Homemade Taco Seasoning

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Take your homemade tacos to the next level! Skip the pre-made packets and in just a few minutes make your own Homemade Taco Seasoning from scratch with just a few very simple ingredients!

Use it to make our Turkey Taco Cups!

a small open mason jar open with taco seasoning.

I think one of the best things about learning to cook from scratch is discovering how simple so many things are. Prime example: Taco seasoning. Sure, it’s super easy to buy those pre-mixed packets for super-fast taco meat seasoning for your homemade tacos, but you know what’s also super fast? Making your own Homemade Taco Seasoning from scratch.

Taco Seasoning Ingredients

small jars of open spices and salt on a counter.

I bet you have everything you need to make our Homemade Taco Seasoning already in your pantry!

Cumin – We prefer a more cumin heavy seasoning because we love its earthy, smoky flavor.
Smoked Paprika – Emphasis on the smoked because there are 3 kinds of paprika: sweet, hot, and smoked. Smoked may also be known as pimenton or smoked Spanish Paprika. Smoked is our favorite for this, although sweet is also great.
Chili Powder – This is also actually a blend of dried chilis and spices, too.
Onion and Garlic Powder – Do we ever make anything without onion and garlic?
Cayenne – For the heat, and can be adjusted to your heat tolerance.
Salt – Of course. And for this, we prefer kosher salt.

Can we also talk about how affordable it is to make your own seasoning? Especially if you’re able to buy your spices in bulk!

Easy to Make

measuring spoons with spices and an open small mason jar.

Honestly, could not get any simpler!

Step 1: Add all ingredients to a small jar. We love these 4 oz mason jars, which are what we use in our spice drawer.

a hand holding a small mason jar with spice blend.

Step 2: Mix!

And you’re done! Homemade Taco Seasoning! That is a great base and totally adjustable to your own taste! Love more cumin? Great! Want it hotter? Kick up that cayenne! Garlic your love language? You measure the amount of garlic in there with your heart, boo.

Ready in just minutes, you can have your new favorite taco meat seasoning! It’s great with chicken, ground beef, or even tofu!

How to Use It

FAQs

How much meat is this recipe good for?

A single batch of this recipe is perfect for about 1 1/2 – 2 lbs of meat.

How much do you need to make to fill a 4-oz jar?

I make a triple batch to fill a 4-oz mason jar to keep on hand.

Is this seasoning spicy?

With a 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne, it is on the spicier side. For a milder seasoning, use a pinch – 1/8 teaspoon.

How much is this seasoning is equivalent to a packet?

2 tablespoons of this seasoning is equivalent to one packet.

How long does it last for?

In an airtight container, this seasoning will last up to 6 months.

Enjoy! As always, if you make this recipe or any of my others, I love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below, email me, or you can find me on Facebook, I n stagram, and Pinterest!

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