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This homemade taco seasoning recipe is simple and made with ingredients that are usually on hand. It gives a delicious flavor to any recipe!!

Now you can make your favorite seasoning at home! Taco seasoning is perfect to flavor your favorite Tacos, Enchiladas, Flautas, and more. I love that you can control the spice level and flavor by making it yourself!

Homemade Taco Seasoning in a white bowl.
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Homemade Taco Seasoning

Have you ever thought to make your own taco seasoning?! I admit I hadn’t until recently when I realized I needed it for Taco Soup, was all out, and didn’t have time to run to the store. I found a recipe for it and thought we would give it a go. It was easier than we thought and tasted just like the taco seasoning you can buy.

I will say upfront – yes, it is easier to buy taco seasoning at the store, but I love having a good recipe on hand that I can make at any time without having to run to the store.

I also always have the ingredients on hand which is a bonus. It also takes just a few minutes to put together so technically, it’s faster to just make it at home than run to the store. It’s perfect for all of our favorite Mexican recipes!

Adding seasoning to a pan of ground beef.

How to Make Taco Seasoning

This taco seasoning recipe is quick and simple! Any chili powder will do for this recipe, but we especially love Gebhardt Chili Powder.

MIX & STORE. Mix together all ingredients in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container. So easy, and delicious!

We even think this would be great to put in jars and gift to friends since everyone tends to use taco seasoning. 😉

Taco salad topped with tomatoes and cheese.

Tips + Storing Info

This homemade taco seasoning is packed with flavor and is great for storing!!

Packet portions. A store-bought packet of taco seasoning is only about 2 tablespoons in each packet, which is enough for 1-2 pounds of ground meat, depending on your taste preferences. 

Less spicy. Our DIY taco seasoning actually has less chili powder than other seasonings, but if you’re concerned about it being too spicy for kiddos you can ½ the amount of chili powder and increase onion or garlic powder.

Texture. If you are worried about a “chunky” texture or uneven grain sizes, grind the spices with a mortar and pestle before storing the mix.

STORE this recipe for taco seasoning for up to 6 months. As long as it remains dry, unopened, and at room temperature then it should last a long time. We like to store ours in a mason jar with a clasp lid.

DIY Taco Seasoning Recipe stored in a white bowl.

Recipe FAQ

How do I use homemade taco seasoning to make simple tacos?

Use 2 tablespoons of easy taco seasoning per pound of ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey. Heat up a large skillet add the ground meat of choice and brown it. Drain if needed and add ½ -1 cup of water along with the taco meat seasoning. Bring it to a boil then simmer and allow the liquid to reduce.

How can I make a spicy taco mix?

If you really love hot tacos you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes, chili powder, and paprika. If you wish for a more mild mix, then reduce those ingredients.

How long does homemade taco seasoning last?

Keep this taco seasoning in an airtight container in a cool dry place and it will last for up to 6 months.

For Some Recipes That Use this Seasoning, Try:

5 from 9 votes

Easy Taco Seasoning

By: Lil’ Luna
This easy taco seasoning is made in minutes with ingredients that are usually on hand – add delicious flavor to all of your Mexican dishes!
Servings: 10
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes

Ingredients 

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions 

  • Mix all ingredients into a small bowl. Store in an airtight container.

Video

Notes

Notes. A store-bought packet of taco seasoning is only about 2 tablespoons in each packet, which is enough for 1-2 pounds of ground meat, depending on your taste preferences. 
Store this taco seasoning in an airtight container in a cool dry place and it will last for up to 6 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 4kcal, Sodium: 247mg, Potassium: 20mg, Vitamin A: 310IU, Calcium: 5mg, Iron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

About Kristyn

My name is Kristyn and I’m the mom of SIX stinkin’ cute kids and the wife to my smokin’ hot hubby, Lo. My mom’s maiden name is Luna, and I’m one of the many crafty “Lil’ Lunas” in the fam. On this site I like to share all things creative - from recipes to home decor to gifts and home decor ideas. Welcome!

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5 from 9 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




12 Comments

  1. Jeff Hundley says:

    5 stars
    Your red enchilada sauce recipe was perfect. I’m trying this taco seasoning next. I’ve got a feeling that your recipes are going to be my go to from now on.

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Thank you!! Hope you enjoyed the taco seasoning too. I’m so glad you are enjoying the recipes!

  2. Barbara J says:

    5 stars
    Needed a taco seasoning recipe for tonight’s taco dinner. This recipe is definitely five stars. Terrific. Thank you for posting the recipe KRISTYN.

    1. Lil'Luna Team says:

      Oh I’m so glad you loved the seasoning! Thank YOU!

  3. Kristi Richmond says:

    5 stars
    Needed taco seasoning in a pinch – so glad I found this! I might never go back to the store bought!

  4. Jennifer Bruce says:

    5 stars
    This has been our family go-to forever now. Make a big batch and save it for when you make tacos, nachos, taco soup- so many great uses.

  5. Maria Harris says:

    5 stars
    Wow Love your recipes today, I do believe this is the first time I seen it on FB, Will make this one for supper. Thanks for sharing the recipe. Have a great Day.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Glad you found them! Thank you so much for sharing that 🙂

  6. noorul says:

    love all your recipes????????

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Awe, thank you so much!! I am glad you do 🙂

  7. Academic Writing says:

    5 stars
    Thanks for the recipe. This is a fantastic seasoning recipe! Like others have mentioned, no more seasoning packets for me. The flavor was so much richer. I didn’t tell anyone of the change (I cook for a family of 10) and got lots of excellent compliments. After the first time I used this recipe, I made up a large batch of seasoning to have on hand. It was so easy since I had all of the spices in my pantry anyway. I found that 2 *very* heaping tablespoons of the seasoning equals about one regular seasoning packet. My family likes things a little spicy though, so two regular tablespoons would probably be sufficient.

    1. Kristyn Merkley says:

      Thank you so much for sharing! I am glad your family loved it! It’s nice to have a big batch on hand..I use it so much!