Make Your Own Taco Seasoning Mix at Home

Homemade Taco Seasoning is easy to make, convenient, and tastes far better than store-bought packets. It’s the perfect mix to have on hand for tacos, chicken, soups, rice, and more.

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Taco seasoning is a staple in many kitchens. If you haven’t tried making your own, you’ll be surprised how simple it is and how much brighter the flavors are compared with store packets. Alongside my Ranch Seasoning Mix, this taco blend is one I use constantly. My family loves Mexican-inspired meals, so I keep a jar ready at all times.

Why I Make My Own Taco Seasoning

1. Easy to make
2. Better flavor than store-bought
3. More economical
4. Ready when I need it
5. I control the ingredients

When I first started, I mixed only what I needed for a single recipe. Since dried spices keep well, I now mix larger batches that last through several meals.

Ingredients for Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked or regular paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Dried oregano
• Salt & black pepper
• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

Customize the Mix

The proportions below reflect what I prefer, but feel free to adjust each spice to match your taste.

• For a milder, less smoky flavor use regular paprika instead of smoked.
• To reduce heat, omit the cayenne.
• Salt can be increased or decreased to your liking.
• Cornstarch is optional—add it only if you want the mix to thicken sauces or meat juices.

How to Make It

Making this seasoning is quick and requires only one step.

1. Combine all spices and the optional cornstarch in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well until the mixture is uniform. Store in a cool, dark place.

Storing Homemade Taco Seasoning

Store the seasoning in an airtight jar or container in a pantry or spice cabinet. Properly stored, the mix will keep its best flavor for at least six months.

How to Use the Seasoning

A jar of homemade taco seasoning makes meal prep faster and adds consistent flavor to many dishes. Keep it nearby when making Mexican-inspired recipes.

Note: 2 tablespoons of this homemade mix equals one standard packet of store-bought taco seasoning.

When adding it to soups, stews, or casseroles, season to taste. A good starting point is 1 tablespoon, then increase if needed.

Suggested Uses

• Ground meat: Use 2 tablespoons per 1 lb of meat.
• Chicken: Sprinkle about ½ teaspoon per side when searing, roasting, or grilling.
• Soups and chili: Add 1–2 tablespoons for a bold Mexican flavor.
• White rice: Stir 1 tablespoon into the cooking water for seasoned rice.

Recipe Ideas That Use This Seasoning

• Street Taco Skillet
• Enchilada Casserole with Toasted Corn Chips
• Beef Enchiladas (lower carb)
• Mexican Couscous
• Taco Salad
• Skillet Taco Mac

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Your feedback matters! Please leave a comment or rating if you try the recipe—I’d love to hear how it turned out.

Let’s eat! 🤍

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Easy, convenient, and more flavorful than store packets—perfect for tacos, chicken, soups, rice, and more.

Course: Seasonings, Spices

Cuisine: Mexican

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 10 tablespoons

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 tablespoon smoked or regular paprika
• 1 ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 teaspoon onion powder
• 2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon (or to taste) kosher salt
• 1 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
• 2 tablespoon corn starch optional

Instructions

• Add all spices, seasonings, and optional cornstarch to a jar with a fitted lid. Shake until combined. Store in a cool, dark place.

Notes

Tips:

Customize Taco Seasoning

• For a less smoky taste, use regular paprika.
• For less heat, omit the cayenne pepper.
• Adjust the salt to taste.
• Cornstarch is optional and only needed if you want to thicken sauces.

Using Taco Seasoning

NOTE: 2 tablespoons of Homemade Taco Seasoning equals 1 packet of store-bought taco seasoning.

• Seasoning ground meat: Use 2 tablespoons per 1 lb of ground meat.
• Seasoning chicken: When searing or roasting, use ½ teaspoon per side.
• Add to soups and chili: Add 1–2 tablespoons for bold flavor.
• Seasoning rice: Add 1 tablespoon to plain white rice while it cooks.

Storing Taco Seasoning

Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place—flavor stays best for at least six months.

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