This Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is the perfect blend of spices for all your favorite Mexican dishes. Directions for 1 packet or a big batch!  It’s so easy and inexpensive to make, you’ll never buy pre-packaged again.

Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Not a week goes by without some type of Mexican or Tex-Mex dish gracing my dinner table. Because of this, I was always running out of those spice packets. So years ago I started making my own blend. Homemade Taco Seasoning is crazy easy to put together and way less expensive if you use it frequently. I keep a 4 ounce container filled at all times.

What’s in Taco Seasoning?

My taco seasoning mix recipe includes the typical taco seasoning spices: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and cayenne. If any of these ingredients aren’t your thing, or you like one more than another, feel free to adjust to your taste. Spice mixes are very forgiving.

• Replace the standard chili powder and paprika with ancho chili powder and smoked paprika, which gives the spice blend an awesome smoky flavor.
• Adjust the salt. I prefer to control the amount of salt by having only a little in the spice blend and then adding in extra separately, depending on what I’m making. (Keep in mind my recipe calls for Kosher salt, which isn’t as fine or strong as table salt.)
• Adjust the heat. The spiciness will come from the chili powder and cayenne pepper. Start with the small recipe I included, taste and decide if you want more or less spice. You can also replace the cayenne with some crushed red pepper flakes, or simply omit it.
• Add in some flour. Most store bought packets include flour, which is used as a thickening agent. If you want to include it in your mix, I recommend a 1/2 teaspoon per recipe.

How to Make Taco Seasoning

This easy homemade taco seasoning is made in minutes and used the same way as a store-bought packet. You simply place all the spices in a jar with a tight-fitting lid, and shake to incorporate. That’s it!
(To make this taco seasoning recipe, scroll below to the printable recipe card for all the details.)

How many tablespoons in a packet of taco seasoning? This taco seasoning recipe allows you to mix together 2 tablespoons (which is the equivalent of 1 taco seasoning packet you would buy), or 1/2 cup that you can store in a spice jar and use when you need it.

Uses for Taco Seasoning

How to season taco meat: Use this spice blend as needed. I recommend 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat. NOTE: Most store bought packets include flour, which is used as a thickening agent. If you want to include some, I recommend a 1/2 teaspoon per recipe.

It’s perfect for tacos and burritos, beef, chicken, pork, and pretty much all of your favorite Mexican dishes. I use it often in these dishes:

• Taco Soup
• Totchos (Tater Tot Nachos!)
• Walking Tacos
• Sloppy Joes
• Mexican Pizza
• 7 Layer Dip

Proper Storage

This taco seasoning from scratch will store well in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Keep it in a cool, dry place and out of direct sunlight.

I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!