Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Introduction
Homemade taco seasoning is a simple, flavorful blend that brings authentic Mexican taste to your dishes. It’s easy to make with common spices and lets you control the salt and heat levels. Perfect for tacos, burritos, or any Mexican-inspired meal.

Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 3 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Step 2: Store the seasoning mix in an airtight container, such as a spice jar or small jar with a tight lid.
- Step 3: When ready to use, add 2 tablespoons of the seasoning to 1 pound of cooked meat and stir to coat evenly.
Tips & Variations
- Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the heat level; omit it for a milder flavor.
- Try adding a pinch of dried oregano for a slightly different herbal note.
- Use this seasoning mix not only for beef but also for chicken, turkey, or vegetables.
Storage
Store your homemade taco seasoning in a cool, dry place in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Shake or stir the mix before each use to redistribute the spices. Because it contains no preservatives, it’s best to make small batches to keep flavors fresh.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use this seasoning mix for dishes other than tacos?
Yes, this seasoning works well for burritos, fajitas, chili, or even spicing up roasted vegetables and soups.
How much seasoning should I use per pound of meat?
Use about 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning per 1 pound of cooked meat for best flavor balance.
Print
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 10 tablespoons seasoning mix 1x
Description
This homemade taco seasoning blend is a flavorful and easy-to-make mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, onion, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Perfect for seasoning ground meat or vegetables to create authentic and delicious tacos without any preservatives or additives.
Ingredients
Spices
- 6 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 teaspoons ground cumin
- 3 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper until evenly combined.
- Store Seasoning: Transfer the mixed seasoning into an airtight container such as a spice jar or a resealable container to keep it fresh and ready for use.
- Use with Meat: When cooking, use 2 tablespoons of the seasoning mix per 1 pound of ground meat, mixing it in during the cooking process to evenly coat the meat with flavor.
Notes
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control spiciness
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months
- Great for seasoning beans, vegetables, or tofu as a vegetarian alternative
- Can be doubled or tripled for larger batches
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Seasoning
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
Keywords: taco seasoning, homemade spice mix, Mexican seasoning, taco spice blend, chili powder mix

