Making your own spice blends at home is easier, cheaper, and more flavorful than buying pre-packaged seasoning from the store. This homemade taco seasoning is just as good—if not better—than Old El Paso or any other major brand. The best part? You control the ingredients! That means you can emphasize flavors you love while reducing or eliminating the ones you don’t.
Most people already have the spices needed for taco seasoning sitting in their spice cabinet, making it convenient to whip up a batch whenever needed. Whether you’re making tacos, burritos, or even seasoning grilled meats, this versatile blend will elevate your cooking to the next level.
A Brief History of Taco Seasoning
Taco seasoning is a product of Tex-Mex cuisine, which emerged as a fusion of Mexican and American flavors. Traditional Mexican tacos are typically seasoned with a few simple ingredients like salt, chili powder, and lime juice, but as Tex-Mex became popular in the U.S., pre-mixed taco seasoning blends became a staple for home cooks.
Most store-bought taco seasonings contain added preservatives, anti-caking agents, and sometimes even unnecessary fillers. When you make your own, you get pure, fresh spices without any additives—just bold, authentic flavor!
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, helps thicken sauces)
How to Use
Use 3 tablespoons of this taco seasoning per 1 pound of ground meat. This seasoning works perfectly with:
Ground beef Ground turkey Ground chicken Diced chicken breasts or thighs Steak for carne asada tacos
For best results, cook your meat, drain any excess fat, and then add the seasoning along with 1/4 cup of water. Simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
How to Store Your Taco Seasoning
Store your taco seasoning in an airtight container or glass spice jar in a cool, dry place away from sunlight. Properly stored, this blend will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
To keep it at peak freshness, make small batches as needed. If you love making tacos frequently, you can double or triple the recipe so you always have a ready-to-use blend on hand.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Better than store-bought – No preservatives, no fillers, just pure spice! Customizable – Want more heat? Add extra red pepper flakes. Prefer smoky flavors? Try smoked paprika. Versatile – Use it for tacos, burritos, fajitas, quesadillas, and even as a rub for grilled meats! Budget-friendly – Making your own spice blends saves money in the long run.
Give this homemade taco seasoning a try, and you’ll never go back to store-bought packets again! 
Homemade Taco Seasoning – Better Than Old El Paso!