Homemade Taco Seasoning

The Benefits of Homemade Taco Seasoning

While I’ve often shared our love for the convenient taco packets from Trader Joe’s, we typically keep homemade taco seasoning in our spice drawer. This versatile seasoning is easy to customize, allowing you to adjust the flavor to make it spicier, smokier, or richer—it’s a staple we always have on hand.

My teenagers have even been known to whip up a batch of taco seasoning when they prepare their favorite ground beef and rice dish. One downside of store-bought taco seasoning packets is that they often contain unwanted ingredients like thickeners, gluten, and high sodium levels. Making your own at home is incredibly simple and definitely worth the few minutes it takes!

Most of the spices in my cabinet come from Penzey’s Spice Shop, where I’ve yet to find better-tasting options. I stock up on spices multiple times a year, but I also recommend checking your seasonings regularly to ensure they haven’t lost their freshness!

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Homemade Taco Seasoning

Taco seasoning is a staple in our house! Just a few minutes to toss together, it's delicious added to fish, ground beef, chicken or shrimp. The ancho chili powder adds a richness to the seasoning. For a smokier flavor, substitute with chipotle chili powder.

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Course: Kitchen Essentials

Keyword: taco seasoning

Servings: 0.5 cup taco seasoning

Author: Christina Shoup

Ingredients

Taco Seasoning

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ancho chili powder or use extra chili powder
• 3 tsp garlic powder
• 3 tsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp dried Mexican oregano
• 2 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

• Add all ingredients to a jar with a tight fitting lid.

Notes

For 1 lb of protein, use about 3 tbsp of seasoning. 

This recipe equals roughly 3 packets of store-bought seasoning which is usually about 3 tbsp per packet.