Skip the store-bought packets of taco seasoning and make your own at home with this simple recipe full of spices you probably already have on hand.

Mason jar of taco seasoning with measuring spoon.

Don’t you hate when you to make tacos and realize you don’t have any taco seasoning on hand? This happened too many times to count so I started just adding whatever spices I had on hand.

Once I started making my own taco seasoning, I never looked back! My spice cabinet is already stocked with all these ingredients. I just add them all to a small mason jar (or your could use a reusable spice jar) and shake.

When I’m making tacos, I just sprinkle on to my protein and veggies for flavor. No need to do that whole “add water and simmer” step either.

Ingredients for taco seasoning in individual bowls.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Ingredients

  • Chili powder
  • Cumin
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Dried oregano 
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Cayenne pepper
Open mason jar of taco seasoning with measuring spoon.

How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning

Making your own taco seasoning is so simple to do. Just combine your spices in a jar, shake well and store until you’re ready to use.

How long does taco seasoning last?

We store ours in a mason jar with an airtight seal and it usually lasts up to a year (we tend to go through it much quicker though – tacos are a regular staple in our meal plan).

How much homemade taco seasoning equals one packet?

Store-bought taco seasoning packets usually contain about 2 Tbsp. of seasoning. This recipe makes about 1/2 cup of seasoning so you’ll have plenty for upcoming taco nights.

Mason jar of taco seasoning with measuring spoon.

Taco Recipes to Try:

Homemade Taco Seasoning FAQs

Q: What are the ingredients in homemade taco seasoning?
A: Homemade taco seasoning includes chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Q: How do you make your own taco seasoning?
A: To make homemade taco seasoning, simply combine all the dry spice ingredients in a jar, seal and shake to mix. Store until ready to use.

Q: How much homemade taco seasoning equals one store-bought packet?
A: One packet of store-bought taco seasoning is about 2 Tbsp. This homemade recipe makes 1/2 cup seasoning, equal to about 8 packets.

Q: What recipes can you use homemade taco seasoning for?
A: Try homemade taco seasoning on turkey or mushroom tacos, fish tacos, taco salads, stuffed peppers, or wonton taco cups.

Q: Do you need to add water when using homemade taco seasoning?
A: No, you can sprinkle the homemade dry seasoning directly onto meat and veggies without needing to add water.

Mason jar of taco seasoning with measuring spoon.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Amanda Keefer
Skip the store-bought packets of taco seasoning and make your own at home with this simple recipe full of spices you probably already have on hand.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Meal Prep
Servings 1 /2 cup

Ingredients
  

  • 3 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp. cumin
  • 1 Tbsp. garlic powder
  • 1 Tbsp. paprika
  • tsp. dried oregano
  • tsp. onion powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. pepper
  • ¼ tsp. cayenne pepper

Instructions
 

  • Mix all ingredients together.
  • Store in airtight container until
    ready to use.
Keyword seasoning, taco
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!