Taco Seasoning Recipe

Homemade Taco Seasoning in a white bowl with a spoon on the side.

This homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is EASY to make and tastes SO much better than a packet! It brings home cooked flavor to tacos, soups, fajitas, and more!

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Seasoning

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Servings: tablespoons

Calories: 18kcal

Author: Stephanie

Ingredients

1 tablespoon chili powder
2 teaspoons cornstarch
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon EACH: pepper, paprika
¼ teaspoon EACH: garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 pinch cinnamon optional

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to an airtight container until ready to use. This makes enough to season 1 lb. of meat.
To use for taco meat: Cook the meat and drain grease. Add the seasoning mix along with 2/3 cups water. Bring to a boil until thickened, then reduce to a simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
Optional: Soften some diced onions when you add the meat, and add 3 cloves of minced garlic after you drain the grease.

Notes

How much this makes:

This recipe makes 3 tablespoons, equal to most 1-oz. seasoning packets, making them interchangeable, or enough to season 1 lb. of meat.
To double (or triple) this recipe: Hover over the number of servings at the top of the recipe card in the middle (3 tablespoons). A slider will appear. Drag it right until it reaches 6, 9, or the desired number you'd like.

Pro Tips:

Thickening Power: Unlike many online recipes, this recipe contains cornstarch. When using this seasoning for tacos, it thickens the meat mixture and makes it saucier (and less dry) when used with 2/3 cups water. (We're mimicking what the packets do!)
Cost Savings: Making your own seasoning costs much less than buying individual packets!
Make it in Bulk: This will make it just as easy as using a packet when you're making something that calls for Taco Seasoning!
Salt: I use Redmond Real Salt for my recipes, it's especially great in this one since it's a seasoning recipe. (Enter code ‘COZY‘ for 15% off!) Of course, table salt can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
Glass Seasoning Jars: These are perfect for storing your homemade taco seasoning mix!
Recipes to call for Taco Seasoning: These recipes call for taco seasoning! Some of my favorites are: Easy Baked Tacos, One Pot Taco Pasta, Loaded Nachos, Taco Soup, Burrito Bowls, Taco Spaghetti, and more!
More From Scratch Recipes:
- Brown Gravy & Chicken Gravy (super easy, no drippings needed, and so much better than a packet!)
- Condensed Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom Soup (goodbye cans!)
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce, Salsa, Tortilla Chips, Olive Oil Bread Dip, and more!

Storage:

Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. (After that it's likely still good, just not quite as fresh.)

Nutrition