Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning

The cabinet door wouldnt stay closed anymore from all those half-empty seasoning packets stuffed inside. My daughter reached past three different taco seasoning packets to grab the cinnamon and asked why we needed so many of the same thing. That afternoon I finally mixed up a batch of homemade blend and realized Id been overthinking it for years.

My husband watched me measure everything into a bowl and asked if I was sure about the ratios. The first batch we made went on taco salad that night and he quietly put away the remaining store-bought packets in the pantry. Now this is the only blend we reach for on Tuesday nights.

Ingredients

• Chili powder: The base that gives that classic taco flavor and rich red color everyone recognizes
• Ground cumin: Adds that earthy, warm note that makes it taste authentic
• Paprika: Smoked paprika creates depth, sweet paprika keeps it mild and bright
• Garlic powder: Essential for that savory backbone everyone expects
• Onion powder: Sweet and mellow, rounds out the sharp edges of the spices
• Dried oregano: Gives a subtle herbal note that balances everything together
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Leave out if serving kids, double down if you love heat
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle bite that store blends often miss
• Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors and helps them bloom when cooking

Instructions

Mix it all together:

Dump every spice into a small bowl and whisk until no streaks of any single ingredient remain visible.

Store it right:

Transfer to an airtight jar or container and keep it in your spice cabinet away from heat and light.

Use it generously:

Sprinkle 2 to 3 tablespoons per pound of meat while it browns, or toss with roasted vegetables before they go into the oven.

Save

Last summer my niece visited and helped me make a triple batch to take home. She called me two weeks later saying she puts it on popcorn now and cant go back to plain butter. Sometimes the simplest recipes become the ones you cant live without.

Making It Your Own

This recipe is incredibly forgiving and meant to be tweaked. If your family hates cumin, reduce it and bump up the chili powder instead. The balance should reflect what you actually enjoy eating, not what a recipe dictates.

Beyond Taco Tuesday

This blend works beautifully on roasted potatoes, scrambled eggs, or even sprinkled over avocado toast. I keep a small shaker jar near the stove now because someone in our house reaches for it almost daily.

Batch Cooking And Storage

Double or triple this recipe and youll always have taco night ready to go. A single batch lasts us about a month with regular use, but making more means fewer times you need to measure everything out. The flavors stay potent for at least six months when stored properly.

• Label your jar with the date so you know when to refresh
• Keep a small amount in a shaker for quick seasoning
• Make extra as a thoughtful housewarming gift for new cooks

Save

Once you start making your own seasoning blends, youll wonder why you ever bought those expensive packets at the grocery store.

Recipe FAQs

→ How should I store the seasoning blend?

Store the mix in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain freshness for up to six months.

→ Can I make the mix spicier?

Yes, increasing the amount of crushed red pepper flakes will add more heat to the blend.

→ What spices are included in the mix?

The blend contains chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and sea salt.

→ Is this blend suitable for different proteins?

Absolutely, it works well with ground beef, chicken, tofu, or roasted vegetables.

→ Can I use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika?

Using smoked paprika adds a deeper, smokier flavor to the seasoning.