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That dusty packet in your pantry? You can do better.
This homemade taco seasoning is bold, smoky, and totally under your control. No fillers, no mystery ingredients, no nonsense.

Mix it in minutes, stash it in the pantry, and use it on beef, chicken, beans, or veggies. It’s the same seasoning we use in our beef taco salad, and store-bought doesn’t even come close.

Wooden spoon, spice jar, and scattered ground spice on white surface.
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Here’s Why This Taco Seasoning Recipe Works

Big flavor, no fluff: Chili powder, cumin, garlic, and a few bold extras bring the punch, no fillers, no weird anti-caking agents.

Custom heat level: Chipotle powder adds smoky heat, but swap in smoked paprika if you want it mild.

Better than the packet: Three tablespoons = one store-bought packet. Same convenience, way better ingredients.

Stays fresh for months: Make a big batch and keep it on hand for fast flavor whenever taco cravings hit.

Mounds of ground spices and herbs arranged on counter.
Glass jar with layered, Mexican spices.

Recipe Tips

Use fresh spices: The newer your spices, the bolder the flavor. If your cumin smells like dust, it’s time to restock.

About the cornstarch: It’s optional. It helps thicken sauces, but not everyone wants it.

Batch it up: Double or triple the recipe and store it in a jar. It saves time and gets even better with age.

Adjust to taste: Like it hotter? Add cayenne or more chipotle. Want it mild? Swap chipotle for smoked paprika.

Try it in our smoky chipotle fish tacos. They’re loaded with flavor and couldn’t be easier.

Open glass jar and wooden spoon with ground flaxseed on white surface.

If you’re into bold blends, check out our smoky BBQ seasoning and spicy Cajun dry rub. They’re easy pantry staples to keep on hand.

Taco Meat Seasoning

This homemade taco seasoning is your secret weapon. Big flavor, no junk, and always ready when you are. Make a batch, stash it in the pantry, and skip the packet for good.

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Wooden spoon, spice jar, and scattered ground spice on white surface.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
5 from 7 votes

Homemade Taco Seasoning Blend

By Dahn Boquist
This homemade taco seasoning is fast, easy and wholesome. There is a slight smokey flavor from chipotle chili powder that makes this spice blend stand out. It is more than a Mexican spice blend and goes well with any kind of meat.

If you make this recipe, please leave a star rating and comment.

Servings: 16 Tablespoons
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Ingredients 

  • 4 tablespoons chili powder
  • 3 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons chipotle chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 1 ½ tablespoons salt
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, optional

Instructions 

  • Mix the spices together and store in an airtight container. 
  • Store up to 6 months. 

Video

Notes

Taco packet equivalent: Use 3 tablespoons of this homemade blend in place of 1 packet of store-bought taco seasoning.
Mild option: Swap chipotle powder for smoked paprika if you prefer less heat.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving, Calories: 25kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 883mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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About Dahn Boquist

Dahn Boquist is a retired nurse turned recipe developer, home cook, and baker with years of hands-on experience creating and testing from-scratch recipes. She specializes in whole-food cooking with creative twists on classic dishes. When she’s not in the kitchen, she enjoys sharing meals with family, exploring the Pacific Northwest, and spending time with her grandchildren.

Read More About Me

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5 from 7 votes (7 ratings without comment)

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4 Comments

  1. Chef Mimi says:

    I usually just use all of these herbs and spices when I make a dish, but it would be smarter to have the seasoning mixture already prepared!!! Thanks!

    Reply
    1. Dahn Boquist says:

      Yes it is nice to have a prepared mix to make prep work a bit quicker, thanks Mimi

      Reply
  2. John / Kitchen Riffs says:

    This looks great! Not only healthier than the commercial taco seasoning, but a LOT cheaper. Chipotle chile powder for me, please — I love spicy! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Dahn Boquist says:

      Thanks John 😉

      Reply