• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Recipes
  • Substitutes
  • Basics
  • Pairings

A Nourishing Plate

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Substitutes
  • Basics
  • Pairings
  • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Substitutes
    • Basics
    • Pairings
    • Subscribe
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Basics

    Apr 29, 2021 · Modified: Jul 1, 2022 by Lindsey Jenkins · This post may contain affiliate links · 3 Comments

    DIY Taco Seasoning

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe

    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.

    More Cooking Basics

    • A warm matcha latte with a beautiful heart latte art on top.
      What Is The Best Milk For A Matcha Latte?
    • Almond Ricotta
    • Creative nacho topping ideas such as zucchini corn salad, nectarine salsa, cashew queso, and marinaded mushrooms.
      15 Unique Nacho Topping Ideas
    • A spoonful of homemade granola oat butter on top of a jar.
      Granola Butter (Nut-Free, Oat Spread)

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Rate & Review Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Evie Ugrin says

      May 23, 2021 at 12:31 pm

      5 stars
      The taco seasoning is outstanding.
      Am hopeful to have success with freezing in a small glass jar to have handy for impromptu use.

      Reply
    2. Jennifer White says

      August 05, 2022 at 5:49 pm

      Hi! Is the ratio 1 Tablespoon for 1 pound of meat?

      Reply
      • Lindsey says

        August 06, 2022 at 12:20 pm

        Hi Jennifer,

        You'll want to use about 2 tablespoons of seasoning per 1 pound of meat.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Lindsey. My goal is to teach you how to become a better cook, rely less on recipes, and be more adaptable in the kitchen depending on what's in season, in your pantry, or to fit your dietary needs. All recipes are dairy-free but come with a "make it your way" substitution section to get you started.

    More about me →

    Spring Recipes

    • A large bowl of potato and asparagus salad with roasted garlic dressing.
      Potato Asparagus Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette
    • A loaf of carrot cake cut with a couple of slices in the front.
      Carrot Cake Loaf With Zesty Citrus Glaze
    • Lavender Lemonade
    • Sautéed Garlic Scapes with squeezed lime
      Sautéed Garlic Scapes with Smoked Sea Salt and Lime

    Popular Posts

    • A small bowl of spicy sushi mayo with a spoon.
      Japanese Spicy Mayo (For Sushi, Poke, And Beyond)
    • pouring vegan oyster sauce into a glass jar
      Vegan Oyster Sauce Recipe
    • What Goes With Spinach?
    • A short glass of overnight chia seed pudding topped with fresh fig slices and dukkah seasoning.
      Overnight Chia Seed Pudding

    Footer

    Get Started

    Capsule Pantry
    Cooking Basics
    Ingredient Pairings
    Substitutes

    Explore By Seasons

    Fall Recipes
    Winter Recipes
    Spring Recipes
    Summer Recipes

    Connect

    About
    Contact
    Subscribe
    Work With Me

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Privacy policy. Disclaimer. Copyright © 2022 A Nourishing Plate LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.