DIY Taco Seasoning

This DIY taco seasoning is made with a blend of simple everyday spices. Gone are the days of buying one-and-done taco seasoning packets.

Making your own is much more cost-effective and sustainable. Plus, it's ridiculously easy. As in, so easy you'll wonder why you haven't been making your own all along.

Ingredients You'll Need

If you've already built a capsule pantry, you probably have all the ingredients.

For DIY taco seasoning, you'll need a combination of:

• chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, kosher salt, black pepper, sugar (tiny pinch), and nutritional yeast (optional).

Quick Notes

- The chili powder is American chili powder, which is just a blend of spices, but isn't spicy at all.

- Smoked paprika has more depth of flavor than sweet, but feel free to use either one.

- Kosher salt has the most consistent salt taste, without tasting overly salty. I only recommend this brand. If using another brand, start with a smaller amount first.

- Freshly ground black pepper has the best flavor, but pre-ground will also work.

- A tiny pinch of sugar (any granulated kind) helps to balance out the savory flavors.

Store-Bought vs DIY

Those little store-bought taco seasoning packets may seem convenient, but they're usually filled with junk like inflammatory oils and anti-caking agents.

Not exactly mouthwatering.

Making the DIY version means keeping it really simple and fresh (who knows how long those store-bought packets have been sitting on the shelves).

Plus, you can easily customize it.

• Want it a little smokey? Use smoked paprika
• Like a spicy kick? Add in red chili flakes or cayenne pepper
• Big garlic lover? Up the quantity.
• Want some umami/cheesiness without the dairy? Include nutritional yeast like I did.

Honestly, when I don’t have any homemade taco seasoning, I usually just throw all these ingredients onto whatever I’m cooking and hope for the best.

Spoiler: it works this way, too. But, I will say that it's nice to have a batch all ready to go.

Remember that this recipe is just a guide. Adjust the portions to suit your own preferences.

How to Make DIY Taco Seasoning

1. Mix. Add all the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together until well combined.
2. Store. Place in an old spice jar (or another jar) with a tight-fitting lid and label it. Store in a dry, cool spot until ready to use.
3. Quantity. Makes 3 tablespoons.

Taco Seasoning Uses

Taco seasoning isn't just for tacos. Other uses:

• sprinkle on homemade popcorn (one of my personal favorites)
• add to homemade risotto for a Mexican fusion twist
• use to season rice or beans
• sprinkle on whatever roasted vegetables are in season
• season fajitas with it or use in stuffed peppers
• add to southwest quinoa salad

Print Recipe

5 from 3 votes

DIY Taco Seasoning

This DIY taco seasoning is made with a blend of simple everyday spices. Out with the old store-bought packets and in with homemade, especially when it's this easy!

Prep Time5 minutes mins

Total Time5 minutes mins

Author: Lindsey Jenkins

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ½ tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt* see notes
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• tiny pinch sugar (granulated)
• 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast (optional)

Instructions

• Add all the ingredients to a small bowl and whisk or stir together until well combined.
• Place in an old spice jar (or another jar) with a tight-fitting lid and label it. Store in a dry, cool spot until ready to use.
• Makes 3 tablespoons.

Notes

• *Kosher salt has the most consistent salt taste, without tasting overly salty. I only recommend this brand. If using another brand, start with a smaller amount first.