Taco Seasoning (Small Batch)

Learn to make your own taco seasoning blend using common spices. Use this single serving recipe as a replacement in any recipe that calls for a packet of taco seasoning or multiply the recipe to keep a big batch on hand for all of your best taco creations.

Jump to:

• The Ingredients
• The Method
• Leftovers and Storage
• Taco Seasoning Uses
• Tips and Tricks
• And if you liked this recipe...
• Recipe Card
• Comments

There are so many great reasons to make your own seasoning mixes.

For starters, you are fully in control of the simple ingredients you use.

And it can helpful to know in case your forgot to pick some up at the store (like forgetting Cajun seasoning to make some Cajun shrimp and rice).

It also means you don't have to have a bunch of different blends in your pantry- just the basics and there is nearly endless potential to whip up what you need (the minimalist in me definitely appreciates that!).

And because of my desire to not have a bunch of extra jars in my cupboard, this recipe just makes a single batch so you can use it all at once.

The Ingredients

• Chili Powder- Made of mostly ground red chili pepper combined with a few other spices such as cayenne, cumin, onion powder and garlic powder, this spice provides the base of the seasoning. Be sure to check that you are using a chili powder blend and not ground chiles (which are super spicy!). And if you need to make this recipe without it, see the substitution at the bottom of the post.
• Paprika- I generally use regular paprika, but smoked paprika will work as well.
• Garlic Powder
• Onion Powder
• Dried Oregano
• Ground Cumin
• Red Pepper Flakes- These add a bit of spice. You can omit them or substitute a pinch of cayenne pepper, if needed.
• Fine Sea Salt- You can leave the salt out if you prefer to add salt at the time of cooking.

The Method

1. Mix. Add all of the ground spices to a small bowl. Mix until well combined.

2. Use.

Leftovers and Storage

To Store: Store in an airtight container or small mason jar at room temperature in a dry place for up to 1 year. 

Taco Seasoning Uses

Use it for Classic Ground Meat Tacos:

• Brown one pound of ground beef, ground chicken or ground turkey. Then add the whole batch of this easy homemade taco seasoning (2 tablespoons) and ½ cup of water. Stir to combine and cook for 5-10 minutes over medium heat until the liquid is absorbed.
• Taste and add salt. As written, this homemade seasoning is on the lower salt side so that you can customize how much salt you want.

Or use this easy homemade taco seasoning in place of store-bought packets in any recipe that calls for it. A single batch of this will replace one package.

You can also use this seasoning in different recipes such as:

• Taco Salad
• Ground Beef Tacos (my favorite recipe!)
• Taco Dip
• Santa Fe Ranch
• Taco Soup

Tips and Tricks

• For optimal results, use fresh spices as spices tend to lose their potency over time. If using older spices, you may need to use extra seasoning when cooking with it.

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And if you liked this recipe...

...you might also like:

• My Favorite Ground Beef Tacos
• Cajun Seasoning
• Chimichurri (Quick and Easy)
• Cajun Honey Butter

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