This recipe for homemade taco seasoning is a flavorful combination of herbs and spices that are blended together to make the perfect mixture. You can use this taco spice blend with chicken, pork, turkey, beef or vegetarian tacos. It also makes a great seasoning for vegetables, potatoes and rice.

I make steak tacos at least once a week, we can’t get enough of them. I use my homemade Mexican seasoning for extra flavor, and add side dishes like pinto beans and rice to make a complete meal.

A jar of taco seasoning with a savory blend of spices.

Mexican food is so fun and easy to make at home. That being said, the taco seasoning packets you get at the store are often loaded with undesirable ingredients like sugar, starch and preservatives. Next time it’s taco night, make your own homemade taco seasoning, you’ll be glad you did!

How do you make taco seasoning?

To make this recipe, place chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt and pepper in a bowl. Stir to combine the ingredients. Use the seasoning right away, or store it in an airtight container for up to 4 months.

Assorted spices in small bowls.

Tips for the perfect spice blend

I often make a double or triple batch of this seasoning mix so that I always have some on hand.
Don’t be tempted to substitute the smoked paprika for regular paprika. The smoked version adds a ton of flavor and is readily available in the spice aisle of most grocery stores.
Chili powder comes in different heat levels. I typically use a mild chili powder, but if you like spicy food, you can use medium or hot chili powder.
There are two types of oregano that are typically sold at the store, both Mexican and Mediterranean. For this recipe, it’s best to use the Mexican oregano.
I recommend using freshly ground black pepper for maximum flavor.
This seasoning mix contains salt, which means you will not need to add any extra salt to your meat when you cook it.

Herbs and spices in a mixing bowl.

How much is in a packet of taco seasoning?

A store bought packet of taco spice is approximately 2 tablespoons of seasoning. If you’re substituting this homemade seasoning in a recipe that calls for a packet, use two slightly heaping tablespoons for the closest measurement.

Spices stirred together to make a Mexican seasoning.

Ways to use taco seasoning

There are so many different ways to use this seasoning. The most obvious choice is in tacos, but it you can flavor everything from dips, to soups, to casseroles. I use this seasoning at least once a week in a variety of dishes.

Flavor variations

This taco is seasoning is delicious when made according to the recipe, but you can add other flavorings to the mix to customize it to your tastes.

Garlic Lover’s: Double the amount of garlic powder in the recipe.
Spicy Taco Seasoning: Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of ground chipotle powder. You can also double the amount of red pepper flakes.
Add-Ins: You can add up to 1/2 teaspoon of any of the following: ground coriander, dried minced onion, or ancho chili powder. You can also add a pinch of cocoa powder or cinnamon for a more complex flavor.

Taco seasoning used on chicken tacos.