Skip the store-bought packets! This easy homemade taco seasoning blend comes together in just 5 minutes using simple pantry spices. It's cost-effective, free from artificial additives, and gives you complete control over the flavor and sodium.
Buying individual spices and keeping a well-stocked kitchen is one of the easiest ways to cook delicious food on a budget. Single-use seasoning packets are often loaded with excess sodium, anti-caking agents, and unnecessary fillers. When you blend your own, you save money, control the ingredients and can adjust to your personal preferences.
Table of contents
I love keeping a jar of this stocked in my pantry alongside my other staples. It relies on basic spices featured in my Spice Cabinet Essentials guide, making scratch-cooking effortless. Once you try it in dishes like my Easy Taco Skillet, Crispy Beef Tacos, or Quick Chicken Tacos, you'll never go back to store-bought packets again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Ground Cumin: This is the most essential spice in the entire blend. Cumin gives taco seasoning its distinct earthy aroma and rich flavor that immediately makes any dish taste like tacos.
- Chipotle Powder: Adds a subtle smoky flavor to the blend. Substitution: If you don't have chipotle powder on hand, cayenne pepper works as a great substitute, or you can omit it entirely.
- Paprika: Used for color and flavor. Substitution: Smoked paprika makes a fantastic substitute if you want an extra layer of smokiness.
- Dried Oregano: Standard dried oregano from your spice cabinet or Mexican oregano works great here.
See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and measurements.
How To Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
This spice blend is super easy to put together and just as easy to customize to your liking.
- Add the ground cumin, chili powder, granulated garlic, paprika, onion powder, chipotle powder, and dried oregano to a small bowl. Whisk until completely combined.
- Measure out 2 to 3 tablespoons for your recipe, or transfer the blend to a small glass mason jar to keep in your pantry for quick weeknight meals. Enjoy!
See the recipe card below for the full recipe.
Storage & Conversion Tips
Pantry Storage: Keep your taco seasoning in an airtight glass jar or spice container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Quick Packet Conversion: One standard store-bought taco seasoning packet equals 3 tablespoons. Use 3 tablespoons of this homemade mix anytime a recipe calls for 1 packet of taco seasoning!
What To Make with This Taco Seasoning
I created this house spice blend to make preparing my favorite scratch-cooked Tex-Mex meals even faster on busy weeknights. Here are some of my go-to recipes across the blog where this blend shines:
Quick Chicken Tacos & Crispy Chicken Tacos - This blend works exceptionally well as a homemade chicken taco seasoning, giving shredded or diced chicken tons of flavor without drying it out.
Having a jar of this homemade taco seasoning tucked away in your pantry is the best shortcut for pulling together a fast weeknight dinner. If you give it a try, drop a comment below and let me know your favorite recipe to use it in!
-Sky🩷
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📖 Recipe
Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 3 tablespoons granulated garlic
- 4 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon chipotle powder or cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the ground cumin, chili powder, granulated garlic, paprika, onion powder, chipotle powder, and dried oregano.
- Transfer the spice blend to a small glass mason jar or airtight spice container.
- To Use: Use roughly 2 to 3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat (or to taste) in your favorite Tex-Mex recipes. Since this blend is salt-free, season your dish with Kosher salt and black pepper to taste while cooking.
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