Let’s be honest for a second: those store-bought taco seasoning packets? Overrated. Overpriced. And, IMO, kinda overrated (did I say that twice?). They’re loaded with unnecessary junk like too much salt, mystery fillers, and sometimes sugar for absolutely no reason. Ever flipped one over and tried to pronounce half the ingredients? Yeah, same. 😬
If you’ve ever run out mid-taco night and panicked like your life depended on that tiny packet, don’t worry—you’re about to become your own seasoning hero. Making your own taco seasoning is stupid simple, crazy cheap, and tastes way better than the packet stuff.
Why Ditch the Packet?
- You avoid unnecessary ingredients. Fillers like maltodextrin, anti-caking agents, and too much salt.
- It’s customizable. Adjust the spice level and salt to your liking.
- It’s ridiculously easy. We’re talking 5 minutes max.
The Basic Taco Seasoning Formula
🌮 Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked or sweet)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Dump everything in a small bowl or jar.
- Mix it like your tacos depend on it.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
Pro Tip: Double or triple the batch and store for later.
How It Compares to Store-Bought
| Feature | Store-Bought Packet | Homemade |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | Bland | Rich, fresh, adjustable |
| Ingredients | Fillers and additives | All real spices |
| Cost | $1–$2 per packet | Pennies per serving |
| Flexibility | None | Total control |
Flavor Tweaks for the Bold
- Smoky: Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
- Hot: Extra cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Salt-free: Skip the salt and season separately.
- Tex-Mex: Add cinnamon or cocoa powder for depth.
Best Ways to Use It
- Ground meat
- Roasted chickpeas
- Potato wedges
- Mexican rice
- Soups or chili
- Veggie fajitas
Also makes a great dip base mixed into Greek yogurt.
Storage Tips
- Use airtight jars
- Store away from light
- Label everything clearly
Common Questions
- Can I make it without chili powder? Yes, try paprika and cayenne.
- Is it gluten-free? Yep—check your spice labels.
- How much per pound? About 2 tablespoons.
- Bulk-friendly? Definitely. Scale up and jar it.
Final Thoughts
Once you start making your own taco seasoning, there’s no going back. For a little extra help mixing ratios or scaling for storage, you can always use this handy online tool. Your tacos (and your taste buds) will thank you. 🙂