Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Homemade taco seasoning in jar.
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Homemade taco seasoning recipe

Homemade taco seasoning is simple to make and uses spices you probably already have. It tastes like the taco seasoning packet, but better.
Prep Time5 minutes
Total Time5 minutes
Course: Spice blends / Seasonings
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Servings: 1 /3 cup
Calories: 11kcal
Author: Cheryl Bennett

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. chili powder
  • 1 1/2 - 2 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. salt or to taste
  • 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper *see notes
  • 1 1/2 tsp. granulated garlic / garlic powder
  • 1 1/2 tsp. granulated onion / onion powder
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1/4 tsp. cocoa powder optional
  • 1 - 1 1/2 tsps. cornstarch to thicken optional

Instructions

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, or jar.
  • Whisk together to combine.
  • Pour into a shaker jar, or a small glass jar with a tight-fitting lid for storage.

Notes

  • Recipes make roughly 5 1/2 tbsps. That is enough for 2 - 2 1/2 pounds of ground meat.
  • To make this homemade taco seasoning like the store bought packet, add in a teaspoon or a teaspoon and a half of cornstarch to the spice mixture. The cornstarch will thicken the mixture.
  • There is roughly 1 ounce, or 3 tbsps. in a store-bought packet, this recipe makes double that amount.
  • You can customize every ingredient in this seasoning. If you don't like cumin, reduce the amount. If you like it spicier, add in more chili powder. You like it really hot? Add in cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes.
  • To make this blend salt-free, simply omit the salt. You can bump up the other ingredients, if you like to account for the 1/2 tsp. of salt in the recipe. If you find it isn't salty enough for you, add in a pinch at a time. You can always add more, but taking it out is a lot more difficult.
  • You can use ground white pepper instead of black pepper, if you prefer. White pepper is milder than black pepper, it has an earthy flavor, and can be bright and fruity.
  • Don't limit yourself to tacos with this spice blend. You can use it on nachos, quesadillas, etc. But, it is also a tasty way to season up a grilled chicken breast or roasted vegetables.
  • Homemade seasonings made a fantastic housewarming gift, or bridal shower gift. You can easily put together a basket of your favorite spice blends in pretty jars with cute handmade labels.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 11kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Sodium: 118mg | Fiber: 1g