Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix (Easy DIY Recipe)

Homemade taco seasoning mix is easy to make and tastes so much better than store-bought mixes. Some people think making homemade taco seasoning mix is too much work, but it’s not! You can whip up a batch in just minutes with these simple instructions.

When you make your own taco seasoning mix, you reduce sodium and preservatives and add lots of flavors. And if you enjoy cooking as much as I do, making your own mix is fun!

Want more delicious Mexican recipes to try out?  Looking for more Mexican inspired recipes to try? You could start with making your own Hatch Chile Salsa Verde Pork for a tasty option for a main course. Or, for a simple salsa recipe, try this jalapeno and peach salsa – there are no tomatoes in it if you aren’t a fan.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this homemade ranch seasoning mix recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Money-Saving—Store-bought taco seasoning mix can be expensive, but making your own will yield a large batch for just a fraction of the price.
• More Flavor – With all of those fresh spices, your taco seasoning blend will taste fantastic!
• Customizable—The best part is you can customize it to your liking. Would you like it a little hotter? Add more chili powder. Prefer a smokier flavor? Try smoked paprika.

What is Taco Seasoning?

Taco seasoning is a vibrant blend of spices used to add a Mexican flair to various dishes, most notably tacos. At its core, it combines ingredients such as chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a touch of salt and pepper, creating a rich tapestry of flavors that can transform even the simplest of meals into something extraordinary. Each spice contributes its unique quality – chili powder adds the heat, cumin introduces a warm, earthy note, and paprika provides a gentle sweetness. 

The beauty of homemade taco seasoning lies in its versatility and adaptability; you can adjust the quantities of each spice to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs, making your culinary creations truly your own. 

What’s in This Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe?

• Chili Powder: The backbone of any good taco seasoning, chili powder adds a vibrant heat that can be adjusted to suit your spice tolerance. It’s rich in flavor and lends a deep, reddish hue to the mix.
• Ground Cumin: Essential for its nutty, earthy taste, ground cumin brings an unmistakable warmth to Mexican cuisine. It complements the heat of the chili powder with its depth of flavor.
• Garlic Powder: This powder offers a convenient way to incorporate the bold taste of garlic and elevates the seasoning mix with its pungent, savory characteristics.
• Paprika: While contributing a sweet note and a beautiful color, paprika also adds a subtle complexity to the seasoning mix.
• Dried Oregano: This herb introduces a hint of earthiness and an aromatic touch to the mix, pairing well with the other spices for a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Onion Powder: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of fresh onions but in a more concentrated form, enhancing the overall taste complexity of the seasoning.
• Salt: A fundamental ingredient that amplifies the flavors of the spices, ensuring they meld together perfectly.
• Black Pepper: Adds a slight warmth and a piquant edge, rounding out the seasoning mix with its aromatic kick.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: These are optional but recommended for those who prefer their taco seasoning with an extra spicy kick, adding a fiery dimension to the blend.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

• Smoked Paprika can give the taco seasoning mix a smoky flavor.
• Increase the spice level of this homemade seasoning mix by adding more chili powder.
• Do you like your tacos spicy? Double the amount of red chili pepper flakes in this taco seasoning recipe for an extra spicy kick.
• Add some cayenne pepper for a little extra heat.
• Try adding 1/4 teaspoon of ground coriander for a unique flavor twist.
• If you’re looking for a milder taco seasoning mix, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.

How to Make Taco Seasoning Mix Step by Step

1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. (Photo 1)
2. Stir the mixture well to ensure an even distribution of spices.
3. Transfer the taco seasoning mix into an air-tight container. (Photo 2)
4. Store the container in a cool, dry place.

Recipe Tips

• To use this taco seasoning, use two tablespoons with 1/2 cup of water.
• For a finer texture, pulse the seasoning mix in a spice grinder. This helps to distribute flavors evenly, especially if your spices are coarsely ground.
• If you’re making a batch of taco seasoning to last, consider adding a small packet of silica gel to the container. This will help absorb any moisture and keep your seasoning dry and fresh.
• Experiment with adding a touch of sugar or cocoa powder to your taco seasoning mix for a subtle depth of flavor. These ingredients can add an unexpected but delightful layer to your dishes.
• To ensure the freshest taste, try to use spices that are less than a year old. The potency of spices diminishes over time, so using fresher spices will give your taco seasoning the best flavor.

Storing Tips 

Proper storage is key to maintaining the freshness and flavor of your homemade taco seasoning mix. To ensure your seasoning stays dry and clump-free, follow these steps:

• Airtight Container: Always store your taco seasoning in an airtight container. Glass jars with a tight-sealing lid, like a small mason jar, are ideal for this purpose as they do not retain odors and can be easily cleaned.
• Cool, Dry Place: Keep the container in a cupboard away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Spices can lose their potency quickly when exposed to these elements, so a pantry or a kitchen cabinet away from the stove is a perfect spot.
• Label and Date: Remember to label your homemade blend with the name and date you made it. Although homemade taco seasoning can last a long time, it’s best used within six months for maximum flavor.
• Avoid Moisture: When using the seasoning, be sure not to introduce moisture into the container. Measure out your homemade seasoning blend using a dry spoon each time to keep it from clumping.

Serving Suggestions

Homemade taco seasoning isn’t just for baked tacos! Its rich blend of spices can elevate a variety of dishes. Here are a few suggestions that go beyond the traditional uses:

• Chili Con Carne: Add depth to this classic dish with a few tablespoons of your taco seasoning for a robust flavor.
• Grilled Vegetables: Sprinkle the seasoning over mixed vegetables before grilling to give them an irresistible smoky, spicy kick.
• Soups and Stews: Stir in one or two tablespoons of seasoning into your soups or stews to enhance their warmth and complexity. You can also make something like taco soup to really enjoy the flavor.
• Baked Chicken: Rub your chicken breasts or Mexican shredded chicken with this seasoning before baking for a Mexican-inspired twist.
• Breakfast Scramble: Kick-start your day by adding a pinch of taco seasoning to your morning eggs or tofu scramble.
• Popcorn: For a spicy, flavorful snack, toss your popcorn with a light dusting of taco seasoning.
• Salad Dressing: Mix the seasoning into your vinaigrette for a zesty, flavorful salad dressing.

Recipe FAQS

More Seasoning Mix Recipes You May Love

• Cuban Seasoning
• Fajita Seasoning
• Garlic Bread Seasoning
• Pizza Seasoning
• Mediterranean Seasoning Blend
• Check out all of our delicious spice blends!

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