Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe with simple spices you have in your pantry right now. It is way more healthy and cheaper than store bought. So easy too!
Other seasoning blends that make sense to make at home are homemade pumpkin pie spice and homemade Italian seasoning.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Taco seasoning packets might be easy and convenient but eating maltodextrin, anti caking agents and GMOs just in a seasoning is less than appealing for our family meals.
Let’s make homemade taco seasoning with ingredients you have in your pantry right now. Healthy, easy and so quick!
I usually buy organic taco seasoning or make my own. Buying organic taco seasoning is not cheap unless you buy in bulk. And we use taco seasoning mix all the time in iFoodReal household. Because we just love-love Mexican and Tex Mex food. Although I can guarantee you Mexicans know nothing about taco seasoning.:)
Taco Seasoning Ingredients
There are a few variations of taco seasoning. My DIY taco seasoning consists of a combination of chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, oregano, onion and garlic powders, salt and pepper.
I like to buy spices organic and in bulk (cheaper). Even from China I spoke to a few companies and they assured me that they go through testing for pesticide residue here in North America.
Also fresh spices make all the difference how good your spice will taste.
How to Make Taco Seasoning Mix
In a small glass jar with a lid add all ingredients. Screw on the lid and shake for 30 seconds. That’s it! How hard was that?!
Alternatively, you can stir all spices in a small bowl or a plate and then transfer to a storage container.
Can I Skip Salt?
Yes. Salt in store bought taco seasoning acts as a preservative and flavor enhancer. You can make homemade taco seasoning low sodium or do not add salt at all.
That takes us to the next question…
How to Store Taco Seasoning
Keep taco spice in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight. Just like any spices, oils and vinegars. In a pantry or a drawer, for example.
How Long Does It Last?
This taco seasoning recipe makes about 2 tabsleepons. On average, I use about 1 tbsp per recipe. It can be stored for up to 2 years. So feel free to multiply ingredients amount according to your needs.
Recipes with Taco Seasoning to Try
Of course, when we think of Tex Mex food chili, burritos and tacos come to mind. And I have plenty of healthy versions of your favorite Tex Mex foods here on ifoodreal.com.
- Shrimp taco recipe
- Healthy turkey chili recipe
- Turkey taco soup
- Fish tacos recipe
- Healthy taco salad
- Chicken burritos
Other Homemade Seasoning Blends
Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic and onion powders, oregano, red pepper flakes and salt.
- Stir very well with a fork or small whisk.
- Or add all ingredients to glass jar with a lid you plan on storing taco seasoning in and shake well.
Notes
- Store: Store in a cool dry place like pantry or drawer for up to 2 years.
- You can use less salt for low sodium taco seasoning or no salt at all.
I don’t use hot (spicy) condiments. What should I substitute it with.
Hi Isabel, I would omit the red pepper flakes and try to find a mild chili powder to make this seasoning.
How much of the taco seasoning do I use per pound of ground beef say for taco meat?
I usually add 2 tbsp per 1 lb meat like in these ground turkey tacos. This amount results in mild tacos with a heat kick but that my kids can eat. You can always add more after tasting.
Love it!!
I used all paprika instead of chilli powder ad garlic sauce instead of onion powder. Nice, flavorful, and spicy!
Excellent – easy , tasty and better than packaged mixes that are loaded with flavor enhancers and salt Thank you the perfect blend
You are very welcome Linda!
I love this site!! All the recipes I have used are wonderful. Thank you Olena. You are lovely.
Donna! Thanks for your sweet comment 🙂
How on earth could I have forgotten to review this great recipe??? I’ve had it on repeat for the last year, tacos and fajitas are the only meals my 3 kids agree on. Thank you, Olena 🙂
Hey Elisa! Thanks for the positive feedback 🙂
Superb and simple!
Awesome recipe.
Very good.
Hi Olena.
The instructions for the taco seasoning appear to use the ingredients from a different recipe. 🙂
Oh man. Thanks for catching that. Will fix now.
This is great!