Homemade taco seasoning is preservative free, doesn’t taste artificial, costs a fraction of buying store bought, and you probably have all the spices you need in your pantry. It tastes like the packet seasoning – minus the artificial flavour and not as salty. The bonus is that you can adjust the flavouring to your tastes as well – I like my Mexican hot so I up the chili!
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Taco Seasoning
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Spice Mix
Mexican
Servings4
Tap or hover to scale
Homemade taco seasoning is so much healthier than store bought – it’s preservative free, less artificial tasting and is a fraction of the cost. This recipe makes enough taco seasoning for 1lbs/500g of meat. I also use this for Quesadilla Fillings.
Ingredients
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp chilli powder (adjust spiciness to taste)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Combine ingredients.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Makes 2.5 tablespoons. Combine with 1lbs/500g mince meat, 1/2 cup water, 1 diced onion and 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Recipe Notes:
1. If you are in the US, do not use what you know as Chili Powder. That is a spice blend, not pure ground chilies. If you can’t find pure ground chili, substitute with cayenne pepper. I like to make this Taco Seasoning with pure ground chili so I can control the flavour consistency – US Chili Powder is not available around the world and also even from brand to brand, the flavour differs. Using pure spice ingredients allows for better consistency.
Perfect! I can’t use store bought seasoning due to allergies so I’m very grateful for your recipe. I added vegeta vegetarian stock to make extra salty (probably not needed).
This seasoning is so much better than any store bought. I’ve made it twice recently and it’s my go for Taco’s. Thank you Nagi!
I’m not a big fan of oregano so used coriander instead, hands down the best taco spice mix I’ve tried! Thank you!
Love this seasoning! Does it matter which type of Paprika you use? I usually use Sweet Hungarian Paprika but often wonder whether I should use the Smoked Paprika. Thanks
Absolutely love your recipes! This seasoning is perfect 🙂
Absolutely perfect seasoning!
👌
🤩 N x
Brilliant!
I made tacos with chicken mince everyone loved it.
This is perfec, thank you! Your fantastic collection of recipes never ceases to impress. I’m constantly recommending your site to friends and family. Thanks again. X
*perfect 🙃
Amazing! The flavours of this just do not compare to store bought. It’s now my go to for whenever I make tacos. So much more flavoursome.
Is it normal paprika or smoked?
Always regular paprika, Sarah, in my recipes unless I specify smoked. N x
Best taco seasoning ever!
Thank you Nagi for coming to the rescue again. Absolutely perfect seasoning. Should have checked your recipes before now for Taco seasoning. 🤦♀️
Winning, as always. Never buy packet seasoning again!
And it’s so much cheaper to make homemade Tamara! N x
I’m confused. The recipe notes say “If you can’t find pure ground chili, substitute with cayenne pepper” yet the the recipe calls for cayenne pepper. What am I missing here? Do you use some other chili pepper instead? There are so many peppers that are called “chili peppers”. Thank you for this delightful recipe!
Amazing! I’ve already tried 5 different recipes from you and they where the most flavorful yummy dishes I’ve ever had!
Nagi you are a genius! This taco seasoning is just perfect. I tried another recipe which was supposed to be family friendly and it almost blew our heads off it was so spicy. Should always check your site first
Hi, came back again to say were going to make taco’s with this next week, Making a “school Menu” for my daughter. She can’t have walking tacos like the school so she wants bee tacos and we loved your seasoning so back we come again!!
beef
Hi Nagi, I made and used the taco seasoning for ground beef tacos tonight. It was excellent! I had always bought taco seasoning but not anymore.
Thank you for the recipe 🙂
I liked the flavour, but thought it was a tad too salty., will half the salt content next time. Also my kids found it too spicy so will half the chilli powder also.
You’re totally converted Audrey – make a big batch and you’ll never have to buy again! N x
Works perfectly with ground beef. I didn’t add the cayenne pepper and it was still amazing.
Hi Keren, I’m so glad you liked it, thanks so much for letting me know!