This is the best homemade taco seasoning mix recipe you can make at home with your own herbs, spices and blends. You'll never want to use store bought packets again. It's loaded with chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic, onion and more. Perfect for tacos, but also for burritos, chicken, burgers, nachos and so much more!
Homemade Taco Seasoning is the Best
Taco night is awesome. Whether it's Taco Tuesday, a super quick meal at the end of a long day, or simply your favorite dish, tacos are something the whole family can enjoy.
However, if you're still using store bought taco seasoning packets, it's time to up your game! My Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix is going to bring your tacos to an entirely new flavor level.
It's time to throw away that packet of taco seasoning.
We're talking a mix of chili powders along with paprika, freshly ground cumin, lots of garlic and onion, dried herbs, all wonderful flavors. This is my favorite taco seasoning mix, and it's easy to customize!
Let's talk about how to make taco seasoning, shall we?
I've experimented with different ingredients and combinations and this is my favorite mixture. However! See my NOTE below.
NOTE: Consider this a BASE recipe. It's my own preferred mixture, but feel free to change it up as you see fit. Try it out a few times, then play with ingredients of your own. More on that below.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Ingredients
- Chili Powder. You can use an American blend, but I am using equal parts ancho powder, guajillo powder, and New Mexican chili powder blend.
- Paprika.
- Ground Cumin.
- Garlic Powder.
- Onion Powder.
- Mexican Oregano. You can sub in more common dried oregano if needed.
- Sea Salt and Black Pepper.
- Red Chili Flakes.
- Cornmeal. Optional, as a thickener.
How to Make Taco Seasoning - the Recipe Method
Get Mixing. Simply mix together all of your ingredients, including red chili powder, paprika, cumin, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper and chili flakes (if using) in a medium sized bowl. Use a fork to blend the mixture as evenly as possible.
Get Cooking or Store It. It's time to get cooking! Go make some tacos or burritos, or store it in an airtight container until you're ready to use it.
Easily Double or Triple the Recipe. You can also double or triple this recipe very easily to make yourself a big batch. Make it family size and use it all month long.
Mix it up as much as you'd like! It's a family loved recipe.
Storing Homemade Taco Seasoning
Store in an airtight container like a mason jar and keep it a cool, dark place, like a spice cabinet or pantry.
How Long Does Taco Seasoning Last?
Homemade taco seasoning will last 6 months or longer, but is best used within 3 months, as it will start to lose freshness.
Personalize Your Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
I personally make my own blends for different types of meals, especially tacos, and this is one such blend. It is simple, but tasty, with a focus on chili powder but complemented by cumin, salt, garlic and basil. The corn meal acts as a thickening agent for your taco meat.
I often like to add in some extra ingredients to the overall mixture, including cayenne pepper for a spicy kick, and ghost pepper powder for some real heat.
There are a number of combinations and flavors that you can bring into your own blends, but hopefully this helps you as a starting point to play with flavors and ideas. Bring on the seasonings!
Want to add more paprika? More garlic? Go for it. Want to cut the salt? Skip the Mexican oregano? No problem. You can very easily play with the ingredient ratios to get your desired flavors.
Wait until you try my superhot version.
Also, you can include other ingredients to make it unique and pleasing to your own palate. Here are some ingredient additions to consider:
- Ancho Powder
- Jalapeno Powder
- Chipotle Powder
- Smoked Paprika or Sweet Paprika
- Dried Basil
- Spicy Chili Flakes
So many wonderful options. Got a special ingredient you like to share? Do tell! If you feel like spilling a secret.
You can dehydrate your own chili peppers, then grind them up into powders to add in your own unique elements.
What to Make with My Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe?
Make anything you'd normally make with your old store bought taco seasoning or old packaged taco seasoning, including tacos, fajitas, nachos, taco bowls, burritos and burrito bowls, taco salad, so much more.
Consider is as a seasoning for making burgers or spicing up grilled meats. It will feel like you're eating a Mexican style burger. I personally love it as a rub for making grilled chicken.
You can use this taco seasoning with ground turkey, ground beef, ground chicken, ground pork, or any chopped meats, and even shrimp and seafood. It will season up just about any type of meat.
How Much Homemade Taco Seasoning Equals 1 Packet?
When making tacos with ground meats, use a ratio of 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix to 1/2 cup water to 1 pound of ground beef or other meat.
To double this, use 4 tablespoons taco seasoning mix to 1 cup water to 2 pounds of meat.
Such a great recipe. Great for any spicy food lover. Naturally gluten free.
It's taco time!
Try it Out on these Taco Recipes
Check Out Some of My Other Homemade Seasoning Blends
If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you'll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don't forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I'll be sure to share! Thanks! -- Mike H.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chili powder (Use an American chili powder blend - I use equal parts ancho, guajillo, and New Mexican chili powders)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (optional, as a thickener)
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, add all ingredients and mix well.
- Use as you would use any store bought brand of taco seasoning.
- Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition Information
This post was updated on 2/25/22 to include new video, photos and information. It was originally published on 2/25/15.
Alison Stukkie says
How much taco seasoning do I use per lb of meat?
Mike Hultquist says
This is discussed in the post, Alison: "When making tacos with ground meats, use a ratio of 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix to 1/2 cup water to 1 pound of ground beef or other meat.". Enjoy!
LORIE J SOUTHERLAND says
Love this!! and I can make it my own 🙂
Mike Hultquist says
Yes! Thanks!
Andrew says
This was the perfect seasoning! Trying to cut out salt, so no more store bought stuff. Added some cayenne powder for some extra spice and that did the trick. I don't have any ghost pepper around, but I might have to change that.
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Andrew! Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, a great mix here. Definitely my favorite way to make it.
Natalie S Johnson says
This seasoning is wonderful!! Thank you!
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Natalie!
Kathy says
This was wonderful, full of flavor, and very flexible, we added some home dried pepper flakes for a bit more heat. Also, really liked the cornmeal for a thickener. Keep up the great recipes. We appreciate you very much. :^
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks, Kathy!
Charles Pascual says
Just made tacos with this seasoning and they were terrific. Followed your recipe with the substitutio of masa for corn meal as Rusty Zimmerman recommended. This is good stuff and is now my go-to seasoning mix.
Rusty Zimmerman says
Very good recipe, I have been using masa as a thickener it seems to work better than the corn meal Thanks for sharing
Dianne says
This is my go to taco seasoning. I always triple the batch so I always have some on hand. Thanks for sharing Mike
Mike Hultquist says
Thanks so much, Dianne! I really appreciate it. =)
Natalie says
Where do you get your Mexican oregano from and what brand do you recommend? (I apologize if the was already asked/answered)
Mike Hultquist says
Natalie, I found some at a local Mexican market, but you can order online as well. No particular brand.
Natalie says
Thank you! I can't wait to make this so I can make your Taco Soup!!
Joe says
Is guajillo chili powder the second spice you mention in taco seasoning video? If yes, is it a blend or straight chil powder.
Mike Hultquist says
Joe, yes, it is guajillo powder. It's a straight chili powder from ground guajillo peppers.
Robert says
I just made this, and it is definitely better than the little package from the store. Since my wife is out of town I added a teaspoon of freshly ground ghost powder as you suggested, what a wonderful aroma in the air in here tonight as supper is cooking. Thanks again Mike, your recipes have never failed me. Cheers!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Nice, Robert! I love it! Sneaking in some ghost pepper powder. So awesome. True spicy food lover!
Angie Newhouse says
I adore your recipes! Thank you so much for sharing your passion. I have a goofy question, when Paprika is called for in a recipe am I to assume it’s plain or smoked? Is there a “rule of thumb” as to which to use?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Angie! I always assume plain paprika unless the recipe calls specifically for smoked, but really you can use to your personal preference. I appreciate the comments!
Larry says
I have been using this recipe for years :-). The only difference I see is that my home made chile powder is equal parts New Mexico, Pasilla/ancho, guajillo and maybe some cayenne to turn the heat up a little, but that is personal taste. It is great fun to try different chiles when making up you signature chile powder. Reassuring to see someone else with the same ideas. Since this is a blend of ground chiles with other spices/herbs I use this in any recipe that calls for chili powder. Works great! 🙂
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Yes, perfection, Larry! I love it. Thanks for sharing!
Kathy says
I’m never buying packaged taco seasoning again. I like the flavor of this recipe the best and I like that it has cornmeal in it too to sop up some of the fat from the meat.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Yes! I agree, Kathy. I haven't bought from the store in years. I love my own homemade taco seasoning. So much better. Thanks!!!
Rick Starling says
I just made this mixture and added 1 tsp of tumeric
This is the best taco spice I have ever eaten.
Thank you very much for this and I'm looking forward to the info you will be sending.
You are a spice god.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Nice! I appreciate it, Rick! So good! I love making my own blends. Glad you enjoyed it.
barbara says
Your recipe calls for red chili powder (as do most recipes on web). You indicated in earlier exchanges that a simple American blend could be used....but all american blends of "chili powder" at supermarkets already have other spices, such as paprika, cumin, pepper, oregano, etc. in them....so if we use supermarket chili powder, and add cumin, paprika, oregano, it seems we're just doubling up on spices already included? unless we start with only a single pepper powder.....when you say simple american chili powder, should we be looking for single pepper powder? Also, if using chili powder as a base to make taco seasoning, same thing is happening?? Other than cornmeal/cornstarch, what might be the principal difference between chili powder and taco seasoning? Thanks so much for your passion!!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Barbara, it's OK if you're duplicating some of the ingredients, as the end result is still a nice balance of flavor. I link directly to the red chili powder page from the recipe so you can review that if you'd like for further discussion. https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/preserving-chili-peppers/how-to-dehydrate-chili-peppers-and-make-chili-powders. I mix it up usually. You have many options. You can use your favorite type, such as New Mexican red chili powder or ancho powder, for example. If you use an American blend, yes, there will be some duplication of ingredients, but they compliment each other. The overall difference is in the flavor.
Robynet says
I've been looking for a good made-from-scratch taco seasoning, and this looks terrific. I have a recipe question. The write up references the "corn starch" will act as a thickening agent for taco meat. Yet the recipe reflects "cornmeal." Which one do we use for the seasoning?
Thanks!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Robynet, I use cornmeal in my recipe, as it thickens and adds some "corn" flavor. You can use cornstarch instead as a thickener. Let me know how it turns out for you.
Keith says
Great Taco Seasoning, I used 1/2 half chilpote chile powder and 1/2 ancho chile powder and just the right amount of kick. with great flavor Thanks for the receipe
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Excellent, Keith! I like the variation!
Gib says
When you say "red chili powder", exactly what do you mean? Is that a chili powder mix or a specific chile you are referring to?
Thanks for your help.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Gib, there are a number of chili powders you can purchase, such as the typical American chili powder, but you can also use paprika, cayenne, or a Mexican powder, like ancho.
Brent Spomer says
Hi MIke, I have been looking for a good taco spice recipe and ran across yours. I have some ancho chile powder that I was hoping could be used for the basis of a taco spice but wanted to get your thoughts. It may be too mild but then everyone doesn't like things hot. I was thinking I'd cut back on the cumin a bit as I don't care for cumin all that much.
I enjoy your letters and wish I had time to try out and eat all of your recipes (chili con carne looks outstanding!). Any thoughts you might have about using ancho for a homemade taco spice would be appreciated.
Thanks and have a great day!
Brent
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Hi, Brent. Thanks. Ancho powder would be a great addition to this, actually. Ancho is one of my very favorite seasonings. If you enjoy it, certainly add it in. You can also omit the cumin. A number of people don't like cumin. The great thing about this recipe is that you can customize it to your own personal preferences. Let me know how it turns out! Have a great one!
Tom Speight says
Hi Mike - new viewer, thanks for the great site! General question: when you say Chili Powder (like above) is this a blend like Chili Powder i find in grocery stores or is ground Chile pepper the only ingredient?... thanks, Tom
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Hi, Tom. I generally mean a simple American Chili Powder, though check out these Chili Powder Substitutes for further information.
Jason says
Hey Mike,
I'm very interested in making this but I would love to see this super hot version you teased us with. Is that in your cookbook or did it just not make it on the site yet?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Jason, it's not in my book. I'll have to get it on the site soon!
Arthur R. Trevino says
Thank you so much for sharing
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
You're very welcome, Arthur!