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Homemade Taco Seasoning

Name: Taco Seasoning Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons chili powder; 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon fine salt; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ¼ teaspoon paprika (may sub smoked paprika); ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

W Whole30 EF Egg-Free GF Gluten-free NF Nut-free GR Grain-Free VG Vegetarian DF Dairy-Free V Vegan P Paleo

This DIY taco seasoning recipe is fuss-free and made without preservatives, fillers, or added sugar. It makes enough to season 2 to 3 pounds of ground meat and stores well. Use it to add flavor to everything from fajitas, tacos, and burritos to grilled chicken, soups, and scrambled eggs.

5 mins

4.9 /5

141 Comments

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By: Jessica Beacom Posted: 8/22/25

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I started making my own taco seasoning recipe years ago when I couldn’t find store-bought packets without preservatives, excess sodium, or sneaky sugars. I wanted something I could feel good about using in my meals and needed it to be simple, mild enough for my kids to enjoy, and versatile. This homemade taco seasoning recipe is exactly that.

It’s quick to mix up on taco night if store-bought taco seasoning is not handy, and made with everyday spices I always have in my cupboard. I mix up a few batches at a time to keep on hand and within reach to add flavor to Mexican-inspired meals such as tacos, burritos, fajitas, grilled meats, skillet pasta meals, veggies, soups, and homemade bean dip complete with all the toppings.

Close up view of a ceramic bowl filled with Homemade Taco Seasoning and a spoon in the bowl.

Why I Love Making My Own Taco Seasoning

Besides how easy it is to make, I love knowing exactly what’s in my homemade taco seasoning mix. Unlike most store-bought options from the grocery store, my recipe uses just a handful of real spices, contains very little salt, and is free from artificial ingredients and added sugars.

Many of the spices in this mix, like chili powder, paprika, and cayenne, contain capsaicin, which has been studied for its potential metabolism-boosting benefits. Others, like garlic powder and oregano, may help reduce inflammation and support heart health. And because this recipe is naturally dairy free, gluten free, grain free, nut free, egg free, and without added sweeteners, it fits nearly every dietary need.

Overhead view of a ceramic bowl filled with different piles of seasonings ready to be mixed into Homemade Taco Seasoning.

Ingredient Notes And Substitutions

For this taco seasoning recipe, I make the spice mix with everyday ingredients I tend to always have on hand.

Chili powder: This gives the taco seasoning its iconic peppery flavor.
Ground cumin: Adds warmth and a slight earthiness.
Garlic powder: A pantry staple that brings depth. May sub granulated garlic.
Onion powder: Adds sweet-savory richness without added moisture. Sub granulated onion or onion flakes.
Dried oregano: Use Mexican oregano for the post authentic taste. Or sub dried Italian seasoning or dried basil in a pinch.
Paprika: Use smoked paprika for a smokier, deep flavor, or use sweet paprika if you don’t like smoky flavors
Fine salt: Any salt in the pantry will work, such as kosher salt or fine sea salt.
Cayenne pepper: Optional, but adds a subtle kick. Can also sub ancho chili powder, ground black pepper, chipotle powder, or red pepper flakes. Add more or less to taste.

Find the ingredient list with exact measurements in the recipe card below.

So Many 5-Star Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This is hands down one of my favorite recipes to use! I love that it’s healthy and doesn’t have additives like MSG and sugar. It’s so FLAVORFUL and EASY. I haven’t used packaged seasoning since I found it – over two years now!” ~ Melanie S.

“This is a weekly staple in our pantry! We use this seasoning blend often and always have some on hand for the next taco night.” ~ Sara R.

Overhead view of a small mason jar filled with Homemade Taco Seasoning and a spoon in the jar.

Set Up A DIY Taco Bar

This seasoning is perfect for a build-your-own best taco night, taco bowls, or taco salads, or for a fun Cinco de Mayo fiesta. Here’s what I usually include:

Shells:

Proteins:

Toppings:

Homemade Guacamole
Black Bean and Corn Salsa
Vegan Queso or Vegan Nacho Cheese
Refried Beans
Diced tomatoes
Shredded lettuce
Jalapeños
Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
Shredded cheese

Overhead view of Sheet Pan Chicken Tostadas on a wooden cutting board topped with cilantro and sour cream.

Healthy taco hotdish made with homemade taco seasoning in a baking dish

Tip!

Other Ways To Use This Seasoning

Once learning how to make taco seasoning in less than 2 minutes at home, I started dreaming of all the possibilities to use it beyond taco night. I use it to make slow cooker chicken tacos, vegan enchiladas, sheet pan tostadas, my healthy taco hot dish, this Instant Pot taco soup, and even Tex-Mex sweet potato hash. It also works great as a rub for grilled chicken, shredded chicken, ground beef, ground turkey, ground bison, shrimp, steak, tossed with roasted veggies, or stirred into beans, rice, and scrambled eggs.

Overhead view of a small glass mason jar filled with Homemade Taco Seasoning and a spoon in the spices.

Some Expert Cooking Tips

This recipe makes enough to season 2 to 3 pounds of meat. I use 1 ½ tablespoons of this taco seasoning spice mix per pound of cooked meat. Just brown ground beef (or ground turkey or ground chicken), then sprinkle in the seasoning over top. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water, then stir and simmer until everything is coated and saucy. If I want an even richer flavor, like for these baked beef tacos, I’ll sometimes add a tablespoon of tomato paste, too.

Always Keep Extra On-Hand

I like to make a big batch, doubling or even tripling the recipe. Then I keep the seasoning blend in a small spice jar or other airtight container in my spice cupboard. It stays fresh for up to 6 months in a cool, dry spot, and it’s ready to grab for Taco Tuesday or taco recipes I make.

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Recipe

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Taco Seasoning Recipe

Prep: 5 mins Total: 5 mins

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Servings: Makes 3 tablespoons 1x

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Ingredients

2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon fine salt
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon paprika (may sub smoked paprika)
¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

In a small bowl or small jar with a lid, place all ingredients. Stir to combine or cover jar and shake to combine. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

To prepare taco meat:

To a medium skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1 pound of ground beef or other ground meat, using a spatula to break up the meat as it cooks.
When the meat is cooked through, sprinkle 1 ½ tablespoons of the taco seasoning over the meat. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of water and stir to combine, adding more water as needed.
For saucier taco meat, add 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to the meat mixture and stir.

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Notes

This recipe makes a little more than 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning, which is about double what you’d get in a store-bought packet of taco seasoning. It is enough to season 2 to 3 pound of ground meat.

– May use granulated garlic or granulated onion in place of the garlic powder and/or onion powder.
– May sub dried basil or dried Italian seasoning for the dried oregano.
– May sub ancho chili powder, chipotle powder, ground black pepper, or red pepper flakes for the cayenne pepper (if using).

Nutrition Information

Serving Size: ~ 1 1/2 teaspoons seasoning
Calories: 7
Fat: 0 g
(Sat Fat: 0 g)
Sodium: 235 mg
Carbohydrate: 1 g
(Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 0 g)
Protein: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

Dietary

Dairy-Free Egg-Free Gluten-free Grain-Free Nut-free Paleo Vegan Vegetarian Whole30

Recipe By: Jessica Beacom

The photos in this post were taken by Megan McKeehan.

All photos and content are copyright protected. Please do not use our photos without prior written permission. If you wish to republish this recipe, please rewrite the recipe in your own unique words and link back to the source recipe here on The Real Food Dietitians. Thank you!

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Jessica Beacom

Jessica is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist living in Boulder, CO with her husband and two daughters. She's been raising backyard chickens for over a decade. When she's not in the kitchen you'll find her mountain biking, gravel cycling, telemark skiing, and camping.