This quick homemade taco seasoning tastes so much better than a packet, and will save you a lot of time and money.
So I’m into homemade.
Homemade Taco Seasoning, specifically.
Mostly because it’s better for you. You have control of what goes into your meals and your body. You decide how it will ultimately taste by adding a little of this or that to the meal.
But also because it’s cheaper. MUCH cheaper.
Take taco seasoning for example. One of the little packets from the store costs are $1, maybe $.50 when on sale. It’s about 2 Tablespoons worth of taco seasoning…about enough for 1-2 pounds of meat or chicken.
I recently purchased spice bottles for $1.38 each. (Similar spices are also on sale at CVS for $.88 every now and again.) So I made up what will probably be enough taco seasoning for the entire year for somewhere between $5 and $6!
Now…to use this homemade taco seasoning…
It is the BEST “ratio” recipe and I make it in big batches because we love tacos around here.
This homemade taco seasoning is loaded with just the right combo of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder. Many homemade mixes contain oregano, so you could add a pinch. But I personally don’t prefer it.
If you want to kick up the spice level in your seasoning, you can add some crushed red pepper as well.
You could also add a bit of chipotle chili powder, if you like the chipotle flavor!
And if you are after a more smoky flavor, you could add a touch more ground cumin and smoked paprika.
This perfectly balanced mix makes the BEST addition for just about any tacos, burritos, chicken, and much more!
When I make up a batch of this, I typically try to make about 1 pint’s worth in a mason jar.
Homemade Taco Seasoning “ratio recipe”
- 1 part chili powder
- 1 part ground cumin
- 1 part garlic powder
- 1 part onion powder
- 1/4 – 1/2 part crushed red pepper
You can use this taco seasoning anywhere that you would use a packet. I recommend using 2 Tbsp of the homemade mix in place of 1 packet’s worth. It can be used on chicken, beef, shrimp, and with beans or veggies too.
If you want to make 1 packet’s worth, mix up the following:
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
It also makes a great fajita seasoning mix – when you add a bit of black pepper.
How to Store your Homemade Taco Seasoning
You can store your homemade mix in an airtight container in your spice cabinet, or in the freezer.
I prefer to keep mine in the freezer, especially if I make a big batch.
My favorite storage containers are plastic storage containers, 4 oz. mason jars with lids, or pint-size mason jars with lids.
Enjoy!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 4 Tbsp chili powder
- 4 Tbsp ground cumin
- 4 Tbsp garlic powder
- 4 Tbsp onion powder
- 4 tsp crushed red pepper
Instructions
- Choose the quantity you wish to make, then mix all the spices together and store in an airtight container. I store mine in the freezer!
- Use sparingly. Or liberally!
Notes
If you want to make 1 packet’s worth, mix up the following:
- 1 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
Best Recipes that Use This Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Burrito Cups
- 15 Bean Enchiladas
- Chicken Fajita Melts
- Chicken Enchilada Chili
- Instant Pot Taco Pasta
- Beef & Bean Oven Tacos
- Slow Cooker Ranch Chicken Tacos
- Best and Easiest Taco Dip
- Taco Pizza
- Twirly Taco Pasta Skillet
Other Homemade Spice Mixes
- Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Homemade Apple Pie Spice
- Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
- Homemade Onion Soup Mix
This recipe is featured on Meal Plan Monday #235.