• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About
  • Work with Me
  • Subscribe
  • Contact

Two Cloves Kitchen

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Work with Me
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Work with Me
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Meal » Condiments

    Published: Oct 4, 2023 · Modified: Oct 16, 2024 by Genevieve · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Homemade Taco Seasoning 

    • Facebook
    • Email
    Pinterest graphic for homemade taco seasoning.
    Pinterest graphic for homemade taco seasoning.

    This smoky, savory, tangy homemade taco seasoning recipe is a flavorful spice blend perfect for everything from taco meat to shrimp to chicken. You'll have a wonderfully delicious dinner on the table quickly with this homemade spice mix!

    Jump to Recipe - Print Recipe
    A spoonful of taco seasoning on a white plate.

    Want to save this recipe?

    Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you recipes & tips every week!

    Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
    Loading
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Taco Seasoning Mix
    • Taco Seasoning Ingredients
    • How to Make Taco Seasoning
    • Recommended Equipment
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
    • Variations and Substitutions
    • Storage
    • Expert Tips
    • How to Use Taco Seasoning
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why You'll Love This Taco Seasoning Mix

    Ditch the store-bought packet of taco seasoning and get ready to make homemade seasoning.

    You'll love this ready because it's simple, easy, and quick! Really all you need to do is buy the ingredients (if you don't already have them on hand), measure them, and stir them together.

    It only takes a few minutes to have a wonderful DIY taco seasoning recipe.

    When you use this recipe to make your own taco seasoning, it's better than store-bought. 

    Plus, by adding each of the ingredients yourself, you can adjust to your tastes. Want it super garlicky? Go for it! Want it spicier? Add more cayenne.

    This seasoning will also last for a while. It will only start losing its flavor after about 3 months of storage. 

    It scales well, too. This recipe only makes enough seasoning for about a pound of ground meat, but you can easily use the serving adjustment bar in the recipe card below to create a double or triple batch for big parties or even gifts.

    Just click on the number next to "Servings" and a bar will appear that you can slide to the right to increase the recipe output.

    Finally, and probably most importantly, it's super delicious. This is the best homemade taco seasoning recipe I've tried, and it went through many tests by a culinary professional to reach that ideal balance of flavors.

    It's smoky and savory with a hint of spice and extremely versatile. From ground turkey or ground beef tacos to shrimp fajitas, there are tons of uses for this spice blend.

    Taco Seasoning Ingredients

    Two Cloves Kitchen, as an Amazon Affiliate, makes a small percentage from qualified sales made through affiliate links at no cost to you.

    Labeled spices and seasonings for taco seasoning in bowls on a marble countertop.
    • Chili Powder For the deep, smoky flavor in this seasoning, be sure to use fresh chili powder. If your jar has been sitting at the back of the cupboard for years, it might be time to pick up a new jar!
    • Cayenne Pepper This adds the heat. If you're worried about it being too spicy, just add a little bit at a time and taste the seasoning mix as you go.
    • Garlic Powder This adds the bulk of the savory flavor in this dish. I don't recommend leaving it out or substituting it. You can also make your own using this helpful article on how to make garlic powder.
    • Onion Powder If you don't have onion powder on hand, I have made this blend by doubling the garlic powder and it turned out great.
    • Cumin Using ground cumin in this recipe adds a wonderful warmth and savoriness to the spice blend.
    • Oregano I recommend using dried oregano for this recipe. It gives it a bit of an earthy flavor I love.
    • Paprika I used sweet paprika when testing this seasoning blend, but smoked paprika or hot paprika would be excellent as well. 
    • Tajín If you can't find this ingredient, you'll still have a very tasty spice blend, but I like adding this for a bit of tanginess that balances the savory and smoky ingredients.
    • Black Pepper Freshly ground black pepper will add the most flavor to this recipe.
    • Kosher Salt I exclusively use kosher salt in my recipes. If you are substituting table salt or sea salt, only use about half of the amount specified in the recipe. They can be up to twice as salty per teaspoon as kosher salt.

    How to Make Taco Seasoning

    Ingredients for blackening seasoning in a white bowl.

    Step One Measure all of the ingredients for the taco seasoning mix and place them in a dish.

    Combined blackening spice in a bowl.

    Step Two Stir well and taste for seasoning. Adjust if needed.

    A spoonful of taco seasoning on a white plate.

    Step Three Use right away or store for later use.

    Recommended Equipment

    Measuring Spoons

    Bowl

    Wooden Spoon

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

    How much taco seasoning do I use?

    Use one full recipe per pound of ground beef or other meat. 

    What makes this the best taco seasoning recipe?

    This seasoning blend was professionally tested multiple times with different proportions of herbs and spices. The key came in adding some tanginess in the form of the dehydrated lime in Tajín.

    Why should I make my own taco seasoning?

    The beauty of making your own seasoning blends is that you have input in the final flavor. If your normal store-bought seasoning packet is too salty, too spicy, or too bland, you can adjust that in the blend you make yourself. 

    Variations and Substitutions

    Chipotle Powder Try making this mix a little more smoky and spicy by swapping part of the chili powder for chipotle powder. This is also a great option if you don't have Tajín on hand. You can swap that out for chipotle powder instead and still get some flavor variation.

    White Pepper A few recipes add white pepper in place of black pepper. It has a lighter, more nuanced flavor than black pepper. If that sounds appealing, give it a try!

    Varieties of Paprika I developed this recipe with sweet paprika, but feel free to swap them out for hot or smoked paprika for a slightly different flavor.

    Storage

    Fridge Store the seasoning mix in an airtight container, like a jar with a lid. It will last in a cool, dark place for about 3 months.

    Freezer I do not recommend freezing this seasoning mix. Just mix up some more when you're ready to use it.

    Expert Tips

    • For a spicier seasoning blend, add a pinch of extra cayenne pepper.
    • For a smokier seasoning blend, use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika.
    • Be sure to taste your seasoning after it's made. This is your opportunity to adjust the blend to taste exactly how you'd like.

    How to Use Taco Seasoning

    Use taco seasoning for...

    Chicken A piece of grilled chicken breast or grilled chicken drumsticks would be delicious with this seasoning. Or try these air fryer chicken tenders! It creates a smoky, delicious flavor you'll enjoy. I also like adding taco seasoning to this chicken sausage sheet pan dinner.

    Shrimp Sprinkle raw shrimp with this seasoning mix and then grill or pan-fry the shrimp.

    Fish Serve up your favorite white fish or salmon with taco seasoning! You can make these blackened fish tacos with taco seasoning instead of blackening seasoning.

    Steak is another great choice for taco seasoning. You don't need to buy the most expensive cut, because the spice mix will provide so much flavor. You can try a new cut, like flap steak.

    Ground Meat This spice blend is excellent for seasoning taco meat of any kind, from beef to chicken to pork. Use that meat in anything you like, from bowls to burritos to these zucchini taco boats.

    Tofu Try this seasoning mix on tofu in these tasty vegan tacos.

    Did you make this recipe? Be sure to leave a comment 💬 and a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below! You can also tag us @twocloveskitchen on Instagram or follow us on Facebook!

    📖 Recipe

    A spoonful of taco seasoning on a white plate.

    Homemade Taco Seasoning

    This smoky, savory, tangy homemade taco seasoning recipe is a flavorful spice blend perfect for everything from taco meat to shrimp to chicken. You'll have a wonderfully delicious dinner on the table quickly with this homemade spice mix!
    5 from 44 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: Tex-Mex
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
    0 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Servings: 1 batch
    Calories: 47kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • Measuring Spoons
    • Mixing Bowl

    Ingredients

    • 2 teaspoons chili powder
    • 2 teaspoons Tajín see note 1
    • ½ teaspoon cayenne
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • ½ teaspoon cumin
    • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoons kosher salt or to taste, see note 2

    Instructions

    • Measure all of the ingredients for the blackened seasoning mix recipe and place them in a dish.
    • Stir well and taste for seasoning. Adjust if needed.
    • Use right away or store for later use.

    Notes

    General
    1. If you can't find Tajín, substitute with more chili powder or some chipotle powder.
    2. If you are using table salt or sea salt instead of kosher salt, use half the recommended amount.
    Storage
    1. Fridge Store the seasoning mix in an airtight container, like a jar with a lid. It will last in a cool, dark place for about 3 months.
    2. Freezer I do not recommend freezing this seasoning mix. Just mix up some more when you're ready to use it.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 47kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 0.3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g | Sodium: 136mg | Potassium: 283mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 3804IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 64mg | Iron: 3mg

    More Condiments

    • A bowl of 4-ingredient guacamole with tortilla chips.
      Chunky Guacamole Recipe
    • A bowl of mint chimichurri sauce with a spoon, beside a bowl of dried herbs and a sprig of parsley, on a white surface with a blue-striped napkin.
      Mint Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
    • A bowl of 4-ingredient guacamole with tortilla chips.
      Easy 4-Ingredient Guacamole Recipe
    • Sliced chimichurri butter on a wooden cutting board.
      How to Make Chimichurri Butter
    • Facebook
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. PF says

      October 05, 2023 at 10:19 am

      If u add corn starch, the seasoning "clings" to thr chicken because the juice thickens on the pieces. That's my pro tip!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        October 05, 2023 at 1:28 pm

        I'll be sure to give that a try!

        Reply
    2. Hannah says

      October 04, 2023 at 11:02 pm

      5 stars
      This taco seasoning is a game-changer! It is not only delicious, but I also love that I know exactly what's in it. I love the idea of having a jar ready for future taco nights – it's going to be a kitchen staple. Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
      • Genevieve says

        October 05, 2023 at 1:28 pm

        Thanks so much, Hannah!

        Reply
    5 from 44 votes (43 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Photo shows chef Gen La Rocca,  a woman with blonde hair styled in a side braid, wearing a blue sweater and yellow apron.

    Hi, I'm Gen! Welcome to Two Cloves Kitchen. I am a professional chef, lifelong recipe creator, writer, and editor. As a native Californian and a major food lover, I am constantly developing new California-inspired dishes with bold flavor to share with you here on the site.

    More about me →

    Popular

    • A turkey smash burger on a wooden cutting board in front of subway tile.
      The Best Turkey Smash Burgers
    • A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and cilantro.
      Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas
    • A closeup of hearty marinara sauce in a wooden spoon over a pot of finished marinara sauce.
      Hearty Marinara Sauce Recipe
    • Pickled serrano peppers are shown in a glass jar surrounded by garlic, serrano peppers, and a fork.
      Quick and Easy Pickled Serrano Peppers

    The Best Winter Recipes

    • A baking dish full of chicken enchiladas is surrounded by cut limes, a halved avocado, and cilantro.
      Chicken Slow Cooker Enchiladas
    • lamb breast on a white platter with thyme.
      Roasted Lamb Breast Recipe
    • Two halves of a roasted chicken on a white platter with parsley and lemons.
      Roasted Half Chicken Recipe
    • Three bowls of chicken cabbage soup with parsley.
      Chicken and Cabbage Soup with Ginger

    STAY UP TO DATE!

    Subscribe to our newsletter

    for California-inspired recipes, weekly meal planning inspiration, and lots of bold, fresh flavor!

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Disclosures

    Contact

    • Work with Me
    • Contact

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 Two Cloves Kitchen

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.
    We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Close