Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
I make this homemade taco seasoning on repeat because it takes just 5 minutes to stir together and tastes so much better than anything from the grocery store. It is rich, smoky, customizable, and made with pantry spices I always have on hand.
Servings: 8
Calories: 19kcal
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika (you can use regular if you don’t have smoked)
- 2 ½ teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder (see note)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1-3 teaspoons crushed red pepper (see note)
Instructions
- Mix everything together and store in an airtight container. You can also mix it by shaking the container well after you put the lid on.
- Note that if you plan to store it for a long period of time, you may want to add a tablespoon of cornstarch to prevent clumping. I did not add anything but typically use my stash up within a month, then make more.
- Use as needed!
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for this easy home taco seasoning recipe is to use fresh spices whenever possible. Ground spices gradually lose their potency over time, so replacing older jars can make a surprising difference in the finished flavor. Since this recipe only takes a few minutes to mix together, it is worth starting with spices that are still fragrant.
- Adjust heat last: I always start with a smaller amount of crushed red pepper, then increase it after tasting the seasoning in a finished dish if I want more heat.
- Store away from heat: I keep my spice jars in a cool cabinet instead of above the stove. Heat and steam shorten the life of dried spices.
- Label the jar: Homemade spice blends can look similar, so I always write the name and date on the container.
- Double the batch: I usually make a double batch because of how versatile this seasoning is, and because of how quickly it disappears.
- Store in glass: I prefer storing homemade spice blends in a glass jar instead of plastic. Glass will not absorb strong spice aromas or flavors over time, keeps moisture out when sealed tightly, and does a better job of preserving the freshness of the seasoning.
Nutrition
Calories: 19kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Potassium: 107mg | Fiber: 1g | Vitamin A: 1405IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 25mg | Iron: 1.3mg