A homemade DIY taco seasoning mix is the simplest way to keep bold, balanced flavor at your fingertips. This blend combines smoky chili powder, warm cumin, bright paprika, savory garlic and onion, fragrant oregano, and a gentle kick of cayenne, all rounded out with sea salt.
The result is a perfectly seasoned taco filling without additives, fillers, or hidden sugars. Serve your tacos with sourdough discard tortillas (or sweet potato tortillas for a gluten-free option) and top with fermented salsa for a 100% from-scratch meal!
Love the idea of filling your pantry with homemade seasoning blends? Check out my other recipes for tangy DIY ranch seasoning and aromatic DIY Italian seasoning.
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Quick Look at This Recipe
- ✅ Recipe Name: DIY Taco Seasoning Mix
- 🕒 Ready In: 5 minutes
- 🍞 Method: No cook, mix and store
- 👪 Yield: About ½ cup seasoning mix
- 🍽 Calories: Approximately 8 calories per teaspoon
- 🥄 Tools: Mixing bowl, spoon, funnel, small jar
- ❄️ Freezer Friendly: Not necessary, stores great in the pantry
- 📖 Dietary Info: Gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo-friendly
- ⭐ Why You’ll Love It: Fast, flavorful, and free from unwanted additives
- 👩🍳 Tip: Make a double batch so you never run out on taco night
What Makes This Recipe Unique
When you make this DIY taco seasoning mix, you control the quality and the flavor. That is modern homesteading at its best.
- Wholesome – Made with real pantry staples, free from preservatives and anti-caking agents.
- Frugal – Budget-friendly compared to packets.
- Versatile – Customizable to suit your family’s spice preference.
- Free Printable Labels – Print off my free printable labels and pair your DIY taco seasoning mix with these gifts-in-a-jar recipes for easy, handcrafted Christmas gifts!
Key Ingredients:
A full ingredients list, including measurements, can be found in the recipe card below.
- Chili Powder – The backbone of your DIY taco seasoning mix. Choose mild or hot depending on your spice preference.
- Cumin – Adds warmth and that classic taco aroma.
- Paprika – Brings mild sweetness and beautiful color.
- Granulated Garlic and Onion Powder – Delivers savory depth without needing fresh ingredients.
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Recipe Substitutions and Variations
One of the best things about cooking from scratch is the flexibility it offers. Check out my full list of ingredient substitutions for all your baking and cooking needs.
- Paprika – Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika for a smoky twist.
- Kid-Friendly – Reduce cayenne if cooking for little ones.
- Black Pepper – Add ½ teaspoon black pepper for extra depth.
- Spicy Kick – Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for more heat.
DIY Taco Seasoning Mix Instructions
Step 1: Combine all of the herbs and spices in a medium bowl.
Step 2: Stir thoroughly until evenly blended.
Step 3: Transfer the mix into a clean, dry jar. Pro tip: Use a funnel to reduce waste.
Step 4: Close the jar tightly. Tie on a tag if gifting, and it is ready to go. (Download my free printable tags here.)
Step 5: To make tacos, brown 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Drain excess fat if needed. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of the DIY taco seasoning mix and ½ cup of water. Simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
Serving Suggestions
You can use your DIY taco seasoning mix for more than classic ground beef tacos.
- Homemade burritos and quesadillas
- Make seasoned black beans for meatless tacos.
- Use in this Instant Pot chili recipe or sprinkle into soups for extra depth
- Stir into sour cream or Greek yogurt for a quick taco dip. (I love this thick and creamy homemade yogurt recipe.)
- Season rice steamed in homemade chicken bone broth.
- Sprinkle seasoning over a fresh batch of popcorn or rutabaga fries.
- Mix into these easy 5-minute homemade crackers.
Recipe Tips
- Always use fresh spices for the best flavor. Spices lose potency over time.
- Shake the jar before each use to redistribute ingredients.
- Label the jar with the date so you know when you made it.
- If you prefer thicker taco meat, reduce the water slightly.
Storage Instructions
Store your DIY taco seasoning mix in an airtight jar in a cool, dark pantry. It will keep its best flavor for up to 6 months. For the longest freshness, keep away from heat and moisture.
If the seasoning clumps, simply shake the jar or stir with a spoon.
FAQ’s
If you do not have taco seasoning, simply combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and a pinch of cayenne from your spice cabinet.
To make your own taco spice mix, stir together chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cayenne, and salt, then store it in an airtight jar for quick weeknight meals.
Yes, homemade taco seasoning is often healthier because you control the ingredients and avoid the fillers, preservatives, excess sodium, and added sugars found in many store-bought packets.
This post was originally a guest post by Andrea from Artisan in the Woods and has been updated with new links and improved step-by-step instructions.
Did you make this DIY taco seasoning mix? If so, please leave a star ⭐ rating in the recipe card below (this really helps me out)… then, snap a photo and tag me on social media @melissaknorris so I can see! I love getting a glimpse of what you all make in your kitchens.
DIY Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought)
Equipment
- Measuring Utensils
- Mixing Bowl
- Storage Container w/Lid I love these glass herb and spice storage jars.
Ingredients
- 1/4 Cup Chili Powder mild or hot
- 8 teaspoons Cumin
- 3 teaspoons Paprika
- 2 teaspoons Granulated Garlic
- 2 teaspoons Onion Powder
- 2 teaspoons Oregano
- 1 teaspoon Salt I love Redmond Real Salt. Use code “Pioneering” for 15% off.
- 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne Peppers optional
Instructions
- Combine all of the herbs and spices in a bowl.
- Transfer the mix into a jar. Pro-Tip: Use a funnel to cut down on waste.
- Close the jar, tie on a tag, and it’s ready to go.
Notes
- Homemade burritos and quesadillas
- Make seasoned black beans for meatless tacos.
- Use in this Instant Pot chili recipe or sprinkle into soups for extra depth
- Stir into sour cream or Greek yogurt for a quick taco dip. (I love this thick and creamy homemade yogurt recipe.)
- Season rice steamed in homemade chicken bone broth.
- Sprinkle seasoning over a fresh batch of popcorn or rutabaga fries.
- Mix into these easy 5-minute homemade crackers.
- Always use fresh spices for the best flavor. Spices lose potency over time.
- Shake the jar before each use to redistribute ingredients.
- Label the jar with the date so you know when you made it.
- If you prefer thicker taco meat, reduce the water slightly.
I’ll never buy taco seasoning packets again because this DIY taco seasoning mix is so flavorful, easy to make, and tastes amazing in our weekly taco night!