DIY Taco Seasoning (Better Than Store-Bought Packets!)

This easy homemade taco seasoning recipe mixes up in about 5 minutes, and it tastes so much better than the packets from the grocery store. Make just enough for one pound of taco meat, or mix up a big batch jar to keep in your pantry for busy weeknights. It’s perfect for tacos, taco soup, casseroles, dips, and so much more!

DIY Taco Seasoning

I started making my own seasoning mixes years ago when I realized how easy it was. Because I love to cook and try new recipes, I always have a drawer full of spices that I’ll never use up. 

Instead of tossing them, I can mix them into blends like Copycat Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, homemade poultry seasoning, and more (see all of my homemade spice blends here). 

Another great upside is that when you make your own, you know exactly what you’re getting. No mystery additives, no fillers, and you can tweak it exactly how your family likes it. Around here, that usually means dialing back the salt just a bit and sometimes bumping up the flavor with a little extra chili powder or cumin.

We are a taco-loving family, so this particular seasoning mix is one we use all the time.  I can mix up a big batch, keep it in a jar in my kitchen, and dinner comes together faster on busy nights. 

Whether I’m making taco meat, tossing it into taco soup, or adding it to homemade salsa, I don’t have to think twice. It’s simple, reliable, and tastes better than anything I’ve grabbed off the shelf.

This homemade version is simple, budget-friendly, and skips the cheap filler, excess sodium, and additives you’ll often find at the grocery store. Once you start making your own taco seasoning, it’s hard to go back.

Why You’ll Love This DIY Taco Seasoning

• Made with pantry staples you already have
• No fillers or unnecessary ingredients
• Easy to mix in a small bowl
• Perfect for Taco Tuesday or busy weeknights
• Great for making a big batch ahead of time
• You control the salt so there’s not too much salt

Ingredients

If your kitchen is anything like mine, you probably already have all of the individual spices needed to make this easy taco seasoning mix.

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried oregano
• Coriander
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

The cornstarch is optional, but it helps create a slightly thicker sauce that coats the meat really well. If you prefer a thinner texture or don’t have any on hand, you can leave it out and it’ll still turn out just as flavorful.

How to Make DIY Taco Seasoning

1. Add all spices to a small bowl.
2. Stir until fully combined into a uniform seasoning blend.
3. Transfer to an airtight container.
4. Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.

How Much Taco Seasoning to Use

One batch of this recipe makes about 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning, which is about the same as one store-bought packet. That’s just right for 1 pound of ground beef, ground turkey, or chicken.

Using seasoning from a big batch jar? Measure out 3 tablespoons per pound of meat and add 2/3 cup of water.

This works perfectly for:

• Taco meat
• Ground beef tacos
• Chicken or turkey tacos

To make regular taco meat, follow these instructions:

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned, about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain off any excess grease.
2. Add 2⁄3 cup of water.
3. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the meat and stir to coat evenly.
4. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 5 to 7 minutes more, until the sauce thickens slightly.

For my full method, check out my Best Taco Meat Recipe.

Tools Needed

• Small bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Spoon or whisk
• Airtight container

Tips for the Best Taco Seasoning Recipe

• Use fresh spices for the best flavor
• Adjust the salt to your taste to avoid adding too much
• The cornstarch helps thicken the sauce when cooking taco meat
• Double or triple for a big batch so you always have it ready

Variations

• Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
• Smoky: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika
• Mild: Skip any added heat
• Low Sodium: Reduce the kosher salt

Ways to Use This Homemade Taco Seasoning

This DIY taco mix is incredibly versatile:

• Classic tacos with flour or corn tortillas
• Ground beef tacos or shredded chicken
• Taco salads topped with sour cream
• Soups, chili, and casseroles
• Flavorful dishes like birria tacos, taco rice, or carne asada tacos
• Appetizers like 7 Layer Taco dip

Storage

Store your seasoning in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months. For best flavor, use within 3 months.

FAQs

How much equals one packet?
One batch of this homemade taco seasoning (about 3 tablespoons) equals one of those store-bought packets.

Can I make a big batch?
Yes! This recipe is easy to scale for a big batch, perfect for regular taco night meals. Check out the big batch measurements above, and use 3 tablespoons per pound of meat.

What’s the serving size?
One batch (about 3 tablespoons) seasons 1 pound of meat, which serves about 4-6 people depending on portions.

What’s in taco seasoning?
Taco seasoning is a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, coriander, salt, and pepper. Store-bought packets often add fillers and extra sodium, so making your own lets you skip those.

How much taco seasoning per pound of meat?
Use about 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning and 2/3 cup of water for every pound of ground beef, turkey, or chicken.

Is homemade taco seasoning spicy?
Not very! Regular chili powder is mild, so this blend has lots of flavor without much heat. It’s a great kid-friendly taco seasoning. Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for more kick.

Can I use taco seasoning on chicken?
Absolutely. It’s great on shredded chicken, chicken breasts, and ground chicken. Use the same 3 tablespoons per pound.

Tried this taco seasoning? Please leave a comment and a star rating below… it helps other readers find the recipe, and I’d be so grateful!