (or granulated garlic) – Granulated garlic resists clumping better over time; use whichever you have.
- Onion powder (or granulated onion) – Adds savory depth; granulated varieties stay free-flowing longer.
- Sea salt or kosher salt – Coarser salts give better texture and flavor than table salt in spice blends.
- Ground cumin – Brings warm, earthy, slightly nutty notes that pair well with chili powder and cayenne.
- Cayenne pepper – Provides most of the heat. Adjust to taste—reduce for mild or increase for a spicier blend.
- Dried oregano – Mexican oregano is ideal, but regular oregano works fine and keeps the flavor balanced.
Instructions
- Combine all of the spices in a small bowl or jar and mix thoroughly until even.
- Transfer to an airtight container and store in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months.
This mix comes together in about 5 minutes and will keep your kitchen stocked with a flavorful, homemade alternative to packaged seasoning packets.
How to make ground beef tacos
- Place 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook until browned, then drain excess grease.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning over the cooked meat and add 1/2 cup water or broth.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld.
- Serve in taco shells or tortillas with shredded cheese, lettuce, salsa, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.
Ground chicken or turkey work well as lower-fat alternatives using the same ratio of seasoning to meat.
Other ways to use the seasoning
This taco seasoning is flavorful in far more than just tacos. Make a batch and use it to season soups, dips, casseroles, pasta, and grilled proteins. Ideas include:
- Sloppy Joe-style tacos
- Turkey or beef taco soup
- Cheesy taco dips and baked dips
- Taco-styled pasta bakes
- Marinades for chicken skewers or baked chicken
- Seasoned roasted vegetables or potatoes
Recipe tips
- Ratio for meat: Use 2 tablespoons of seasoning per 1 pound of meat. That matches a typical 1-ounce store packet.
- Adjust the heat: This blend is mild by default. Increase cayenne pepper for more heat or reduce it for a family-friendly mix.
- Batch size: The basic recipe yields about 7 tablespoons of seasoning. Double or triple the amounts to fill an 8-ounce mason jar for longer storage.
- Storage: Keep the mix in an airtight container out of direct heat and light. Spices don’t spoil quickly but lose potency after about 6 months.
- Diet-friendly: This seasoning is naturally gluten-free and sugar-free when made from pure spices.
The difference between taco seasoning and chili seasoning
Taco and chili seasonings share many spices but differ in proportions. Chili seasoning typically uses more chili powder and often includes crushed red pepper for extra heat. If you don’t have chili seasoning, you can use this taco blend in a pinch—just increase the chili powder and add crushed red pepper for a closer chili flavor.
More homemade seasoning recipes
Make a pantry of homemade blends to simplify weeknight cooking: fajita seasoning, chili seasoning, enchilada seasoning, and other versatile mixes pair well with this taco blend and help you avoid pre-packaged additives.
Chicken Wing Seasoning
Fajita Seasoning
Homemade Chili Seasoning
Southwest Seasoning
Pork Chop Seasoning
Enchilada Seasoning
Homemade Taco Seasoning
A simple, flavorful homemade taco seasoning for tacos, soups, dips, and more. Mild, gluten-free, and easy to scale up for pantry storage.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Combine all spices together in a small bowl or mason jar and mix thoroughly.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
Notes
- Use per pound: For every 1 pound of meat, use 2 tablespoons of the seasoning.
- Adjust heat: The recipe is mild; increase cayenne for a spicier blend.
- Yield: This recipe makes about 7 tablespoons. Double or triple the amounts to refill larger jars.
- Storage: Keeps in an airtight jar for up to 6 months; spices gradually lose potency after that.
- Containers: Store in an 8-ounce mason jar or similar airtight container and label with the date.
Nutrition Facts (per tablespoon)
- Calories: 20 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Sodium: 521 mg
- Fiber: 2 g