Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning

I was standing in my kitchen holding one of those tiny overpriced taco seasoning packets from the grocery store, reading the ingredient label and wondering why I needed silicon dioxide in my dinner. That afternoon I grabbed every spice jar on my rack and started experimenting, completely amazed at how much better the result tasted when I could actually pronounce everything going into it.

My brother came over unexpectedly that first evening I made my own blend, and he kept asking what restaurant wed ordered from. When I showed him the little jar of homemade seasoning, he literally laughed out loud at how something so simple could transform ground turkey into the best tacos hed ever had.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chili powder: The backbone of the whole blend, I prefer ancho chili powder for its subtle sweetness but regular works perfectly fine
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin: This gives that earthy distinctively taco flavor, fresh is best since ground cumin loses potency pretty quickly
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Smoked paprika adds incredible depth, but sweet paprika keeps things milder if youre cooking for kids
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Not fresh garlic, the powder disperses evenly throughout the meat coating every single bite
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Works in tandem with the garlic for that savory base layer of flavor
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Mexican oregano has a lovely citrusy note but regular Italian oregano works beautifully too
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Totally optional, I leave them out when my nieces are visiting and add extra when its just adults
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth, freshly cracked makes a noticeable difference
• 1 teaspoon sea salt: Fine sea salt incorporates better than coarse, but adjust based on your taste preferences

Instructions

Mix it all together:

Dump everything into a small bowl and whisk until the spices are completely uniform, no clumps of chili powder visible

Give it a test run:

The smell should hit you immediately, warm and earthy with a hint of something spicy

Store it properly:

Transfer to an airtight container or repurposed spice jar, keep it in your pantry away from direct sunlight

Use what you need:

Two to three tablespoons seasons one pound of meat perfectly, but start with less if youre watching sodium

Save

This seasoning has become my go to hostess gift, poured into cute little jars with handwritten labels. Friends started requesting jars for their own kitchens after tasting it at taco night, and now I make triple batches just to keep up with demand.

Making It Your Own

Once you get comfortable with the base recipe, start playing around with the ratios. I add extra cumin and a pinch of cinnamon when Im making carnitas style meat, and sometimes I throw in some ground coriander for a slightly brighter flavor profile.

Beyond Just Tacos

This seasoning works magic on roasted sweet potatoes, stirred into black bean soup, or even sprinkled over popcorn for movie night. I keep a small shaker jar of it near my stove because I reach for it way more often than I ever expected.

Batch Cooking Wisdom

When I first started making this, Id measure out single batches every time which got tedious so fast. Now I make enough to fill a mason jar and keep it right with my other go to spices for instant taco Tuesdays.

• Write the date on your jar so you know when to refresh it
• A small funnel saves so much mess when transferring to containers
• Consider doubling the red pepper flakes if you love serious heat

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about reaching for a jar you mixed yourself, knowing exactly what went into it and that it will make your kitchen smell absolutely incredible.

Recipe FAQs

→ What spices are in this taco seasoning?

It includes chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and sea salt.

→ How do I store the seasoning mix?

Keep the blend in an airtight container at room temperature for up to six months to maintain freshness.

→ Can the heat level be adjusted?

Yes, increase or reduce crushed red pepper flakes to make the mix spicier or milder.

→ What dishes benefit from this seasoning?

It works well on ground beef, chicken, tofu, roasted vegetables, and more for a vibrant Mexican flavor.

→ Is this seasoning blend gluten-free and vegan?

Yes, it is both vegan and gluten-free, made only from spices without additives or allergens.