Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe - Evolving Table (2024)

Look no further than this homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe for an authentic and quick way to add flavor to beef, chicken, shrimp, or veggies. You only need a few simple ingredients like cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper to create your own mix. Forget the store-bought packets next time you are making tacos or fajitas and go with from-scratch!

Have you ever made homemade taco seasoning?

It is actually super simple and can be made in huge batches so you can save it for later.

You can use it to season ground beef or turkey for tacos. Or, add it to your favorite chicken or steak fajita marinade.

I was looking for a healthy mix that could be personalized for spiciness or saltiness. After a little experimentation, this super simple and easy recipe was born.

It can be whipped up in about 5 minutes and you probably already have all of the spices that are needed. Plus, you can easily add more or less of your favorite flavors to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Unlike many of the store-bought packets, this recipe has no added MSG, gluten, artificial ingredients, or hidden dairy. That’s why making it at home is SO much healthier for you! This recipe uses common ingredients you likely have on hand.

The basic ingredients for taco seasoning include:

• Cumin. A common spice used in many Mexican, Mediterranean, and Indian recipes. Cumin has a slightly peppery, earthy taste.
• Paprika. Make sure to use regular paprika, not smoked as it will change the flavor.
• Chili Powder. Mild chili powder, such as McCormick’s, is suggested. Spice level of the powder can vary drastically between brands, so make sure you’re using one you like.
• Garlic Powder. Do not substitute for garlic salt or granulated garlic. You want a fine powder concentrated with flavor.
• Cayenne Pepper. Adjust this seasoning to your preferred spice level. Omit completely for the mildest taste, and add more to make it spicy.
• Salt. This can be left out to control the sodium level.

How to Make Taco Seasoning Mix

These are the simple steps to take when making taco seasoning. See the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.

Collect Ingredients

First, find all the spices you will be using. Likely, they are already in your spice cabinet. If not, a quick trip to your local grocery store will yield everything you need.

Consider purchasing spices in bulk, if possible, to save money as well as waste less plastic!

Mix Well

In a large bowl or container, combine all of the ingredients. You can easily make adjustments to accommodate dietary tastes and needs.

It is best to use a whisk to evenly mix spices. Ensure there are no clumps left and there is a smooth consistency.

Store

After the seasoning is mixed to your preference, you can either use it immediately or store it in an airtight container. You can use a small mason jar or reuse an old spice jar. This will last for up to 1-2 years if stored in a cool, dry place.

Use 2 to 2 ½ tablespoons of seasoning for each pound of meat.

FAQs

Pro Tips and Tricks

• Some like it hot. Make the seasoning blend more or less spicy by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper used.
• Just a little salty. You can leave out the salt or reduce the amount if you would like to.
• Seal it tight.As the spices are exposed to air they lose their potency. If you don’t have airtight containers, plastic zip-top bags work well.
• Keep it cool. Above the stovetop normally gets too hot. Also, it can expose your spices to steam which will cause them to clump.
• Get creative! Use this blend to season vegetables, potatoes, casseroles, soups, and chili.

Recipes that Use Taco Seasoning

There are a ton of recipes you can make with this homemade seasoning mix:

Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers

Mexican Zucchini Taco Boats

Shredded Chicken Tacos

Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Fiesta Lime Chicken

Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

Other DIY Spice Mix Recipes

If you like this taco spice blend recipe, you should definitely check out these other homemade seasoning mixes:

Blackened Seasoning

Greek Seasoning

Chili Seasoning

Pumpkin Pie Spice

Fajita Seasoning