Making your own taco seasoning is easier than you think, and it tastes SO much better than store-bought packets! This homemade Old El Paso taco seasoning recipe comes together in just minutes with simple pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Say goodbye to those mysterious additives and artificial flavors—once you try this from-scratch version, you’ll never go back to the packet again.
I absolutely love how versatile this seasoning blend is. Use it on ground beef, chicken, turkey, or even vegetables for tacos, nachos, burrito bowls, or anywhere else you’d normally reach for that Old El Paso packet. The best part? You can customize the heat level and spice ratios to suit your family’s preferences. Plus, it’s more economical to make at home, and you’ll feel like such a kitchen hero when you whip this up from scratch.
This recipe has been a game-changer in our kitchen, especially on busy weeknights when we want quick, delicious tacos without all the preservatives. The combination of cumin, chili powder, garlic, and onion creates that classic taco flavor we all know and love, but with a homemade touch that elevates it to something truly special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this taco seasoning will become your new go-to.
I’ve tested this recipe countless times to get the proportions just right, and I’m so excited to share it with you! You can make a big batch and store it in an airtight container for quick weeknight meals. Keep some in your spice cabinet and you’ll always be ready for taco night. Your taste buds (and your wallet) will thank you!
For more Mexican-inspired flavors, check out this Quick Greek Salad Recipe for a fresh side dish, or explore Best Shishito Peppers Recipe for a delicious appetizer. You might also love our Easy Chicken Alfredo Recipe for non-taco nights. If you want to get fancy with sauces, try our Best Heavy Cream Alfredo Sauce Recipe, and for pasta lovers, our Delicious Heavy Cream Pasta Recipe is a must-try!
For more inspiration on seasoning blends and spice combinations, check out Bon Appétit’s homemade taco seasoning and Serious Eats’ detailed taco seasoning guide. The New York Times also offers wonderful expert tips on making taco seasoning that pair perfectly with this recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Gather all your spices and place them in a small bowl. Make sure your spices are fresh and fragrant—old spices won’t give you the best flavor, so check those expiration dates!
- Add 2 tablespoons of chili powder to your bowl first. This is the base of your seasoning and gives it that classic taco flavor.
- Add 1 tablespoon of ground cumin. This warm, earthy spice is essential for authentic taco seasoning and really makes it taste like Old El Paso.
- Stir in 1 tablespoon of paprika. This adds a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to your seasoning blend.
- Add 2 teaspoons of garlic powder. Don’t use fresh garlic here—the powder distributes better and gives consistent flavor throughout.
- Add 2 teaspoons of onion powder. This complements the garlic beautifully and adds depth to the overall flavor profile.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. This Mediterranean herb adds an authentic Mexican touch to your blend.
- Add 1 teaspoon of salt. Taste as you go and adjust if needed—you can always add more but you can’t take it out!
- Add ½ teaspoon of black pepper for a slight bite and complexity.
- If you like your tacos spicier, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper and ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine.
- Whisk all the spices together thoroughly until everything is evenly combined. Make sure there are no clumps, as you want the seasoning to distribute evenly when you use it.
- Taste a tiny pinch on your finger to check the flavor balance. Adjust any spices to your preference—add more cumin if you want it earthier, or more chili powder if you want it spicier.
- Transfer your finished seasoning to an airtight container or glass jar. Label it with the date so you remember when you made it.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight. Your homemade taco seasoning will stay fresh for 3-6 months.
- When ready to use, add 2-3 tablespoons of this seasoning mix to 1-2 pounds of cooked ground meat along with ¼ cup of water, stirring well to coat everything evenly.
Pro Tips
- This homemade seasoning is significantly cheaper than store-bought Old El Paso packets—you’ll save money while getting better quality ingredients with no artificial additives or preservatives.
- The beauty of making your own taco seasoning is that you have complete control over the spice level. If your family prefers milder tacos, reduce the chili powder and skip the cayenne entirely. For spice lovers, amp up the cayenne and add even more red pepper flakes.
- Store your finished seasoning in an airtight glass jar or container in your pantry. Keep it away from heat sources like your stove, as heat and humidity will degrade the spices faster. Properly stored, it will maintain its potency for 3-6 months.
- This recipe makes about 3 tablespoons of seasoning, which is equivalent to one store-bought packet. If you want to make a larger batch to keep on hand, simply multiply the recipe by however many packets you typically use per month.
- You can customize this blend based on what you have in your spice cabinet. Some people add a pinch of cumin, others prefer more garlic powder. Feel free to experiment and create your own signature blend!
- For use: Combine 2-3 tablespoons of this seasoning with ¼ cup of water and add to 1-2 pounds of cooked ground beef, chicken, or turkey. Simmer for 5-10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and coats the meat beautifully.
- Don’t skip mixing the spices thoroughly—this ensures that every batch of tacos you make will have consistent, well-balanced flavor. Uneven distribution means some bites will be spicier than others.
- This seasoning works wonderfully on not just tacos, but also nachos, burrito bowls, taco salads, seasoned rice, roasted vegetables, and even in chili or soup. Keep a jar on hand for quick flavor boosts throughout the week.
- If you find the flavor is too strong, you can always dilute it by using less seasoning per batch of meat. Start with 2 tablespoons and work your way up to find your perfect amount.
- Make several jars of this seasoning and gift them to friends and family who love tacos. It makes a thoughtful, homemade gift that people will genuinely appreciate and use.
- This recipe contains no fillers, no MSG, no artificial flavors, and no mysterious ingredients—just pure, simple spices that you can pronounce and identify.