Make your own homemade taco seasoning mix with this simple DIY recipe. It's quick and easy! In just ten minutes, you'll have a high-quality blend of fragrant seasonings to use in infinite recipes.
Season ground beef, ground turkey, shredded chicken, steak, shrimp, veggies and so much more. You can also use your mix as a fun gift. Simply portion into pretty jars and add a bow!
*Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Can I just buy pre-mixed taco seasonings?
Of course! But keep in mind that many pre-mixed taco seasonings found at the grocery store have additives and aren't gluten free. If this is a concern for you, homemade taco seasoning is a great option. Take control of the ingredients in your food and experience better flavor than ever before with homemade taco seasoning mix. Pure spices, no additives!
Is homemade taco seasoning mix mild or spicy?
You can make it either way! It's all about the variety of chili powder you add to your mix. Chili powder is made of dried, crushed peppers. Some peppers have mild flavor, some are super spicy and some are middle of the road. Check the packaging label on different chilis powders at the grocery store to find information on spice level and pick one that suits your preference!
How much taco seasoning should I use per pound of meat?
Typically, you'll use about ¼ cup of seasoning per pound of meat. I like a stronger flavor so I usually end up adding a dash more. I recommend adding your seasoning slowly and taste testing along the way to get it just right!
Mexican oregano vs. oregano - what's the difference?
This recipe calls for Mexican oregano which has a full-bodied flavor and slight citrus undertones, Italian oregano is a bit lighter with mild notes of mint. You can substitute regular (Italian or Mediterranean) oregano for Mexican oregano, either will work! I prefer Mexican oregano for taco seasoning if I can find it at the grocery store.
Handy tips:
- Homemade taco seasoning mix makes an amazing, edible DIY gift for the Mexican food lover in your life. Portion mix into a pretty, airtight jar. Add a bow and tag with a recipe or list of ideas for use.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- ½ cup ground cumin *see note below
- ½ cup chili powder *see note below
- ¼ cup Mexican oregano *see note below
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 4 teaspoons ground pepper
- 2 teaspoons red pepper flakes *optional for a spicier mix
Celeste says
can the salt be opt out? try to make it sodium free friendly recipes for my husband who have high blood pressure and heart attack survivor!
stacey_olson says
Hi, Celeste! I haven't yet tried this recipe without salt so I'm not sure how it would taste. I bet it would still be good, though. Let me know if you give it a try!
Faith says
Of course you can eliminate the salt. I do. I restrict my sodium because of high blood pressure and kidney stones. You can add a dash of salt if you want, but I go without. I find that dried lime adds a tang that easily replaces the salt.
Rosemary Palmer says
My mix is very much like this one but no Mexican Oregeno. I will look for it my next grocery run. I love making my own mixes so I can leave out or adjust things like the pepper flakes.
stacey_olson says
I agree! I like having control over all of the ingredients and mixing it up just right!
Pam Low says
You are a very talented master of cooking ! Thank You sincerely for your recipes and tips and options and website ! You truly are amazing ! Keep it up, I will continue to follow you !
Garlic Salt & Lime says
Thank you so much for the kind words and support, Pam! I appreciate it so much!
Cindy Rust says
Thanks for creating this recipe! We love Mexican flavors so I will be making a batch of this for my spice cabinet!
Garlic Salt & Lime says
It's very handy to have a batch in the pantry! Enjoy!
Londa says
Hi Stacey, looking forward to making this. Can you tell me what kind of salt you use? Sea, Kosher, or table salt? Also can you share the brand of chili and Mexican oregano you use?
Thanks!
Garlic Salt & Lime says
Hi, Londa! I use regular table salt in my taco seasoning. I'm not positive what brand I use for my chili powder and Mexican oregano. I live in Colorado and almost every grocery store has bulk Mexican seasonings in small bags in the baking isle next to the little jars of seasonings. I usually grab my chili powder and Mexican oregano there. If you're having trouble finding them, try Amazon! Any brand should work!
Faith says
For the writer of this excellent recipe: I order Mexican oregano from the Spice House. I can get the dried leaf and the ground. I believe it makes a world of difference in our Mexican dishes like chili, and a taco seasoning blend like this. I've been buying spices from them since I started cooking when I was 19 years old, many, many decades ago. They are great, with easy and quick shipping.
Krusatyr says
Yours is a high quality taco seasoning blend. Mine is identical except I add smoked paprika.
Cumin may be the single most important spice in my cabinet.
I buy whole seeds in bulk then grind the seeds in advance for what I will use per month. Then the freshly ground cumin is many times more potent than buying already ground cumin. An old cheap electric coffee bean grinder grinds cumin seed in a 3 to 4 seconds. Meanwhile, the seed husks on whole cumin seed lock the flavor in for long storage until grinding.