Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning

I started making this taco seasoning after staring at the spice aisle one too many times, reading ingredient labels that felt more like chemistry experiments than food. Now my pantry always has a little jar of this blend ready, and honestly, I reach for it way beyond just taco night.

Last Tuesday my roommate walked in while I was mixing up a fresh batch, made a joke about how good our kitchen suddenly smelled, and proceeded to sprinkle it on literally everything for the rest of the week including popcorn.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons chili powder: This is your base flavor, so buy good quality and check that its not mostly salt
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin: That earthy backbone that makes tacos taste like tacos
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Smoked paprika adds incredible depth if you have it
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Skip the salt version and control seasoning yourself
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Rounds everything out beautifully
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Mexican oregano is traditional but regular works perfectly
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: Leave these out if you want family friendly heat
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a little warmth without burn
• 1 teaspoon sea salt: Adjust up or down based on your dietary needs

Instructions

Mix it all together:

Dump everything into a small bowl and whisk until its one uniform color with no pockets of white salt or red pepper visible.

Store it right:

Transfer to an airtight jar or spice container and keep it in your pantry away from direct heat and sunlight.

Use generously:

Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons per pound of meat or veggies while cooking, then taste and adjust salt as needed.

Save

My sister who never cooks asked for the recipe after trying tacos at my place, and I had to confess it took me literally three minutes to throw together while my meat was browning.

Making It Your Own

Once you make this a few times you will start tweaking it to your taste. Some days I double the cumin because I am feeling particularly earthy, other times I add extra garlic powder because well, garlic.

Beyond Taco Tuesday

This seasoning lives in our shaker jar now and gets sprinkled on roasted potatoes, scrambled eggs, and even mixed into mayo for a quick sandwich spread that has people asking for the recipe.

Batch Cooking Wisdom

When I remember to do it, I triple the recipe and keep one jar in the pantry and another backup. The five minutes of effort pays off every single time I want tacos on a busy weeknight.

• Label your jar with the date so you know when to refresh it
• Make a tiny test batch first if you are unsure about spice levels
• This makes a thoughtful housewarming gift with a bag of tortillas

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about opening your pantry and seeing that little jar of homemade seasoning, knowing good Mexican inspired food is minutes away.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What spices are in this seasoning mix?

It includes chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, black pepper, and sea salt.

→ How do I adjust the heat level?

Increase or reduce crushed red pepper flakes to achieve your preferred spiciness.

→ Can this blend be stored long-term?

Yes, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.

→ What dishes pair well with this seasoning?

It enhances ground beef, chicken, tofu, roasted vegetables, and burritos with authentic Mexican-inspired flavor.

→ Is this blend gluten-free and vegan?

Yes, the mix contains no gluten or animal products, suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets.