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Skip the store-bought packet and make your own homemade taco seasoning recipe that’s bursting with bold flavor and authentic taste. This easy blend of spices, like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and garlic, comes together in minutes and instantly upgrades ground beef, chicken, or veggies. Once you try this homemade mix, your next taco night will never be the same!

Everyone should try keeping a jar of homemade taco seasoning in their spice cupboard. It's so much more flavorful, is easy to make and stores so well!
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There’s nothing better than DIY taco night with the family! Everyone gets to build their own just the way they like it, which makes dinner fun and easy. I pile mine high with sour cream, cheese, salsa, lettuce, cilantro, and basically every topping in sight, while my kids keep it simple with their favorites. It’s a win for everyone at the table.

I didn’t realize it was so simple to make your own taco seasoning at home. Once you do, you’ll never go back to the store-bought taco seasoning packets again. This homemade version works perfectly with ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey, and it’s just as good tossed with roasted veggies, stirred into soups or stews, or sprinkled over taco salads.

It’s a pantry staple that’s cheaper, fresher, and more flavorful than anything store-bought, plus, it’s made with spices you probably already have on hand. No trip to the grocery store required. Mix up a big batch and keep it in your spice drawer for easy, delicious Taco Tuesday nights anytime.

A clear jar displaying stacked layers of spices for DIY taco seasoning.

Ingredients For Taco Seasoning

This Homemade Taco seasoning recipe is a total game-changer! Smoky, savory, and full of depth. Each spice pulls its weight to create that perfect balance of heat and flavor.

  • Chili Powder: the bold, earthy base that gives this blend its signature flavor
  • Ground Cumin: adds warmth and a hint of nuttiness
  • Smoked Paprika: brings a rich, smoky undertone
  • Garlic Powder: savory depth in every bite
  • Oregano: adds a subtle herby note
  • Coriander: brightens and balances the spice
  • Onion Powder: rounds everything out with mellow sweetness
  • Fine Sea Salt: enhances and ties all the flavors together
  • Black Pepper: sharp bite for balance
  • Cornstarch: helps the seasoning cling to meat and thicken sauces
  • Cayenne Pepper: gives it that touch of heat that makes everything pop

Simple ingredients, big flavor! This mix is better than any store-bought packet and stays fresh for ages.

How To Make This Recipe

Homemade seasoning doesn’t get easier than this! Just combine and shake!

  1. Combine: Add all the spices to a jar or a small bowl with a lid.
  2. Mix: Shake or stir until well combined.
  3. Store: Keep in a cool, dark place for up to 2 years.

That’s it. No fillers, no preservatives – just pure flavor, ready to elevate your chili, tacos, and weeknight dinners.

A layered jar of spices for mexican food

How Much Taco Seasoning Should I Use?

One packet of store-bought seasoning typically contains about 2 tablespoons of seasoning. This is enough to flavor 1 pound of ground meat. You’ll want to use the same amount with this recipe: 2 to 3 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning per pound of beef, chicken, turkey, or veggies, depending on how bold you like the flavor. Start with 2 tablespoons, give it a taste after it cooks, and add more if you want that extra kick of spice and depth.

Why Do You Need Cornstarch in Taco Seasoning?

You’ll notice that there’s cornstarch in taco seasoning, and that’s purely for a little thickening when things are cooking. I’m sure you’ve noticed that something cooked in taco seasoning gets a little saucy? Yup, that’s why and you for sure don’t want to skip it.

How We Use This Taco Seasoning

Carrian Cheney

We use this taco seasoning blend in so many of our favorite recipes! Here are a few of our faves…

This homemade taco seasoning is the perfect way to elevate your next taco night! Keep a jar on hand to season everything from tacos and burrito bowls to roasted veggies and soups. Once you taste the difference of this easy blend of spices, you’ll never go back to the packet again.

More Homemade Condiment Recipes You’ll Love:

Homemade Taco Seasoning Video

4.25 from 12 votes

Homemade Taco Seasoning

By Carrian Cheney
Prep5 minutes
Total5 minutes
Servings1 Small Mason Jar
Skip the store-bought packet and make your own taco seasoning recipe that’s bursting with bold flavors and authentic taste.
Want to save this recipe?
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Add all ingredients to a jar and shake or stir to combine.
    7 Tablespoons Chili Powder, 1 ½ Tablespoon Ground Cumin, 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika, 2 teaspoons Garlic Powder, 2 teaspoons Oregano, ⅛ teaspoon Coriander, 2 teaspoons Onion Powder, 1 Tablespoon Fine Sea Salt, 2 teaspoons Fresh Ground Black Pepper, 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch, ⅛ teaspoon Cayenne
  • Store in a dark, cool cupboard for up to 2 years.

Recipe Notes

Can be stored in a jar for up to 2 years.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon, Calories: 297kcal, Carbohydrates: 56g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 3g, Sodium: 7924mg, Potassium: 1634mg, Fiber: 27g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 20361IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 391mg, Iron: 20mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!
Everyone should try keeping a jar of homemade taco seasoning in their spice cupboard. It's so much more flavorful, is easy to make and stores so well!

About The Author

Carrian Cheney

Carrian Cheney is the creative force behind ‘Oh, Sweet Basil,’ a food blog she co-authors with her husband, Cade. She creates fresh, family-friendly recipes that encourage togetherness in the kitchen.

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4.25 from 12 votes (10 ratings without comment)

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Recipe Rating




8 Comments

  1. Stephanie says:

    5 stars
    This is the best Taco Seasoning recipe I have found! My only tweak was to add 1/2 tsp Black Pepper and a couple twists of ground Himalayan Salt. Magnificent!

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Thank you so much Stephanie!! We sure love it!

  2. Lei says:

    5 stars
    I LOVE this taco seasoning and I always, always come back here to get the ingredients to make more! I’ve altered it once before (I didn’t have one of the seasonings) and still it turned out AMAZING!

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Thank you so much Lei! So glad you enjoy it!

  3. essay writing services says:

    Home made is straight up my list!
    Thank you for sharing such a hearty recipe. These are so simple yet look so scrumptious!
    All the best and please post next recipe soon

  4. Glo says:

    I am anxious to try making this seasoning……the garlic powder is listed twice in the recipe….is that a typo or?

    1. Sweet Basil says:

      Good catch! It’s for sure a typo, thanks!

  5. shawnna says:

    hey girl- such a great tip!