Bold, smoky, and slightly spicy, this homemade taco seasoning is packed with flavor and comes together in just minutes. Perfect for seasoning beef, chicken, or plant-based proteins, it’s a pantry staple that elevates any taco night. Once you try this from-scratch blend, store-bought will never compare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This homemade taco seasoning delivers robust flavor with none of the preservatives or added sugars commonly found in store-bought versions. It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and suitable for a wide range of dietary needs, including gluten-free, paleo, vegan, and Whole30. With only a few common spices, you can create a restaurant-quality taco blend in under five minutes.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions
- Combine all the spices in a small bowl and stir until evenly mixed.
- Use immediately to season taco meat, or transfer the blend to an airtight jar or container for future use.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- This recipe makes approximately 3 tablespoons, which is enough to season 1 pound of ground beef, chicken, or a plant-based protein.
Servings and timing
Servings: 3 tablespoons
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Calories: 15 kcal per tablespoon
Variations
- Low-Sodium Version: Omit or reduce the salt if you’re watching sodium intake.
- Sweeter Option: Add 1/2 teaspoon of brown sugar for a mild sweetness that complements the heat.
- Citrus Zest: Mix in a pinch of dried lime or lemon zest for a fresh twist.
- Extra Spicy: Increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper to turn up the heat.
- Smokier Blend: Double the smoked paprika or add chipotle powder for a deeper smoky flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Store your taco seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, such as a spice rack or pantry. It will retain its full flavor for up to 6 months. Since this is a dry spice mix, no reheating is necessary. Be sure to label the container with the date you prepared the blend to ensure freshness.
FAQs
Can I double or triple this recipe?
Yes, this recipe scales easily. Simply multiply the ingredients based on how much you’d like to make and store the extra in an airtight jar.
Is this taco seasoning gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are naturally gluten-free. Always check individual labels to confirm no cross-contamination.
Can I use this seasoning for other dishes?
Absolutely. It works well in chili, soups, roasted vegetables, and even as a dry rub for grilled meats.
How much should I use per pound of meat?
Use the full 3 tablespoons of seasoning for every 1 pound of meat for optimal flavor.
Can I leave out the red pepper flakes?
Yes, if you prefer a milder seasoning, omit the red pepper flakes without affecting the overall balance.
What kind of chili powder should I use?
Use a mild chili powder blend typically sold in grocery stores—not pure ground chili pepper, which is much hotter.
Can I substitute regular paprika for smoked paprika?
Yes, though the flavor will be less smoky. If you enjoy a richer, deeper flavor, stick with smoked paprika.
Is this seasoning Whole30-compliant?
Yes, this blend is compliant with Whole30 as long as no sugar or additives are present in the individual spices.
How do I make a salt-free version?
Simply leave out the salt. You can always add it separately when cooking to better control sodium levels.
Why make taco seasoning at home?
Homemade seasoning allows you to control the ingredients, avoid additives, customize flavor, and save money over time.
Conclusion
This best homemade taco seasoning is a flavorful, flexible staple that transforms any meal into a fiesta of taste. Whether you’re seasoning taco meat, spicing up roasted veggies, or flavoring soups and stews, this quick blend is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen. Keep a jar on hand and bring bold, smoky flavor to your meals anytime.
PrintBest Homemade Taco Seasoning
Bold, smoky, and slightly spicy, this homemade taco seasoning is packed with flavor and takes just minutes to make—ideal for beef, chicken, or plant-based tacos.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 3 tablespoons 1x
- Category: Seasoning
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all the spices in a small bowl and mix well.
- Use immediately to season taco meat, or transfer to an airtight jar for later use.
- This recipe makes enough to season 1 pound of ground beef, chicken, or plant-based protein.
- Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Great for seasoning rice, roasted veggies, or soups too.
- Double or triple the batch to keep on hand for busy nights.
- Use smoked paprika for added depth, or regular paprika for a milder version.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 15 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg