Making homemade taco seasoning is an easy way to add extra flavor to meals. This blend uses common spices and is ready in just 5 minutes!
Why you'll love this recipe
- Takes just 5 minutes to mix together
- Uses common spices
- Brings simple dishes to life with a punch of flavor
- Easy to customize
When I talk about taco seasoning, I mean the Americanized taco seasoning you find on the shelf at the grocery store. This is the kind that you find in most of my recipes (think black bean enchiladas, lentil tacos, and tempeh taco meat).
While those dishes and this seasoning blend are inspired by Mexican cuisine, they are by no means authentic!
Why make homemade taco seasoning?
Don't get me wrong: storebought packets of taco seasoning are a great option. Buying your own spices can be expensive and those packets are not.
I like to make my own taco seasoning for a few reasons. When made with fresh, high-quality spices, taco seasoning is very flavorful. This helps elevate simple recipes to another level.
Making your own also allows for customization and allows more control over sodium levels. Seasoning packets can be very high in salt.
Ingredients
- Chili powder: There are a lot of different kinds of chili powders, but this recipe uses the most common kind at the grocery store (the same kind you use to make chili). Feel free to experiment with different chili powders for different flavor profiles.
- Cumin
- Paprika: You can use an equal amount of smoked paprika for a smokey flavor.
- Onion and garlic powder
- Oregano: Fresh oregano will not work.
- Coriander has a light citrusy flavor that adds a little something extra.
- Cayenne pepper adds spice. Omit or adjust to taste as needed.
Expert tips and FAQ
- 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning is equal to 1 packet of store-bought taco seasoning
- This recipe makes a little over ¼ cup (4 tablespoons) of seasoning. You can easily double or triple it to make more.
- Spices have a lifespan! Many spices are already several months old when they arrive on the grocery shelves. As spices age they lose their potency. Check expiration dates on spices like you would any other ingredient.
- For an extra punch of flavor, grind your own whole spices in a burr grinder. Whole spices are usually cheaper and can be found at most international grocery stores or bought online.
- Storage: I store spice mixes in Ball jars.
It depends on what you're making. My rule of thumb is 2 tablespoons per pound of protein (meat, tofu, tempeh, beans). I use 1-2 tablespoons on roasted veggies and just a sprinkle on popcorn.
For best quality, store taco seasoning in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
There is a small amount of salt in this taco seasoning mix because salt enhances the flavor. You can omit the salt if you prefer.
Where to use taco seasoning
You can use this blend in most recipes that call for taco seasonings. For example, my black bean enchilada casserole uses cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder. You can omit those spices and use 1-2 tablespoons DIY taco seasoning instead.
- Toss with veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, bell peppers before roasting
- Try with fajita veggies
- Add to a pot of black beans, Instant Pot rice and beans, or pinto beans
- Toss breakfast potatoes and oil before roasting.
- Use as a popcorn seasoning
- Add to air fryer chickpeas and use as a protein source in these cauliflower tacos
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Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons paprika see note #1
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt see note #2
- ¼ teaspoon ground coriander
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- In a bowl: Add all ingredients to a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Transfer to a closed container to store.
- In a jar: Add all ingredients to a small jar. Close the lid and shake to combine.
Notes
- Paprika: You can use an equal amount of smoked paprika for a smokey flavor.
- Salt is optional but helps enhance the seasoning flavors.
- Cayenne pepper adds heat. Adjust to taste or omit entirely.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
- Nutrition facts calculate salt only. Calculations represent the entire jar of seasoning.
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