If you love tacos as much as I do, this one’s a game-changer. My homemade taco seasoning is quick, easy, and way better than store-bought. It’s a little smoky, not very spicy, and best of all—no additives or stabilizers. I use this on everything, and once you make it, you’ll never go back to the packets.
One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can whip it up in just a few minutes, store it in a jar, and have it ready anytime taco night rolls around. It’s also great for meal prep—make a bigger batch and you’ll always have fresh seasoning on hand. And because you’re controlling the ingredients, you can adjust it to your taste, whether that means more spice, less salt, or skipping the heat altogether.
This is my go-to mix, and I use it in more than just tacos—it works on fajitas, roasted veggies, even sprinkled over eggs or popcorn for a little extra kick. Let’s get to it.
Quick Recipe
Ingredients:
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Dried Mexican oregano
Steps:
- Add all the spices into a bowl.
- Mix well until fully combined.
- Transfer into a glass jar, label it, and store in the cupboard.
- Use 2 ½ tablespoons of this mix for the equivalent of one store-bought taco packet.
Step-by-Step Recipe
Today’s recipe is all about homemade taco seasoning. It’s simple, but it makes such a big difference—especially if you love the recipes inside The Taco Tuesday Cookbook.
I love making my own seasoning because I know exactly what’s in it. No weird fillers, no additives, just good flavor. Mine has that nice smoky touch without being too spicy, so it works for the whole family.
Here’s what I do: I grab all my spices—chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried Mexican oregano. I toss everything into a bowl and give it a good mix. That’s it!
Once it’s blended, I like to pour it into a glass jar, slap a label on it, and keep it in the cupboard. Honestly, if you’re anything like me, you might want to keep a big batch in the pantry, because I use this stuff all the time.
The best part? About 2 ½ tablespoons equals one store-bought taco seasoning packet. So anytime you’re making tacos, fajitas, or even sprinkling it over roasted veggies, you’re ready to go.
Extra Notes
- Storage: Keep in a sealed glass jar in your pantry for maximum freshness.
- Make-Ahead: Double or triple the recipe and keep it in bulk—you’ll use it more than you think.
- Substitutions: If you like more heat, add extra red pepper flakes. If you want it milder, cut them down or skip them.
That’s it—super basic but honestly the best taco seasoning you’ll ever make. Mix it once, keep it in your pantry, and you’ll never reach for a packet again.