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Homemade Taco Seasoning

  • Sarah
  • 15 hours ago
  • 2 min read

Taco night just got a serious upgrade! This Homemade Taco Seasoning blend is bold, smoky, and full of rich flavor, without any fillers, MSG, or preservatives. It's pantry-friendly, takes minutes to mix, and is perfect for seasoning meats, beans, veggies, and more.


Once you make your own, you'll never want to go back to the packets!





A glass jar with layered spices sits on a brick ledge. The jar's dark lid and the red-orange brick background add contrast.
A mason jar filled with layered spices sits on a rustic brick ledge, showcasing a vibrant blend of culinary ingredients ready for use.

Why Make Your Own Taco Seasoning?

If you’ve ever glanced at the back of a taco seasoning packet, you might have noticed some questionable ingredients: maltodextrin, silicon dioxide, MSG, and excessive sodium. Making your own gives you:

  • Full control over the ingredients

  • No artificial additives or preservatives

  • Customizable heat and salt levels

  • Big savings over time

  • A fresh, flavor-packed seasoning with real spice depth

Plus, it’s fun and satisfying to pull a jar from your pantry knowing you made it.


Jar of taco seasoning with detailed label on a wooden counter, alongside a sheet of identical labels. Recipe and refill instructions visible.


Homemade Taco Seasoning

 Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for a bulk batch that yields about 1 cup of seasoning, enough for 5–6 meals:

  • ½ cup chili powder 

  • ¼ cup ground cumin

  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika 

  • 2 tablespoons salt 

  • 2 teaspoons black pepper 

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder

  • 2 teaspoons onion powder 

  • 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper 


 Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Gather & measure Measure all the spices into a bowl or directly into a mason jar.

  2. Mix thoroughly Whisk everything together in a bowl, or shake vigorously if using a jar with a tight lid. Make sure everything is well combined.

  3. Store Transfer to an airtight jar or spice container. Keep in a cool, dry pantry for up to 6 months.



How to Use Taco Seasoning

The standard ratio is:

3 tablespoons seasoning + ¾ cup water + 1 lb of ground meat (or beans, tofu, etc.)

To cook:

  1. Brown your meat (or sauté veggies/beans).

  2. Drain any excess fat.

  3. Add the taco seasoning and water.

  4. Simmer over medium heat for 5–7 minutes until the mixture thickens.


    Try these Sourdough Discard Tortillas for your next taco night!


Tortillas cooking in a black skillet. A plate with tortillas covered by a checkered cloth is in the background on a tiled countertop.
Freshly made tortillas cook in a cast iron skillet, with a stack wrapped in a cloth nearby, ready to serve.

 Customization Tips

  • Less heat? Reduce the cayenne or swap for mild chili flakes.

  • More smoky flavor? Add chipotle powder or increase smoked paprika.

  • Salt-free version? Omit salt and season meat separately to taste.

  • Kid-friendly? Leave out cayenne completely and add hot sauce to individual servings.


The Recipe:




Did you try making this Homemade Taco Seasoning? We’d love to see your creations! Tag us on Instagram at Thesproutinghomestead or leave a comment below to let us know how they turned out. Happy snacking!

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