• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
Cozy Peach Kitchen
  • home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Nutrition & Lifestyle
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Lifestyle & Nutrition
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Lifestyle & Nutrition
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Recipes » Dips, Sauces and Spreads

    Homemade Taco Seasoning

    Published: Nov 22, 2021 · Modified: Apr 11, 2022 by Cassidy Reeser · This post may contain affiliate links.

    3 shares
    jump to recipe

    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!

    Metal teaspoon lifting seasoning mix out of glass jar on a green cloth
    Table of Contents show
    1 Why you'll love this recipe
    2 Why make homemade taco seasoning?
    3 Ingredients
    4 Expert tips and FAQ
    5 Where to use taco seasoning
    6 Looking for more recipes?
    7 Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

    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

    white bowl filled with variety of spices on a wooden background
    • 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.
    How much seasoning do you use?

    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.

    How long does homemade taco seasoning last?

    For best quality, store taco seasoning in an airtight jar in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.

    Can I make this without salt?

    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
    White bowl filled with brown spice blend and a small silver whisk

    Looking for more recipes?

    • Sweet Potato Black Bean Quesadillas
    • Vegetarian Bean Tostadas with Avocado Crema
    • Instant Pot Quinoa Taco Salad
    • Vegetarian Black Bean Quinoa Casserole

    Did you try this recipe? You can leave a star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ in the recipe card or a review down in the comments section. I always appreciate your feedback! You can also follow along on my YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Pinterest or sign up for my newsletter!

    Metal teaspoon lifting seasoning mix out of glass jar on a green cloth
    Print Recipe
    No ratings yet

    Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

    Making homemade taco seasoning is an easy way to liven up dishes with extra flavor. This recipe uses common pantry spices and is ready in just 5 minutes.
    Prep Time5 mins
    Total Time5 mins
    Servings: 1 jar
    Author: Cassidy Reeser, RDN, LDN

    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

    1. Paprika: You can use an equal amount of smoked paprika for a smokey flavor.
    2. Salt is optional but helps enhance the seasoning flavors.
    3. Cayenne pepper adds heat. Adjust to taste or omit entirely.
    4. Storage: Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
    5. Nutrition facts calculate salt only. Calculations represent the entire jar of seasoning.

    Instagram icon

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @cozypeachkitchen on Instagram and hashtag
    #cozypeachkitchen

     
    Sodium: 1163mgPotassium: 1mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 1mg
    « How to Make Air Fryer Chickpeas (3 Ways!)
    Instant Pot Vegan Butternut Squash Soup »
    3 shares

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Smiling portrait of a woman holding a bowl of grits and tofu.

    Hi, I’m Cassidy! I’m the registered dietitian behind Cozy Peach Kitchen, a food and nutrition blog sharing easy vegetarian recipes for every occasion.

    More about me →

    Trending now

    • Vegan Avocado Pesto Pasta
    • Baked Panko-Breaded Tofu Nuggets
    • Zucchini Corn Fritters
    • No Bake Strawberry Almond Energy Balls
    • Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Balsamic Chickpeas
    • Instant Pot Black Beans and Rice

    Summer Favorites

    • The Best Zucchini Bread
    • Gnocchi with Roasted Tomatoes
    • Vegetarian Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers
    • Cherry Tomato Pasta Sauce

    Footer

    Logos

    Footer

    About

    • Privacy Policy and Disclaimer
    • Accessibility Statement

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with Cassidy

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Cozy Peach Kitchen®. All rights reserved.