Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix is one of the most versatile spice recipes. All you need are 2 tablespoons to match a store-bought taco seasoning packet.
You probably have all the ingredients for this taco seasoning recipe already.
You will think that one of the ingredients for this homemade taco seasoning mix is very unusual, and it is, but what a fantastic addition.
I'm not going to 'reveal' the special addition yet, but it is actually 'a natural'. See if you can pick it out in the ingredients photo right below here.
I tripled this taco seasoning recipe when I made it because I make a lot of Mexican style food and I thought it would be great to have this on hand at all times. It is great sprinkled on taco salads too!
You won't believe the recipes that I end up adding it too. Taco seasoning in my tofu scramble instead of cumin? Yes!
Just wait until tomorrow! Well, yesterday has come and gone but I posted Slow Cooker Black Bean Burritos using this wonderful spice mixture. One of my most popular recipes on the blog.
You already have most of the ingredients, if not all, for this homemade taco seasoning recipe and you probably have a small bottle that you saved from a past condiment too.
Table of Contents
Tips and storing
Two tablespoons equal one packet of store-bought taco seasoning.
Now see? You didn't even have to go out and spend any extra money. You already had everything in your cupboard for this taco seasoning recipe.
That really makes me feel accomplished when things get organized and pretty all at the same time.
The fact that the 'pretty' improves the food isn't a bad thing either.
I save all of my small jars. I'm kind of jar crazy ... and glass crazy.
Everything is on display in my house. Spices make an especially pretty display so you don't need to hide them in a cupboard.
I also have a display rack on the wall that holds my herbs and spices just right. Love having the extra space in my pantry.
For this recipe, I wanted to actually use specific spice jars and certain sizes so I shopping for pretty little containers. Cost Plus World Market has some really cool ones too.
This is going to be one of many spice mixes that will be on the blog in the future. Each ingredient is the perfect amount for a great blend. So let's get going!
Ingredients
- Chili powder - the king of spices for this all-around seasoning mix
- Garlic powder - goes a long way in the flavor department with just a little bit.
- Onion powder - is powerful so a little goes a long way and adds a lot of flavor.
- Paprika - has a mild flavor but does add some flavoring and it has a beautiful color that can change the look of the dish.
- Ground black pepper - is very spicy so don't use a lot.
- Cocoa Powder - gives a hint of flavor depth
- Ground coriander - is mildly sweet with a nutty aroma.
- Sea salt - is the perfect understated seasoning.
- Dried oregano - is aromatic and has an earthy flavor.
- Ground Cumin - is also unusual but gives more of a tasty kick.
Instructions
- You can use a spice mill or spice grinder for the oregano if you like. You can also just crush it more with your fingers. It will still work great in the mixture.
- Mix all of the ingredients and store in a jar with a tight lid.
- Ground and dried spices last two to three years so there is no problem in keeping them on your shelf.
Here is a picture of the taco seasoning ingredients waiting to be blended together. So many pretty colors and such good taste.
Ways to use taco seasoning mix
- It's not only for tacos! Here are a couple more ideas.
- You can always add more than a recipe calls for to get extra spice.
FAQ's
Ground and dried spices last two to three years so there is no problem in keeping them on your shelf. I bet this mix will be used up way before then though.
Yes, though I think this recipe is perfect you can sure add more onion powder and garlic powder.
I would say no. It has a different taste as you know and it would not be in line with the Mexican style recipes you'll be making.
Seasoning mix recipes
- Another extremely versatile mix. - Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix
- Homemade Italian Seasoning - The ever-popular seasoning mix for all your pasta favorites.
- Don't forget your special sweets - Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice
- Homemade Garam Masala Seasoning - This mix takes your Middle Eastern recipes a long way.
📋 Recipe
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoon chili powder plus 1 teaspoon
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoon oregano ground or ground Mexican oregano
- 3 teaspoon cumin ground
Instructions
- You can grind the oregano in a spice grinder if you like. You can also just crush it more with your fingers.
- Mix all of the ingredients well.
- Store in a jar or tin with a tight lid.
Laura
I am always looking for homemade spices and this one looks delicious. Cocoa? I definitely need to try it.
Carrie
Do you still need to add water like the store packet says?
Ginny McMeans
No Carrie, just use it however it's specified in any recipe.
Dash
Made this tacos seasoning and boy was it delicious. I added a few teaspoons to some Gardien Meatless crumbles and later made enchiladas. Huge hit! Thanks for sharing.
Ginny McMeans
You are so welcome Dash. I appreciate you letting us know. Thanks!
susan
Was not surprised by the addition of the cocoa powder, but had forgotten about it. Have added to my vegan chili, but my husband didn't care for it. But adding it to this recipe. So thank you..
Ginny McMeans
That's great Susan. Yes, the amount of cocoa powder is very important. It adds just a little depth of flavor.
Alice
I haven't made this yet but I'm sure it is perfect. And I will be making it. I have the perfect little jar for it and I'll purchase more for your other mixes I look forward to making. As far as cocoa I always include it in the spicy, saucy, black beans that are my staple. (I eat Whole Foods Plant Based.) Thanks for all and thanks for the idea to display the mixes in cute jars.
Ginny McMeans
You are so welcome Alice! It is amazing what a little cocoa will do in some recipes. The black beans sound so good.
Cap'n Dave
Authentic Cincinnati chili also uses cocoa, so I wasn't surprised to see it here! It really does something magical with the flavor combinations - richer, hardier, deep, and something...je ne sais quoi. It literally defies an adequate description in our stumbling, paltry attempts at categorization. It's more of a sensory thought than verbiage.
After my move next year, I too will be building a spice cabinet to showcase my most-used spices. The rest will reside in my pantry, but they will be in bottles as well. Right now, I have a spice cabinet, and it has various sized jars, bottles, bags, baggies, and little plastic canisters. I need to organize, because when I'm cooking, I want to grab this, that, or the other thing right away, not frantically hunt for it while things on the stove begin to burn!
Thank you for sharing this, and it will most definitely be a regular addition in my cooking! Tacos, burritos, taco salad, nachos, Southwestern tofu scrambles, dips, dressings, so many uses! 🙂
Ginny McMeans
Great ideas for using taco seasoning! Tofu scramble sounds really good. Good luck in your move and have fun building your spice cabinet. You're going to love it!
Flyingmartini
I'm looking forward to making this. Especially since it's healthier than the store bought chemical crap. Do you sprinkle it in with the mock meat& add water? Speaking of mock meat, I used TVP & taco seasoning mix instead of the vegan crumbles. It tasted pretty good!
Ginny McMeans
You sure can Flyingmartini. You can use it any way you want to spice up a meal. I think it would work perfectly just as those package directions tell you.
Carol Mayberry
Thanks for the recipe. I will be making the black bean burritos!
Greg Moore
I don't know what ground coriander is.
Is it seeds that have been ground up, like mustard powder?
It it green coriander leaves that have been dried, like oregano?
Thanks!
Ligia Lugo
It's a common ingredient that you should be able to purchase at any grocery store. It comes from ground seeds.