Hi! I'm Lindsey.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recipes
  • Kitchen Essentials
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Cooking Basics
  • Lifestyle
  • Shop

A Nourishing Plate

Condiments, How To · April 29, 2021

DIY Taco Seasoning

Jump to Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure for more info.

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

DIY Taco Seasoning

5 from 3 votes
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!
Print Recipe
Prep Time:5 mins
Total Time:5 mins
Author: Lindsey Jenkins

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp chili powder
  • ½ tbsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp kosher salt* see notes
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • tiny pinch sugar (granulated)
  • 1 tsp 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.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!

Posted In: Condiments, How To

You’ll Also Love

A bowl of nectarine salsa with chopped cilantro and fresh lime wedge.Nectarine Salsa
A small bowl of spicy sushi mayo with a spoon.Japanese Spicy Mayo (For Sushi, Poke, And Beyond)
Caramelized OnionsHow to Make The Best Caramelized Onions

Comments

  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 5, 2022 at 5:49 pm

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

    Reply
    • Lindsey says

      August 6, 2022 at 12:20 pm

      Hi Jennifer,

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

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.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

Recipe Rating




Next Post >

How to Create a Capsule Pantry to Save Time, Money, & Cook with Ease (+ Free Checklist)

About Photo
Hi, I’m Lindsey. A Nourishing Plate is a healthy cooking site sharing flexible dairy-free recipes to inspire creativity, boost kitchen confidence, and be a more resourceful cook.

Stay Updated

Search

Seasonal Recipes

  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Spring
  • Summer

Reader Favorites

  • 3 Ingredient DIY Himalayan Salt Scrub for Glowing Skin
  • basket of apples What Goes Well With Apples?
  • Fresh artichokes What Goes Well With Artichokes?

Trending Now

  • A small bowl of spicy sushi mayo with a spoon. Japanese Spicy Mayo (For Sushi, Poke, And...
  • 3 Ingredient DIY Himalayan Salt Scrub for...
  • basket of apples What Goes Well With Apples?
  • Simple Everyday Dressing How to Make a Simple Vinaigrette Dressing

hey there!

A Nourishing Plate is a healthy cooking resource with a playful approach. Here you’ll find adaptable dairy-free recipes with substitution ideas so you can use whatever’s in season, in your pantry, or to fit your dietary needs.

Browse by Course

  • Breakfast
  • Mains
  • Salads
  • Dessert

Browse by Diet

  • Gluten-Free
  • Nut-Free
  • Vegan

Browse by Season

  • Fall
  • Winter
  • Spring
  • Summer

Let’s Connect

  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclosure

Copyright © 2022 A Nourishing Plate · Theme by 17th Avenue