Our Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is simple to throw together, uses lots of pantry staples that you probably already have in the cupboard, and tastes amazing. Keep a jar of this in your pantry and make taco Tuesday as simple as it has ever been.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

When Taco Tuesday rolls around, you need something easy and delicious to toss into those Ground Beef Tacos (or Chicken Tacos. Or Steak Tacos. Or whatever tacos you want to throw at this.)

My homemade taco seasoning recipe is simple to toss together, uses a bunch of ingredients you probably have in your cupboard already, contains nothing that you can’t pronounce, and the spice level is customizable. It doesn’t get much better than that! Make a double batch and keep some on hand for a rainy day, or to give to your friends and neighbors. It makes adorable homemade gifts come Christmastime too.

Get more Mexican-Inspired Recipes here!

Homemade Taco Seasoning shopping list

Wondering if you have to hit the store? Here’s the list of items you’ll need to make this recipe. For specific amounts, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.

chili powder
ground cumin
paprika
garlic powder
Mexican oregano
ground black pepper
sea salt
cayenne (optional)
masa flour (optional)

Try this with our Instant Pot Mexican Rice

How to make Taco Seasoning at home

This is just the overview so you can see what you’re actually getting into here. When you are cooking, you’ll want to use the full recipe at the bottom of the page.

Mix

Mix up all the ingredients. Remember that the cayenne and masa is optional! Use the cayenne if you like it spicy. Use the masa if you want it to be like the packet mixes, and thicken a little with water.

Use it

I tend to use about a tablespoon per pound of meat. If you added the mesa, toss in 1/4 cup of water too after the meat is cooked, and it’ll thicken up a little. Delicious.

Store

Airtight containers are your friend. If you have one of those little packets of moisture wicking stuff that come in beef jerky and the like, now’s a good time to pull it out of the junk drawer. Not necessary, but it’ll keep longer that way. Also take care not to shake out the jar over a pot that’s steaming. I’ve wrecked lots of spices that way over the years!

How about some Homemade Guacamole?

FAQ

How do you store leftovers?

Store these in an airtight container in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.

Are there any substitutions for any of the spices?

Sure! This recipe is super customizable. Adapt away, and let me know how it goes!

Try our Homemade BBQ Rub too!

More great homemade recipes!

Get my whole list of Homemade Recipes here!
Tartar Sauce
Sweet Tea Vodka
Homemade Noodles
Sweet Chili Sauce
Dry Pancake Mix

Check out these great recipes too!

Yield: 1/2 cup

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Name: Homemade Taco Seasoning
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon ground cumin; 1 tablespoon paprika; 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano; 2 teaspoons ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon sea salt; 1 teaspoon cayenne (optional - use less if you are sensitive to heat. This makes medium-level spice for your tacos); 2 tablespoons masa flour (optional)

This simple homemade taco seasoning is great to keep around the house for use in your favorite tacos, or in soups, stews, or casseroles.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon paprika
1 tablespoon garlic powder
2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano
2 teaspoons ground black pepper
1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon cayenne (optional - use less if you are sensitive to heat. This makes medium-level spice for your tacos)
2 tablespoons masa flour (optional)

Instructions

Combine all of the ingredients and mix well to combine.
Store in an airtight container.
Add about one tablespoon per pound of meat.
If you used the masa in the mix, add a little water with the meat after it is browned. The masa in the mix will thicken the sauce.

Homemade Taco Seasoning