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Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

On the quest to fill the pantry with dry mixes, a good homemade taco seasoning mix is a must. It’s so easy to make taco seasoning that I think I’ll skip purchasing the packets for good.

I’m starting to pay closer attention to the ingredients in the mixes in my cabinet. So often they contain ingredients I cannot pronounce. Mixes are convenient and I’m all for them, just might as well make my own when they are so easy (like this homemade pancake mix).

A jar of homemade taco seasoning mix on a board with taco shells and a tomato.

Easy taco seasoning mix

Taco seasoning mix isn’t just for taco night. There are many times when I’ll add a dash of the seasoning to a steak or other meats for Mike. It adds just the perfect amount of extra flavor.

Because I use this mix often, it’s all the more reason to make a larger batch. The batch you see photographed is a double batch. You may want to make a single batch first to make sure you like it. Then, feel free to double or triple it.

Another pantry essential is this homemade fajita seasoning that’s gluten-free and low sodium. These flavorful seasoning mixes will have you whipping up delicious meals for your family all year.

Bowls of spices for taco seasoning mix on a board next to measuring spoons.

Salt is missing from the picture with all the bowls. Personally, I think it needs salt. Should you want a sodium-free version, feel free to leave it out.

Cayenne pepper is another optional ingredient depending on your taste. Depending on how hot you like your tacos, you will want to adjust, include as suggested, or leave out the cayenne pepper.

Bowl with all the spices for homemade taco mix.

Taco Seasoning Mix Ingredients

(Exact measurements in recipe card below)

  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Paprika
  • Dry minced onion flakes
  • Garlic powder
  • Oregano
  • Salt
  • Cayenne pepper (omit for mild)

How to make taco seasoning

Mix all the ingredients together.

Holding a bowl of spice.
Holding a bowl of onion mix.
Stirring spices in a bowl with a spoon.

Store in an airtight container in your cabinet.

Mixed taco seasoning in a bowl.
Overhead shot of taco seasoning mix in a jar next to taco shells.

How to use the mix to make tacos

Add 1/4 cup of water and 3 tablespoons of the homemade taco mix to 1 pound of drained and browned ground beef, chicken, or turkey.

Spoonful of dry taco mix.

Heat over medium-low heat or until the mixture begins to bubble.

Reduce heat to low and let simmer for five minutes, stirring frequently.

Add to taco shells along with your favorite toppings.

You can use this taco mix to make this double decker taco pizza or these chicken ranch tacos!

Jar of taco seasoning mix by a red pepper and taco shells.

One batch of mix makes about 2/3 cup. You use three tablespoons of mix per 1 pound of ground beef.

You’ll get about 9-10 tablespoons of mix, which means you should have enough for 3 batches of tacos.

Of course, the amount of tacos you need depends on the size of your family.

Recipe notes and FAQ

Is chili seasoning the same as taco seasoning?

Chili seasoning and taco seasoning aren’t the same thing, but they’re close. Generally, the biggest difference between the two is that chili seasoning has more chili powder and paprika while taco seasoning has more cumin. 

Can you substitute taco seasoning for chili seasoning?

Yes! Because the two are so similar they are completely interchangeable. You’ll just get a slightly different flavor. 

What else can I use taco seasoning for?

You can substitute taco seasoning for chili seasoning in chili. Because it’s a mix of spices, you can use it as a rub for meats, as well. Some people even put it in Greek yogurt or sour cream.

Yield: 2/3 cup

Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe

jar of homemade taco seasoning mix on a board

Make your own taco seasoning to keep in your pantry. An easy dry taco mix to make with spices.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons cumin
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons paprika
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons dry minced onion flakes
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (omit for mild)

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container in your pantry. 

To Use: 

  1. Add 1/4 cup water and 3 tablespoons mix to 1 pound of drained browned beef, chicken or turkey.
  2. Heat over medium-low or until mixture begins to bubble.
  3. Reduce heat to low and simmer for five minutes, stirring frequently until adding to taco shells. 

Notes

The nutrition facts are for the entire jar of seasoning. This doesn't really make sense, but that's how it has to be in the card. You'll have to calculate your nutrition facts when you make your actual tacos if you want to be accurate.

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Nutrition Information:

Yield:

1

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 183Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2727mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 14gSugar: 4gProtein: 9g

Nutrition facts are an estimate only.

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More dry mixes to make:

Taco seasoning in a jar and spices in little bowls.

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Do you like to make your own dry mixes?

Please let me know if you try this homemade taco seasoning.

Sarah Oswald

Tuesday 26th of May 2020

This recipe looks awesome and looks so easy to make. I have all the necessary ingredients to make it on hand right now. Thanks for sharing this.

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