Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Name: Homemade Taco Seasoning
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup chili powder; 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 2 teaspoons granulated garlic; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 3/4 teaspoon black pepper

In This Recipe

What’s in My Taco Seasoning
Plenty for Now or Later
Make It Your Own!
Think Beyond Tacos
How to Store This DIY Taco Seasoning

I live in the land of tacos, aka San Antonio, Texas. Tacos are a religious experience here, so it only makes sense that the seasoning is handcrafted and uniquely mine.

This taco seasoning is a spice blend that’s smoky and herby. It eliminates the need to pull out multiple spice jars when you get a craving for big, bold flavors. It will cover all the spice bases for your next epic Taco Tuesday.

What’s in My Taco Seasoning

This taco seasoning begins with chili powder. Chili powder is not spicy. In fact, it's a blend of spices: ground red chili peppers, oregano, garlic, and sometimes salt. It’s mild, without an overwhelming heat.

Cumin is a must in taco seasoning. It gives the tacos a smoky, umami flavor. Garlic and onion give your taco seasoning a pungent aroma, and the oregano and coriander lend more warmth and earthy flavors.

While this seasoning isn't spicy, you can always increase the heat by adding a pinch or two of cayenne pepper.

Jar of Taco Seasoning — Simply Recipes / Marta A Rivera Diaz

Plenty for Now or Later

This recipe makes about a 1/2 cup—it’s easy to whip up and keep in your cupboard to have on hand. It’s also enough to season 8 pounds of ground beef—that’s 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning for every pound of ground beef (or any meat you prefer). You can always add a little more or less.

Make It Your Own!

The best part of making your own spice blends is, well, you get to make them your own. Use this recipe as a foundation, then adjust any way you see fit.

Use chipotle or ancho chili powder, or a combination of the two. It’ll taste smokier.
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicier seasoning blend.
For a low-sodium version, decrease the kosher salt in the recipe to 2 1/2 teaspoons.

Taco Seasoning in Spoon and More in a Bowl — Simply Recipes / Marta A Rivera Diaz

Think Beyond Tacos

The recipe was created with tacos in mind but use it much like any other spice blend. My favorite: season taco meat. And taco meat means meat for nachos, quesadilla, or taco bowls.

It also seasons chicken, seafood, and pork. If you’re planning to use it on fish, reduce the amount to 2 teaspoons per pound of fish. Are you a fan of a good Bloody Mary? Use this to rim your cocktail glass. Sprinkle it over grilled or roasted vegetables or stir it into your next batch of enchilada sauce or chili.

How to Store This DIY Taco Seasoning

When stored properly, spice blends can last for 2 years, though mine never hang around that long. Store it in an airtight container or lidded jar in a cool, dark place.

Avoid storing it next to a heat source or humidity. The spices love to absorb moisture, which makes them grow moldy or clump together. If it clumps, give the container a vigorous shake before using it.

Taco Seasoning in Jar Surrounded by Taco Ingredients — Simply Recipes / Marta A Rivera Diaz

Seasoning Blends Galore

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Prep Time 10 mins

Total Time 10 mins

Servings 12 servings

Yield 1/2 cup

2 tablespoons of this taco seasoning will season 1 pound of ground beef, pork, or poultry. Sprinkle the seasoning on the meat before cooking it to seal in the flavors.

1/4 cup chili powder
1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons granulated garlic
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground coriander
3/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine the ingredients:

In a small bowl, add the chili powder, salt, cumin, granulated garlic, onion powder, oregano, coriander, and black pepper. Use a small whisk or fork to stir the ingredients together.

Simply Recipes / Marta A Rivera Diaz
Store it properly:

Transfer the taco seasoning into a clean, lidded jar. Store it in a cool, dry place for up to 2 years.

Did you love the recipe? Leave us stars below!

Simply Recipes / Marta A Rivera Diaz

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
14	Calories
1g	Fat
2g	Carbs
1g	Protein

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Amount per serving
Calories	14
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g	1%
Saturated Fat 0g	0%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 550mg	24%
Total Carbohydrate 2g	1%
Dietary Fiber 1g	4%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 1g
Vitamin C 0mg	1%
Calcium 19mg	1%
Iron 1mg	5%
Potassium 77mg	2%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.