Easy From Scratch Taco Seasoning
This easy from scratch Taco Seasoning is full of flavor, customizable to your individual preferences, and free from the unhealthy additives you’ll find in the packets at the grocery store. Use it in many dishes including enchiladas, burritos, taco meat, nachos, and even in your breakfast eggs!
Reader Summary
- Learn how to make easy homemade taco seasoning using simple pantry spices you likely already have
- Discover the key spice blend that creates bold, Tex-Mex flavor without store-bought packets
- Understand how to adjust heat levels by increasing or reducing cayenne pepper
- Get simple substitutions for a Low FODMAP version by omitting onion and garlic powder
- Learn why homemade taco seasoning is fresher, more customizable, and free from unnecessary additives
- Find tips for storing your seasoning so you always have a quick, ready-to-use blend for taco night
- Use this versatile spice mix for tacos, burritos, meats, vegetables, and more
If you are looking to stock your pantry with your own homemade mixes and seasoning blends, you will love these other recipes on the blog: Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix (Tastes Like Hidden Valley), Homemade Pumpkin Spice Mix Recipe (Perfect for Pies, Coffee, and More), Homemade Brownie Mix in Bulk.
Say Goodbye to Store-Bought Taco Packets
Who doesn’t love taco night? Elevate your TexMex game with this delicious recipe for easy from scratch taco seasoning. Once you start to make your own taco seasoning from scratch, you will never want to go back to the grocery store packets! This recipe only takes a few ingredients that you most likely already have in your pantry. Plus, it is free from all of the unnecessary and unhealthy additives of the store bought packets. Another thing that makes this great is you tailor this recipe to meet your dietary needs and preferences. This recipe is more of a medium level of spiciness. If you want more heat, add more cayenne pepper. If you are doing the LOW FODMAP diet, simply replace the onion and garlic powder with something else. Have some jalapeño powder or tomato powder? Feel free to add those in for a more customized flavor! Honestly, the sky is the limit with this seasoning.
Why I think You Will Love This Recipe
Very Quick and Easy to Make
This recipe takes minutes to make and you most likely have all of the ingredients you need in your pantry.
Only 7 Ingredients
You can feel good about what is going into your food with this recipe. It is made with simple ingredients. There are no unnecessary and unhealthy additives or preservatives.
Very Flavorful
This seasoning is delicious! You can also customize it to meet your specific dietary preferences and needs. You can make it more or less spicy by adjusting the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper. Add in other spices to customize its flavor profile to perfectly suit your culinary palette.
You Can Use It In So Many Dishes
This seasoning is great used in tacos, burritos, breakfast eggs, roasted potatoes, taco salads, taco bowls, enchiladas, and many more!
Ingredients for Easy From Scratch Taco Seasoning
- Chili Powder
- Ground Cumin
- Paprika (Use Smoked Paprika to add a more bold and Smoky note)
- Onion Powder (Omit for Low FODMAP)
- Garlic Powder (Omit for Low FODMAP)
- Dried Oregano
- Cayenne Pepper
Recommendations
- Use fresh ingredients. Check the expiration dates. The fresher the herbs and spices, the more flavorful your easy from scratch taco seasoning will taste. It truly makes a difference!
- Most grocery store taco seasoning packets contain a lot of sodium. I prefer to leave this ingredient out of my seasoning mix and then add salt to taste when making my dishes. This way, you can cater to your family members who are watching their sodium intake. The herbs and spices in this seasoning mix are very flavorful own their own so you can even skip the salt altogether if you prefer.
How to Make Easy From Scratch Taco Seasoning
This recipe is so easy to make!
- COMBINE ALL OF YOUR INGREDIENTS IN A BOWL.
- USE A SMALL SPOON OR WHISK TO COMBINE.
- USE IMMEDIATELY OR STORE IN AN AIRTIGHT CONTAINER.
You can double or triple the batch to make it in bulk!
EASY FROM SCRATCH TACO SEASONING
Ingredients
- 3 TBSP Chili Powder
- 2 TBSP Cumin
- 1 TBSP Onion Powder Omit for Low FODMAP
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 3/4 tsp Garlic Powder Omit for Low FODMAP
- 3/4 tsp Dried Oregano
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne Pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients using a small spoon or whisk. Use right away or store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- To make taco meat, use 2 tbsp of seasoning per pound of ground meat of choice. In a cast iron pan or skillet, brown the meat and drain if necessary. Add in 2 tbsp of seasoningand 1/4 cup of water (or up to 1/2 cup as needed.) You can add 1/2 cup of tomato sauce but this step is optional. Stir and let simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated. Serve immediately in taco shells, over rice, with toppings of choice. For added flavor and spice, drizzle with my recipe for easy Chipotle Sauce.Enjoy!
Notes
How Much Seasoning Do I Use Per Pound of Meat?
I recommend using 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat for the best flavor. You can use this with ground beef, turkey, chicken, or even venison. To make tacos, simply brown the meat in a skillet and drain if necessary. Add in 2 tbsp of Easy From Scratch Taco Seasoning and about a 1/4 cup of water, add up to a 1/2 cup if needed. You can also add in a 1/2 cup of tomato sauce if you prefer but it is optional. Stir together and simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated. Stir occasionally and then add salt and pepper to taste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Taco Seasoning
What is in homemade taco seasoning?
Homemade taco seasoning is typically made with chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper. These pantry spices create a bold, smoky, and slightly spicy blend that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, and more.
How do you make taco seasoning from scratch?
To make taco seasoning, simply mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper together in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container and use as needed for ground beef, chicken, turkey, or vegetables.
Can I make taco seasoning without onion or garlic powder?
Yes. If you are following a Low FODMAP diet or avoiding onion and garlic, you can simply leave them out. The seasoning will still be flavorful thanks to chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano.
What can I use instead of taco seasoning packets?
Instead of store-bought packets, you can use this homemade blend made with simple spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano. It’s a cleaner option without fillers, preservatives, or added sodium.
Is homemade taco seasoning healthier than store-bought?
Yes. Homemade taco seasoning allows you to control the ingredients, salt levels, and spice intensity. It is also free from additives, anti-caking agents, and excess sodium often found in packaged mixes.
How spicy is homemade taco seasoning?
This blend is typically medium in spice due to the cayenne pepper. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more cayenne for extra spice or reducing it for a milder flavor.
Can I make taco seasoning less spicy for kids?
Yes. To make it kid-friendly, simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. The seasoning will still have great flavor from cumin, paprika, and oregano without the heat.
What is smoked paprika used for in taco seasoning?
Smoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor that enhances the overall taste of the seasoning. It helps mimic the flavor of slow-cooked or grilled meats.
How long does homemade taco seasoning last?
When stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, homemade taco seasoning can last up to 6 months while maintaining its flavor and potency.
In Closing
Once you make taco seasoning from scratch, it’s hard to go back to the packets. It takes just a few everyday spices, and suddenly you’ve got something that tastes brighter, warmer, and more “real” than anything from the store aisle. I like keeping a small jar of this mixed up so taco night is never a question of “do we have seasoning?”—it’s already there, ready to go! And the best part is you can tweak it however your kitchen needs that day, a little more heat, a little less spice, or whatever feels right. I hope that you really enjoy this!
Happy Cooking, Friend!
XO, Bri
Easy Taco Night Ideas for a Cozy Dinner at Home
Homemade taco seasoning is just the beginning of a really good taco night. These easy taco night ideas help you build a simple from scratch meal with homemade tortillas, fresh toppings, and sauces that make weeknight tacos feel special.
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I need to make up a big old batch of this 🙂
It makes great lunches!! 😀