Homemade Taco Seasoning

While I love the convenience of buying store-bought seasoning packets, I found myself reading the label and realized I already had all the seasonings at home! So, I developed my own easy spice blend for a quick homemade taco seasoning perfect to batch and store in your pantry. Here’s why I love this recipe:

• Made from straightforward ingredients. No additives, fillers, sugars, GMOs or other weird ingredients, just simple pantry staple spices! 
• Easily customizable. You can easily adjust the ratio of the spices or add more for extra flavor based on your preferences. 
• It saves you money. In the long run, making your own batch of homemade taco seasoning saves you money instead of buying multiple packets every time you need one. 

Taco Seasoning versus Fajita Seasoning 

Taco seasoning and fajita seasoning can be used interchangeably if you’re in a pinch. They’re pretty similar in the seasonings they use, with the main difference being the ratios of those seasonings.

In general, taco seasoning has more oregano and chili powder, which gives it a bolder and more spiced flavor. Fajita seasoning tends to have more cumin and is milder since it’s usually paired with vegetables like onions and bell peppers that complement the flavor. Both are equally delicious and easy to make! 

Homemade Taco Seasoning Ingredients

• Chili powder: This is the main ingredient in this taco seasoning blend. It adds a hint of spice and earthy flavor. 
• Cumin: This adds some warmth as well as a slightly nutty flavor. 
• Salt: I recommend using kosher salt or two teaspoons of fine salt. 
• Garlic powder and onion powder: Must-have seasonings for a great base flavor. 
• Paprika: Adds slightly sweet and smoky notes. 
• Oregano: I recommend using Mexican oregano when possible. It has a sweeter and more floral flavor profile, but regular oregano also works. 

How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning

Mix all the seasonings in an airtight jar by shaking it up or mix in a small bowl until fully combined. Store at room temperature for up to 6 months.

Recipe Variations

• Make it spicy. Add 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to add some heat. 
• Make it smoky. Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder instead of regular paprika for a smoky flavor. 
• Add more depth. Mix it up by using a combination of different chili powders. For example, you could use 2 tablespoons of regular chili powder and 2 tablespoons of ancho chili powder. 
• Don’t like cumin? Cumin has a strong flavor. If you’re not a fan, you can use ground coriander instead.
• Make it low sodium. If you’re trying to reduce your salt intake, you can completely leave out the salt, or simply cut it in half.

Ways to Use Taco Seasoning

Homemade taco seasoning can be used in so many different ways! The one obvious way is in taco recipes! Ground beef tacos, chicken tacos, and even black bean tacos are delicious with this taco seasoning.

Other ideas include using it in things like taco salad, taco pasta, taco pizza, taco dip, and taco casserole.

Storing and Reheating

Homemade taco seasoning can be stored in an airtight container or jar in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months. 

You can use any jar with a lid. I really like these pretty spice jars with bamboo lids!

More Tex-Mex Recipes

• Mexican Stuffed Peppers
• Black Bean Quesadilla
• Chicken Enchilada Soup
• Guacamole
• Mexican Street Corn Pasta Salad

This post was originally published in August 2018 and has been updated with new photos and more helpful tips and tricks.

Photography by Ashley McLaughlin.