Homemade Taco Seasoning made with chili powder, onion powder, garlic and other spices is a versatile seasoning mix to have on hand, not just for tacos but for any type of roasted or grilled meat. Try this easy version and get rid of the packet for good!
When you’re ready to make tacos, the last thing you want to do is run to the store because you don’t have any packets of taco seasoning! I’ve got you covered! This DIY taco seasoning recipe is so easy, and you can make it in big batches so you always have some when you need it. And the great thing is that taco seasoning is not just for tacos!
Serving suggestions
We love this taco seasoning as a rub for pulled pork, or to make these Doritos walking tacos. You can also use this as a substitute for the cajun seasoning on my favorite oven-baked pork chops.
Why Make Homemade Taco Seasoning?
Homemade is healthier and more economical! Have you read the ingredients on a packet of commercially prepared taco seasoning? There’s mono-this and x-this…lots of preservatives, fillers, and artificial ingredients.
When you make your own seasoning, you control the ingredients. You can add less sodium and up the spice or make it milder to suit your family’s tastes. And you can buy the spices in bulk, which makes your homemade taco seasoning mix super economical!
These mini-square glass jars are perfect for gifts!
- Bulk chili powder – I use chili powder for so many things (my Chili Without Beans, of course!) so I like to keep a large container on hand.
- Bulk garlic powder – garlic powder is another staple in the kitchen and enhances the flavor of soups and casseroles all year long
- Mini-square glass jars – fill these with homemade taco seasoning and tie a ribbon around the neck and your gift is ready!
- Large jars – use these to mix and store your seasoning
Ingredients for this recipe:
You won’t have to do any chopping for this recipe! Everything is a dried spice so it’s easy and quick to mix together. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Cumin
- Onion powder
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Dried oregano
- Paprika
- Chipotle chili powder
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper
For a fun twist, try this Citrus Homemade Taco Seasoning from my friend Lisa over at Snappy Gourmet!
Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/8-1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, depending on how hot you like it
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teapoon pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together with a fork and store in an airtight container.
To Make Taco Meat:
- Brown ground beef, turkey or chicken and drain.
- Place meat back in skillet.
- Use 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat.
- Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste.
- Add 3/4 cup of water.
- Stir and simmer until water is absorbed, 8-10 minutes.
Nutrition
Update Notes: This post was originally published on March 7, 2012, and on June 19, 2019, was updated with one or more of the following: step-by-step photos, video, updated recipe, and new tips.
Simple, fast and delicious!
Simple, fast and delicious!
I would like the recipe to Southern style I would like a recipe Houston Texas roasted turkey recipe
Thank you so much I hate buying the prepacked seasons and often for Taco, chicken, beef or fish I will try to create my own but see I have left out Chipolte pepper and crushed red pepper…