What’s in those taco seasoning packets anyway? Well… as it would turn out, quite a few ingredients you might not want to eat. And here’s the thing, mixing up your own taco seasoning is so easy you can mix up a batch in minutes! It’s an extra bonus that making your own seasoning is also budget-friendly. I buy my spices in the bulk section at our local health food stores. From there you measure out 5 spices, add the optional salt, and you’re ready to go. Best of all, this easy recipe tastes better than store-bought taco seasoning.
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cumin – is one of the main flavors you taste in taco seasoning along with chili powder. Chili powder – look for chili powder that’s mild and there’s no salt added. Of course, you can use hot chili powder, but your seasoning would be really spicy. Chipotle powder – ground chipotle powder adds depth and a touch of smoky flavor to this taco seasoning. It’s definitely worth a place in your spice drawer! This seasoning is created to be mild, so you can always add more chipotle for a kick. Or you can sub in smoked paprika so your seasoning has absolutely no heat at all. You could also add cayenne pepper to taste if you love spicy food. Granulated garlic & onion – you can see from the photo that granulated garlic is like garlic powder but with more texture. You want to look for any brand that doesn’t have salt in it. Both granulated garlic and onion have a wonderful lightly ‘toasty’ flavor that really makes this taco seasoning. Sea salt – is totally optional in this seasoning recipe. I like to add just a touch to be more like the store-bought packets. Plus that way I don’t have to season my recipes so much. But you can omit it and season whatever recipe you use this seasoning in to taste.
How to make this recipe step by step
Step 1: Start by measuring out all your spices. Step 2: Next add them all to a small bowl. Step 3: Then stir the spices together to combine breaking up any clumps. Step 4: Transfer your taco seasoning to an airtight sealed container and use it within 1 year for the best freshness!
Storing leftovers
To store – place your homemade taco seasoning into an airtight container and store it in a dark place like your pantry or spice drawer for up to 1 year for the best freshness. A small mason jar with a tight-fitting lid also works really well for storage. Make ahead – make a double or triple batch of you make tacos often and you’ll always have homemade taco seasoning ready to go.
Enjoy this taco seasoning with my Creamy Taco Soup, Turkey Taco Salad, or my Taco Bowls.
Recipe Inspiration
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas Fish Taco Bowls Carnitas Burrito Bowls Shrimp Fajitas Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowls
I really hope you enjoy this Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe! If you do get a chance to make this recipe, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Also if you love making your own seasoning, you might enjoy my Fajita Seasoning recipe as well.
