Our Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is simple to throw together, uses lots of pantry staples that you probably already have in the cupboard, and tastes amazing. Keep a jar of this in your pantry and make taco Tuesday as simple as it has ever been.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
When Taco Tuesday rolls around, you need something easy and delicious to toss into those Ground Beef Tacos (or Chicken Tacos. Or Steak Tacos. Or whatever tacos you want to throw at this.)
My homemade taco seasoning recipe is simple to toss together, uses a bunch of ingredients you probably have in your cupboard already, contains nothing that you can’t pronounce, and the spice level is customizable. It doesn’t get much better than that! Make a double batch and keep some on hand for a rainy day, or to give to your friends and neighbors. It makes adorable homemade gifts come Christmastime too.
Get more Mexican-Inspired Recipes here!
Homemade Taco Seasoning shopping list
Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- chili powder
- ground cumin
- paprika
- garlic powder
- Mexican oregano
- ground black pepper
- sea salt
- cayenne (optional)
- masa flour (optional)
Try this with our Instant Pot Mexican Rice
How to make Taco Seasoning at home
This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.
1
Mix
Mix up all the ingredients. Remember that the cayenne and masa is optional! Use the cayenne if you like it spicy. Use the masa if you want it to be like the packet mixes, and thicken a little with water.
2
Use it
I tend to use about a tablespoon per pound of meat. If you added the mesa, toss in 1/4 cup of water too after the meat is cooked, and it’ll thicken up a little. Delicious.
3
Store
Airtight containers are your friend. If you have one of those little packets of moisture wicking stuff that come in beef jerky and the like, now’s a good time to pull it out of the junk drawer. Not necessary, but it’ll keep longer that way. Also take care not to shake out the jar over a pot that’s steaming. I’ve wrecked lots of spices that way over the years!
How about some Homemade Guacamole?
FAQ
How do you store leftovers?
Store these in an airtight container in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
Are there any substitutions for any of the spices?
Sure! This recipe is super customizable. Adapt away, and let me know how it goes!
Try our Homemade BBQ Rub too!
More great homemade recipes!
- Get my whole list of Homemade Recipes here!
- Tartar Sauce
- Sweet Tea Vodka
- Homemade Noodles
- Sweet Chili Sauce
- Dry Pancake Mix
Check out these great recipes too!
- Smoked Shotgun Shells
- French Onion Soup (on the smoker)
- Smoked Beef Ribs
- Birria Tacos
- Shrimp Yakisoba
- Grape Jelly Meatballs on the smoker
- Grilled Salmon
- Chicken Marsala
- Tater Tot Breakfast Casserole
- Hanger Steak
- Gochujang Chicken Stir Fry
Homemade Taco Seasoning
This simple homemade taco seasoning is great to keep around the house for use in your favorite tacos, or in soups, stews, or casseroles.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon cayenne (optional - use less if you are sensitive to heat. This makes medium-level spice for your tacos)
- 2 tablespoons masa flour (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients and mix well to combine.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Add about one tablespoon per pound of meat.
- If you used the masa in the mix, add a little water with the meat after it is browned. The masa in the mix will thicken the sauce.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 36Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 472mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 3gSugar: 1gProtein: 1g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate.
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.