Did you run out of store-bought taco seasoning just in time for taco night? No worries- we’ve got you! Whip up our favorite taco seasoning recipe using spices from your pantry.


Taco Seasoning
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 tablespoons chili powder
- 5 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 5 tablespoons cumin
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon cayenne powder
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl; stir to combine.
- Store the spice blend in an air-tight container.
Notes
- Start with fresh spices – this makes all the difference; spices lose their flavor over time, especially ground spices.
- This taco seasoning recipe yields about 1 cup; make what you need for a particular meal, or you may want to double or triple the recipe for quick use later on.
Nutrition
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WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE THIS RECIPE
- Chili Powder: American chili powder, made up of dried chilies and herbs, lends a savory profile to the taco seasoning recipe.
- Smoked Paprika: Create a smoky heat using smoked paprika.
- Cumin: Cumin lends a warm, citrusy flavor to the spice blend.
- Onion Powder: Onion powder is a necessary ingredient in our taco seasoning, but be sure you’re using onion powder and not onion salt.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder brings the garlicky flavor it’s named after, but unlike fresh garlic, garlic powder has a sweetness to it.
- Mexican Oregano: The earthy bitterness of Mexican oregano makes it my favorite spice in the blend; I love the way it stands out.
- Salt: Balances the spice with a savory component.
- Cayenne Pepper: Adds heat that doesn’t overwhelm with cayenne pepper.
HOW TO MAKE TACO SEASONING

STEP 1
Add all the ingredients to a mixing bowl; stir to combine.
STEP 2
Store the spice blend in an air-tight container.
Did you enjoy our taco seasoning?
Try one of these homemade spice blends from the Jamil Ghar.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR TACO SEASONING
How can I use taco seasoning?
- Make ground beef tacos.
- Flavor meat, vegetables, or tofu to make tacos.
- Generously season shredded chicken or beef to make homemade taquitos or enchiladas.
- Add taco seasoning to black beans for a quick side.
- Whip up our Southwest spaghetti squash.
- Create a burrito bowl.
Is the taco seasoning spicy?
This taco seasoning recipe includes cayenne, smoked paprika, and chili powder which can be too spicy for some. I suggest adding a teaspoon or two of white or brown sugar to cut the heat if you’re sensitive to spice.
How do I store leftovers?
Once you’ve placed the taco seasoning in an air-tight container, it will keep in your pantry or cabinet for up to 1 year. And for that reason, I recommend making double to use later on.