Homemade Taco Seasoning

Posted Apr 22, 2022, Updated Feb 17, 2024

5 from 5 votes

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The best homemade taco seasoning recipe is easy and delicious! Learn how to make taco seasoning with organic ingredients and skip the processed ingredients, sugars, etc.

a glass spice jar of Homemade Taco Seasoning with a label "taco"

We eat tacos at least once a week, so we go through our fair share of taco seasoning. After reading the label on a package of store-bought taco seasoning, I decided we needed to make our own.

I try my best to only feed our family real, whole foods. This homemade taco seasoning recipe is made with organic spices and tastes even better than store bought. (Also try our homemade ranch seasoning)!

Seriously, every time I’ve made tacos with this seasoning my family professes their love for it, “Wow this seasoning is legit.” “So good mom.” “Never buy taco seasoning again!” etc. etc.

In this post, you’ll learn how to make taco seasoning to use in all of your favorite Mexican recipes.

a bowl of Homemade Taco Seasoning with a spoon in it

What is Taco Seasoning Made Of?

Did you know that many store-bought taco seasonings contain ingredients like malodextrin (thickener/additive), vegetable oil, monosodium glutamate (flavor enhancer), silicon dioxide (anticaking agent), citric acid, etc. None of which, are chemicals I want our family to consume.

This is why I highly suggest making this homemade taco seasoning with organic spices to avoid all those additives and preservatives.

Ingredients in Taco Seasoning

Here’s a list of the spices in this taco seasoning recipe, as well as possible substitutions. I recommend using organic spices!

the ingredients in this Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe

Cumin. This spice is the essence of taco seasoning!
Chili powder. Use mild or spicy depending on your taste preferences.
Paprika. if you want a smoky flavor, use smoked paprika.
Ground Coriander. the ground seeds of a cilantro pant, which impart a rich flavor to this seasoning.
Garlic powder. granulated garlic can be used as well.
Onion powder. granulated onion or onion flakes are options if you don’t have onion powder.

To make it spicy. This is a mild recipe. You can increase the heat by adding cayenne pepper or increasing the chili powder.

Other optional add-ins. Some people choose to add dried oregano, red pepper flakes, etc. Feel free to add up to 1 tsp of additional seasonings, if desired.

a glass jar with a black label that reads "taco" full of Homemade Taco Seasoning

How to Make Taco Seasoning

I don’t think this DIY taco seasoning recipe could be any simpler – which is one of the many reasons why it’s so great. We’ll walk through how to make taco seasoning, and don’t forget to watch the video.

Begin by combining the spices together in a medium-small bowl. A larger bowl makes the mixture easier to stir without spilling.

photo showing How to Make taco Seasoning - all the spices in a bowl before being mixed together.

Next, stir the spices until they are completely combined and the mixture is homogenous (uniform throughout).

a bowl of Homemade Taco Seasoning after being mixed with a spoon in it

Then, use a small funnel to pour the seasoning into a 4 oz glass jar with a lid (4” tall by 1 ¾” wide). This recipe fits perfectly in the aforementioned jar.

If you don’t have a funnel, you can transfer the spice mixture to a piece of parchment paper or even a regular piece of paper, fold it and use the crease to carefully pour the taco seasoning into the jar.

I bought this embossing label maker for $15 and I love it. Use it to quickly create a label for your seasoning. I also use it for my essential oil rollers!

photo showing How to Make Taco Seasoning - pouring the seasoning into a glass spice jar with a funnel.

Store

Store the diy taco seasoning in a 4 oz glass jar with a lid (4” tall by 1 ¾” wide) in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.

Try to use spices that have similar expiration dates. I suggest writing down the earliest expiration date so you know how long this will last. However, this doesn’t last long enough to expire in our house.

Use in your Favorite Mexican recipes

I suggest using this taco seasoning in your favorite Mexican recipes (and don’t forget the guacamole)! We use it to make ground beef tacos every week.

Use 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning for every 1 pound of ground beef. We usually make two pounds of ground beef for tacos for our family of 8 – so I use 4 tablespoons.

4 ground beef tacos made with Homemade Taco Seasoning

I suggest using it in this recipe for the best chicken quesadillas! Yum!
Taco Soup
Chicken Fajitas
You can use this recipe to make the most delicious Chicken Enchiladas!
We love this crockpot Mexican chicken – made easier by using this homemade spice mixture.

Taco Seasoning Recipe FAQs

How long does homemade taco seasoning last?

This recipe lasts for up to 6 months when stored in a cool, dry place. Just be sure all the spices you use have similar expiration dates. I suggest writing down the earliest expiration date so you know how long this will last. However, this doesn’t last long enough to expire in our house.

Is there MSG in taco seasoning?

There is monosodium glutamate (MSG) in some store-bought seasonings, which is why I recommend making your own homemade taco seasoning with organic spices and no processed ingredients like MSG.

How much do you need for tacos?

Use 2 tablespoons of this recipe for every 1 pound of ground beef. We usually make two pounds of ground beef for tacos for our family of 8 – so I use 4 tablespoons.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, use a spicy chili powder or add cayenne. I cook for 6 kids so I prefer to keep it mild.

Should I store it in the refrigerator?

No, store it in a glass jar with a lid in a cool, dry place at room temperature.

If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don’t forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube – be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can see your creations!

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