Skip the packet and make this easy homemade taco seasoning blend instead! It’s a fantastic way to add flavor to tacos, fajitas, taco soups and chilis and so much more!
On a recent trip to the grocery store I almost cheated on my beloved homemade taco seasoning and picked up a ready-made jar of taco seasoning instead. Luckily I read the label before buying it. The first and most abundant ingredient in that blend was corn meal. WAIT WHAT!?
I don’t need a thickening agent, just the spices thank you very much!
This is your cue to ditch the packet or the premixed jar and whip up your own homemade taco seasoning blend at home with spices you probably already have in your pantry or spice drawer!
This flavorful homemade blend is great to make any taco meat your heart desires using ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, steak, shredded chicken, pork, or even shrimp.
Of course T-Rex recipes aren’t all this tasty taco seasoning is good for! It’s amazing used to season crispy roasted chickpeas, as a flavor boost on my cauliflower walnut taco filling, and to make the most epic taco inspired veggie burgers!
Taco Seasoning Ingredients
These are the spices I use in my tasty taco blend:
- chili powder
- ground cumin
- paprika
- garlic powder
- dried oregano
- ground cayenne pepper
- salt
Ingredient Swaps
Prefer a salt-free blend so you can add the salt to taste? Simply leave it out and you’re good to go!
In place of plain black pepper, I like to use cayenne. Since this spice is made from hot chili peppers, it will add a spicy and flavorful heat to your taco blend. You can absolutely add extra if desired. For a mild taco seasoning blend, simply use 1-2 teaspoons of regular black pepper instead of cayenne.
Q: What can I use this taco spice blend for?
This speedy homemade taco seasoning is a great way to add flavor to so many different dishes! Use it on taco meat, roasted chickpeas, on fajita veggies and proteins, in taco flavored dips and sauces, and for basically any proteins and sauteed veggies you’re adding to tacos, burritos, tostadas, quesadillas, nachos, and so much more.
Here are a few recipe ideas to get you started!
Q: Where are your spice jars from?
I recently revamped my spice drawer by adding vinyl labels that I cut out with my Cricut. Let me know if you need the font! I reused existing glass spice jars and once I ran out of those, I purchased the cutest little 4 oz Spice Jars with Wood Lids.
Ready to ditch the packet and make your own super flavorful taco seasoning at home?
Here’s the recipe!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
This rockin’ recipe is enough for a 4 oz spice jar. Feel free to make extra if needed!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 3 TBSP chili powder
- 2 TBSP ground cumin
- 1 TBSP paprika
- 1 TBSP garlic powder
- 1 TBSP salt
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Measure out spices into a small bowl and mix well.
- Add to a spice jar or a small lidded mason jar and label.
- Use in all your favorite taco night recipes for a boost of flavor!
Notes
Nutrition
Rock Taco Night with These Taco Inspired Recipes
- Lentil Taco Salad
- Taco Hummus
- Turkey Taco Bowls
- Cheesy Chicken Taco Soup
- Black Bean Taco Salad
- Vegetarian Taco Soup
If you get a chance to try this homemade taco seasoning recipe, let me know!
Leave me a comment here (LOVE checking those daily!) or tag @PEASandCRAYONS on Instagram so I can happy dance over your tasty creations. I can’t wait to see what you whip up!
Have a question I didn’t answer in the post? Let me know below and I’ll be happy to help! xo
Thank you for this! I can’t easily get hold of taco seasoning.
Happy to help!
I love that this recipe doesn’t have cornstarch or other thickeners like the store bought packets do. Thanks!
Thanks Taryn! It totally ends up being cheaper in the long run too. I’ve been buying my base spices in bulk bins and save a ton!