Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Heather Dessinger

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Jar of taco seasoning surrounded by garlic powder, cumin and oregano

Magic in a pan. <– That’s what my husband calls this super easy homemade taco seasoning. On busy nights I saute it with beef or turkey for tacos, mix it with a little tomato paste to season Mexican rice, or saute it with chicken, bell peppers and onions for easy fajita bowls. Like a few of my other go-to staples – this chipotle mayo, for example – it’s a quick way to add major yum factor. 

Of course, you can buy taco seasoning packets at the store, so you might be wondering . . .

Individual spices in bowls (chilli powder, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, cumin, salt and pepper)

Why Make Your Own Taco Seasoning?

1. Because You Want To Save Money 

Making a big batch of different spice mixes is both easy and more cost effective than buying them pre-made. I keep a jar of taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, and Cajun seasoning on hand for quick, flavorful meals.

2. You Control The Heat & Flavors

This taco seasoning is on the mild (but still SUPER FLAVORFUL) side because I created it with three littles in mind, but it’s totally customizable. If you prefer more heat, dial things up by adding more chili powder (in 1 tsp increments) or cayenne pepper (in 1/8 tsp increments) to the batch until it reaches the level you prefer. 

One thing to keep in mind is that chili powder can vary greatly in heat intensity. If your chili powder is on the hot side you may want to use less than is called for.

3. No Weird Ingredients

Unlike some store-bought options that include flour, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and doesn’t contain any weird anti-caking agents or preservatives. 

4. No Last Minute Trips To The Store

Running low? Instead of shlepping to the store, use the extra spice jars taking up space in your cabinet to whip up a batch. (I’m not the only one who accidentally buys spices I already have, right?)

5. You’re A Good Friend

. . . and it makes a great housewarming gift if you pair it with another seasoning mix or two.

easy homemade taco seasoning recipe in jar with chalkboard label

3 Delicious Ways To Use Homemade Taco Seasoning

Easy Chicken Fajitas (Recipe coming soon)

Taco Meat – Here’s how to quickly make it in the Instant Pot without even taking the time to thaw frozen ground beef.

Tip: Make an extra batch and freeze the rest for easy meals later on. (Find more time saving meal planning and prep tips here.)

Mexican Rice  – Add to taste along with extra salt to cooked rice or quinoa. I sometimes add in a little tomato sauce (or tomato paste mixed with a little water) for added moisture and flavor.

If you have uncooked rice, try adding 1 tablespoon homemade taco seasoning and 2 tablespoons tomato paste to 1 cup of rice and 2 cups of water. Cook for the recommended amount of time recommended on the rice container (usually 20 minutes). Salt to taste before serving.

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4.13 from 33 votes

Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Magic in a pan. <– That's what my husband calls this super easy homemade taco seasoning. It's perfect tor tacos & taco salad, Mexican rice and fajitas. Makes approximately 1/2 cup.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 24 One serving equals 1 teaspoon
Calories 8kcal
Author Heather Dessinger

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Place the spices in a small bowl and stir until well-combined. Taste and add additional cayenne (or another spice you prefer) if needed.
  • Place taco seasoning mix in an airtight container. (I use a mason jar.)

Notes

 
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Nutrition

Serving: 1tsp | Calories: 8kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 217mg | Potassium: 45mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 494IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 1mg

Want more recipes?

Here are a few of my favorites . . . 

Chicken Tortilla Soup – Fresh cilantro and a hint of lime meld with the subtle heat of poblano and jalapeno peppers in this belly warming soup. I’ve also linked to my favorite grain-free tortilla chips in the post. 

Mexican-Style Chopped Salad – My kids devour this salad like a pack of adorable wolves . . . maybe yours will like it, too! And if not, I promise you’ll have no trouble finishing it off all by yourself. That might be preferable, actually.

Dairy-Free Nacho “Cheese” Sauce – I made this recipe from Danielle of Against All Grain for a dairy-free family member and it’s ridiculously good.

Overhead view of homemade taco seasoning in jar

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About HEATHER

Heather is a holistic health educator, herbalist, DIYer, Lyme and mold warrior. Since founding Mommypotamus.com in 2009, Heather has been taking complicated health research and making it easy to understand. She shares tested natural recipes and herbal remedies with millions of naturally minded mamas around the world.