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Home » Recipes » Basics and Staples

Taco Seasoning (Small Batch)

Last Modified: Jan 13, 2024 by Janessa.

↓ Jump to Recipe

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
Taco seasoning on a spoon.

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

Single serving taco seasoning 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.

Ingredients being stirred together in a bowl using a fork.

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. 

Bowl filled with taco seasoning mixture.

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
Spoon scooping a portion of taco seasoning.
Can I use this recipe to make a big batch?

You can easily multiply this diy taco spice blend recipe to make several servings in order to have some on hand for your next taco night. Simply increase the tablespoons indicated in the servings section of the recipe card and it will automatically scale up the amounts for you.

What if I don't have chili powder?

You can make this homemade taco seasoning mix without chili powder by replacing the 1 tablespoon of chili powder with:
-1 and ½ teaspoons of paprika
-½ teaspoon of cumin
-½ teaspoon of garlic powder
-¼ teaspoon of onion powder
-⅛ teaspoon of ground cayenne

How much taco seasoning is in a packet?

Most taco spice mixes that you find at the grocery store contain about 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning which is what this recipe yields.

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

Recipe Card

Taco seasoning on a spoon.

Taco Seasoning

Use this single serving taco seasoning to replace the package next time you need it. You probably have all of the ingredients to make your own taco right now.
5 from 41 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 2 tablespoon
Calories: 11kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ½ tablespoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt
(Prevent your screen from going dark)

Instructions

  • Add all of the ingredients to a small bowl and mix.
  • Use in any recipe that calls for taco seasoning.

Notes

Leftovers
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 year. 

Nutrition

Calories: 11kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.5g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 182mg | Potassium: 62mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 659IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
Did you make this recipe?Let me know what you thought in the comments below!
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Comments

    5 from 41 votes (41 ratings without comment)

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  1. Toni says

    October 28, 2022 at 7:09 am

    5 stars
    One of the staples at my kitchen!! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      October 29, 2022 at 8:14 am

      I'm glad you like this recipe, Toni!

      Reply
  2. Jen says

    October 28, 2022 at 7:17 am

    5 stars
    This is so easy!! I love it! Thanks so much!

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      October 29, 2022 at 8:14 am

      Thank you for your kind review, Jen!

      Reply
  3. Ava M. says

    October 28, 2022 at 7:39 am

    5 stars
    Perfect! I've been using your recipe for months and always have a jar ready not only for tacos but also for seasoning soups and stews ^^

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      October 29, 2022 at 8:14 am

      I'm glad you liked this recipe, Ava! Such a great idea to add it to soups.

      Reply
  4. Andrea says

    October 28, 2022 at 8:24 am

    5 stars
    I love making homemade season blends. I'll be adding this Taco seasoning to my spice rack ASAP!

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      October 29, 2022 at 8:13 am

      I hope you love it, Andrea!

      Reply
  5. Tayler says

    October 28, 2022 at 9:23 am

    5 stars
    I always keep a jar of this in my pantry! It’s so much better than the store bought packet!

    Reply
    • Janessa says

      October 29, 2022 at 8:13 am

      I'm glad you like this taco seasoning, Tayler!

      Reply
Janessa

Hi, I'm Janessa and I'm passionate about sharing recipes that are made with wholesome ingredients, are quick and easy and most importantly, delicious!

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