Homemade Taco Seasoning

5 from 10 votes

You’ll keep this homemade taco seasoning is so yummy, you’re going to want to keep in on hand 24/7. This seasoning blend is made with squeaky clean ingredients so it’s paleo, gluten-free, sugar-free, Whole30 and keto. Plus it’s totally delicious on veggies, ground beef, chicken, shrimp, or really any kind of meat!

A small glass jar filled with taco seasoning with a small spoon for scooping.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

I’m so excited to share this homemade taco seasoning recipe with you! Now before you ask, you know I’m all for making life easy. I buy all the store bought convenience items like Whole30 mayo and Whole30 ketchup, because it’s much easier than making my own. But man, making my own homemade taco seasoning is a new favorite of mine.

But taco seasoning is something that I can throw together in about 2 minutes with basic spice that I already have in my pantry. Then I can enjoy it as I need it, whenever I want. Whether I need a way to make a quick meal for taco night or I just want it on hand for easy meal, this seasoning blend always comes in handy.

Lots of store bought taco seasonings contain additives, natural flavors, silicone dioxide, and sugars, which isn’t great if you’re following Whole30 or Keto. So when you make your own, you get full control over the ingredients! And in this recipe, there’s no sugar, and no junk — just the perfect amount of your own spices. It’s one of my favorite ways to ensure I’m eating quality food.

Want more sugar free seasonings? Check out my homemade ranch seasoning, Italian seasoning, and BBQ seasoning recipes. Making your own homemade seasoning is a game changer! Taco Tuesday just got tastier!

Three Mexican Style Pork chops on a white plate with lime slices and cilantro.

Why You’ll Love this Recipe

DIY taco seasoning is so easy to love! Make a big batch of it and store until needed, because I promise you’re going to love it:

  • As an added bonus, making your own spice blends is more affordable than grabbing store-bought taco seasoning! Hello, happy budget!
  • This easy homemade taco seasoning only require seven ingredients that you likely already have in your spice cabinet.
  • I love to give homemade spice mixes as gifts! Just put them into a cute glass jar, add a pretty label and some ribbon and you have an adorable (and useful!) gift that anyone would love to receive.
Gluten Free and Keto Taco seasoning ingredients on a white plate.

Ingredients

Check out how simple this ingredient list is! This taco seasoning mix is really that simple to throw together:

  • chili powder
  • cumin
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder
  • oregano
  • salt
  • black pepper

Substitutions and Variations

Homemade taco seasoning is super versatile, because you can use it in basically anything. But you can also adjust it based on your preferences.

Do you like your seasoning extra spicy? Then add about 1/8-1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper.

If you prefer your seasoning to be mild then just cut the chili powder in half.

How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning

Mexican food is one of my favorite types of food! Making my own taco seasoning is the best way to change up the flavor game when it comes to my favorite recipes. Here’s how to mix up this easy seasoning blend:

Add all of the spices to a small dish or small mason jar — glass spice jars will work too. Stir well or cover and shake until fully mixed together. Cover and store in your pantry and use as needed!

A person holding a jar of brown sugar, perfect for creating delicious and gluten-free taco seasonings.

How to Store Taco Seasoning

Transfer the seasoning mix to an airtight container and store at room temperature. For best taste, use within one year, unless the expiration date of any of the included spices comes first.

How to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning

Like I said, this seasoning blend is super multi-purpose, and it can be used on ground beef taco meat, chicken fajita tacos, other types of meat, or even veggies. Plus you can use it on so much more than just tacos.

If you keep a jar in your pantry, you’ll find yourself using it all the time! I love to make taco loaded sweet potato wedges and Mexican pork chops as an easy meal. And these chicken fajita stuffed peppers are drool-worthy too.

This seasoning can be used on tons of other recipes too, like air fryer sweet potato fries, sheetpan steak fajitas, salsa baked chicken, and Mexican tuna salad.

Close up of four cooked chicken breasts in a baking dish with rice and beans, topped with salsa, melted cheese, and cilantro.

Tips for Success

Check out these simple tips to ensure that this healthy taco seasoning always turns out great:

  • If you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, be sure all your spices are labeled as gluten free before you make the taco seasoning.
  • Make sure you store in a clean and dry jar, away from moisture. If your spice cabinet is near the stove top, just ensure the seasoning is not retaining moisture from the steam off of your food. This will ensure that it lasts longer.
  • Use a fine salt in this mild taco seasoning so that it easily mixes throughout the blend. If you use a coarse salt, the large chunks may settle to the bottom of the spice blend.

FAQ

When using homemade taco seasoning, do you add water?

If you are adding taco seasoning to ground beef, yes you should add water. Even with a homemade blend, a splash of water helps to incorporate the seasoning into the meat and ensure that all the meat is coated in the tasty blend!

What is taco seasoning mix made of?

A basic taco seasoning is made of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Many recipes have different variations, but these are the basic spices that are used to make the spicy, savory blend.

More Seasoning Recipes

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Making this recipe? I’d love to hear what you think!
Drop a star rating below or tag me on Instagram @cookathomemom.

A jar of Taco Loaded Sweet Potato spice with a spoon next to it.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

This homemade taco seasoning far outshines that store-bought stuff. Make this quick recipe the next time you're craving delicious tacos!
5 from 10 votes
Print Pin Rate Text Recipe
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 Tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoons oregano
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1 teaspoons black pepper

Video

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a small dish or jar. Stir well or cover and shake until fully mixed together. Cover and store in your pantry and use as needed!

Notes

  • Foe extra spice: Add about 1/8 tsp cayenne.
  • For mild seasoning: Omit half of the chili powder.
To store seasonings: Transfer to an airtight container and store at room temperature. For best taste, use within one year.
Please Note: If you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity, be sure your spices are gluten free. 

Nutrition

Calories: 12kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 471mg | Potassium: 57mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 603IU | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you try this recipe? Share it with us on Instagram! @cookathomemom!
5 from 10 votes (9 ratings without comment)

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4 Comments

    1. Hi Lisa! I recommend 2-3 Tablespoons per pound of meat, depending on your taste. 🙂 -Laura