Make your own taco mix at home with everyday spices you probably have on hand in your pantry! This easy taco seasoning comes together in minutes and is super versatile. To add lots of flavour, use on everything from tacos, quesadillas, nachos, fajitas and more.
Hi friends!
I’ve been having fun lately making homemade spice blends!
I love that I can customize them to what I like.
Like things spicy? Add more heat. Like mild taco seasoning? Reduce the spice or omit. Want a low sodium taco seasoning? Take it out or reduce. See what I’m saying?
Plus, making your own is pretty budget friendly, easy and there’s no added junk.
The last spice blend I shared with you guys was a homemade pumpkin pie spice blend (by the way, there are some great tips here for using and storing spices too).
Today, things go a little more savoury with this taco spice.
Though, it’s a “taco” spice blend, it can be used on so much more than that.
The jar disappears fast!
I’ve been using this homemade taco spice in all sorts of things, from fajitas to tacos to quesadillas. It’s just so tasty and versatile!
Taco Seasoning Ingredients
- Chili powder
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Oregano
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
And you probably have all these spices on hand in your pantry right now!
Ditch the store-bought taco seasoning packets and make your own within minutes!
How To Make Taco Spice Mix
You simply toss all the spices in a clean, airtight jar and mix to combine. That’s it! Full details are in the recipe card below.
Ways To Use This DIY Taco Seasoning
Honestly, when I make this homemade taco seasoning, I usually quadruple it.
I use it on so many things, but my favourites are:
- Taco dip
- Tacos
- Fajitas
- Enchiladas
- Quesadillas
- Burritos
- Taco bake
- Sprinkled on corn or other veggies
- In salsas
- Chicken
- Beef
- Pulled pork
I have a whole bunch of recipes coming up that uses this seasoning so you may wanna whip up a batch and have ready to go.
Tips for Making This Recipe
- Use fresh spices! Don’t grab spices from your pantry that are super old. When spices are fresh, the flavours really pop; that means a tastier end result in your recipe.
- Want a salt-free taco seasoning? Simply omit the salt.
- If you like more of a particular spice, use more if it! You may want to add more heat, for example, so go ahead and add a little more crushed red pepper flakes.
- Normally I’d recommend making small batches of spice blends for optimum freshness. This taco seasoning, however, is pretty darn versatile so you can double, triple or quadruple the recipe, if you like.
If you make this homemade taco seasoning recipe, be sure to leave a comment below!
Easy Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or ground cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a storage jar until well combined (or you can mix in a bowl before adding to the jar).
- Cover and store in a cool, dark place (like your spice drawer or pantry cupboard). Enjoy within 6 months to a year for optimal freshness.
Notes
- Use fresh spices! Don’t grab spices from your pantry that are super old. When spices are fresh, the flavours really pop; that means a tastier end result in your recipe.
- Store the seasoning blend in a clean, airtight jar in a cool, dark place, like your pantry or cupboard.
- Want a salt-free taco seasoning? Simply omit the salt.
- If you like more of a particular spice, use more if it! You may want to add more heat, for example, so go ahead and add a little more crushed red pepper flakes.
- Normally I’d recommend making small batches of spice blends for optimum freshness. This taco seasoning, however, is pretty darn versatile so you can double, triple or quadruple the recipe, if you like.
A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.
Tried this recipe?
If you do make this recipe, thank you!! It would mean so much if you could leave a comment below. Love to know how you enjoyed it, and it helps other readers too!
Matt - Total Feasts
Our house loves tacos, but I usually don’t like the packet spices as it is so full of salt. I like your recipe, great so I can customise the sodium!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Definitely! Thanks Matt!
Marissa
What a great idea to make your own taco seasoning! Extra cumin for me please!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
You got it! Thank you 🙂
Valentina
Really beautiful photos, Dawn. And . . . YUM! I need a jar of this on hand in my pantry. 🙂 ~Valentina
Kathy @ Beyond the Chicken Coop
I have to admit, I usually just buy a jar of ready made taco seasoning! Now I need to made this instead. This would be perfect in my cupboard, but would also be perfect for giving as gifts! Great idea, Dawn!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
So easy to whip up, why not, right?? Thank you Kathy!
David @ Spiced
Awesome! We use taco seasoning like it’s going out of style here in our house. Not kidding when I say we buy the huge bulk containers of the stuff. However, I have all of these spices in the cabinet already. Why have I never made my own instead!? Gonna start doing that now. Love the post, and you’re right that this is super easy and versatile! 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Haha! Thank you David! Hope you give this one a try soon 🙂
Katherine | Love In My Oven
We LOVE tacos, and I always make our own spice. I used to always buy the packets, and then realized what a lot of garbage is in them! Homemade is so much better. I will have to give your version a try, and add a little extra kick for hubs and I!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Totally!! Thank you Katherine 🙂 Hope you love it!
Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl
I love this, Dawn! Seriously – nothing is better than homemade spice mixes! Especially taco seasoning!!! I’ll take mine extra spicy please 😉 I think it would be so smart to give these as a gift for Christmas this year! Love it!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Thank you Haylie! I agree!!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
I agree! Thank you Haylie 🙂
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen
First, I just had cake for breakfast (oops) so reading the word quesadilla has me all kinds of excited. I need a little cheese after all that sugar! I’m excited to see the recipe! Second, I love making my own spice mixes but I don’t think I’ve made taco seasoning before. Such a great idea–I need to make this soon!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Lol! Thanks Kelsie! Hope you love it 🙂
Dawn - Girl Heart Food
Lol! I completely understand! Thank you Kelsie!