This homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe is an economical version of the pantry staple. It’s easy to make and tastes better than store-bought mixes!

It costs about $2.80 to make this recipe. It makes two servings for around $1.40 per serving.

You can use this Homemade Taco Seasoning in recipes like this Pantry Chicken Taco Soup, Ground Turkey Tacos With Sweet Potato, and Ultimate Nachos Recipe.

A wooden spoon scooping some taco seasoning from a glass jar.

Taco Seasoning

Get ready to spice up your dishes with this Homemade Taco Seasoning. It is an easy way to customize your dish. Use this seasoning to add flavor to your tacos, veggies, shrimp, beans, soups, salads, chicken, beef, and more!

The best part is that you, most likely, already have the ingredients to make this Taco Seasoning sitting in your cupboard. It comes together quickly with staple ingredients already in your spice rack.

Homemade Taco Seasoning in a jar that's been tipped over.

I recently ran out of this Homemade Taco Seasoning and needed a new batch. I find myself using this for more than just tacos. 

More Taco Seasoning Recipe Ideas:

  • Use it for fajita seasoning, see my recipe for Stovetop Chicken Fajitas here.
  • You can use it as a dry rub and marinade for meat.
  • Use it for seasoning homemade salsas.
  • I love using it as seasoning for sauteed fresh veggies. I especially like adding it to my zucchini and summer squash with a little shredded cheese.
  • For Mexican corn on the cob, butter the corn and sprinkle it with a light dusting of this seasoning.

The possibilities are endless. The seasoning is quick, easy, and cheap to throw together.

Ingredients and Estimated Cost

Per Serving Cost: $1.40

Recipe Cost: $2.80

  • ¼ cup chili powder – $1.12
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin – $0.36
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander – $0.36
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano – $0.15
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder – $0.40
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder – $0.40
  • 1 teaspoon table salt – $0.01

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The recipe cost is calculated by the amounts needed for the recipe. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have. I updated the pricing for this recipe in March 2023.

An overhead picture of all of the ingredients needed to make this recipe.

How To Make Homemade Taco Seasoning

***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.

  1. First, whisk together the ingredients in a small bowl. 
  2. Once the ingredients are combined, transfer the taco mix to an airtight jar. 

A picture collage showing how to make this recipe.

Serving and Storage Tips

STORE: This will stay fresh, stored in an airtight container, for up to six months.

FREEZE: Place in a freezer-safe container or zipper-top bag and freeze for 1-2 years.

Recipe FAQs

What is taco seasoning mix made of?

There are 8 ingredients that make up homemade taco mix.
They are:
chili powder
ground cumin
ground coriander
dried oregano
garlic powder
onion powder
table salt
cayenne pepper

Is taco seasoning the same for beef and chicken?

Yes! You can use this to spice up your beef or chicken. And lots of other meats and veggies too.

Do you cook meat before adding taco seasoning?

es, typically, it is best to cook and drain the meat before adding the taco seasoning. However, you should always refer to the specific directions for each recipe.

How do you use this Taco Seasoning Recipe?

First, Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off the fat.
Next, stir in the seasoning mix along with 3/4 cup of water. 
Then, bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Finally, spoon the taco meat into warm tortillas or hard taco shells. Serve the tacos with your favorite toppings. 

How to use Taco Seasoning Mix:

  1. First, Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off the fat.
  2. Next, stir in ¼ cup of the seasoning mix along with ¾ cup of water. 
  3. Then, bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Finally, spoon the taco meat into warm tortillas or hard taco shells. Serve the tacos with your favorite toppings. 
Homemade Taco Seasoning in a glass jar with tacos in the background.

More Mexican-Inspired Recipes

A close up overhead picture of the finished Taco Mix Recipe in a white bowl.
4.50 from 4 votes

Taco Seasoning Recipe

Recipe Cost $ $2.80
Serving Cost $ $1.40
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
2 servings
This homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe is an economical version of the pantry staple. It's easy to make and tastes better than store-bought mixes!

Equipment

  • measuring cups and spoons
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • storage jar or container

Ingredients
 
 

  • ¼ cup chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder or flakes
  • 1 teaspoon table salt
  • pinch cayenne pepper optional

Instructions

  • In a small bowl whisk all of the ingredients until combined.
  • Transfer the taco mix to an airtight jar.

Notes

This recipe will make enough taco mix for 2 pounds of ground beef. You can double, triple, quadruple, etc., the recipe as needed. 
How To Use This Taco Seasoning:
    1. First, Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain off the fat.
    1. Next, stir in ¼ cup of the seasoning and ¾ cup of water. 
    1. Then, bring the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    1. Finally, spoon the taco meat into warm tortillas or hard taco shells. Serve the tacos with your favorite toppings. 

Nutrition

Calories: 24kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 1168mg | Potassium: 78mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 2mg

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Recipe Rating




9 Comments

  1. Where did you get these containers?? I love them!

    1. Sam, I got them at Anthropologie and I believe they’re still selling them on their site. 🙂

  2. Christy @ Creating a Beautiful Life says:

    I make my own mix too, but never thought about using it for a dry rub. I’m visiting from the 504 Main link party.

    Christy @ Creating a Beautiful Life

  3. Trish @ Uncommon says:

    How smart is this?! Love the jars, as well. Thanks for sharing with us this week at Monday Funday!

    Take care,

    Trish

  4. I really need to make this for the next time I make tacos. I rarely make them but when I do even the low sodium taco mix is way too salty! Thank you for sharing.

  5. Nart at Cooking with Nart says:

    This is a great recipe. Homemade taco mix is the best!

  6. We always make our own taco mix, so we can leave the salt out to make it suitable for the kids.

  7. I love making my own spice mixes. It’s a great way to use up older spices. Thanks for the idea!