This is the best homemade taco seasoning mix recipe you can make at home with your own herbs, spices and blends. You'll never want to use store bought packets again. It's loaded with chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic, onion and more. Perfect for tacos, but also for burritos, chicken, burgers, nachos and so much more!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It's time to throw away that packet of taco seasoning. My Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix is going to bring your tacos to a whole new flavor level.
Whether it's Taco Tuesday, a super quick meal at the end of a long day, or simply your favorite dish, tacos are something the whole family can enjoy.
This is my favorite taco seasoning mix, and it's easy to customize for your family!
Let me show you how to make it.
Key Ingredients
- Chili Powder. You can use an American blend, but I am using equal parts ancho powder, guajillo powder, and New Mexican chili powder blend.
- Paprika.
- Ground Cumin.
- Garlic Powder.
- Onion Powder.
- Mexican Oregano. You can sub in more common dried oregano if needed.
- Sea Salt or Kosher Salt and Black Pepper.
- Red Chili Flakes.
- Cornmeal. Optional, as a thickener.
How to Make Taco Seasoning
- In a small bowl, add all ingredients and mix well.
- Use as you would use any store bought brand of taco seasoning.
- Enjoy!
Personalize Your Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
I like to make my own blends for different meals, especially tacos, and this is one of my go-to mixes. It’s simple but flavorful, built on chili powder with cumin, salt, garlic, and basil, plus cornmeal to thicken the taco meat so it’s saucy, not watery. From there, it’s easy to tweak the ingredients to match the flavor profile you like best.
Smoky & Earthy
Love that deep, smoky taco flavor?
- Add: 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder per batch
- Reduce: Chili powder by 1 1/2 teaspoons
- Optional: Add 1/4 teaspoon cocoa powder for extra depth
Extra Garlicky
If you’re a garlic lover:
- Add: 1-2 extra teaspoons garlic powder
- Reduce: Chili powder by 1 teaspoon to keep the balance
- Optional: Add 1/2 teaspoon onion powder for more savory punch
Superhot (For Chiliheads)
Wait until you try my superhot version.
- Add: 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ghost pepper powder per batch (start small)
- Optional: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne for a more rounded, lingering heat
- Tip: Keep the cumin and garlic the same so the heat doesn’t overpower all the flavor
Mild & Family-Friendly
Need something the whole family can enjoy?
- Add: 1-2 teaspoons sweet paprika
- Reduce: Chili powder by 1-2 teaspoons
- Skip: Cayenne or any superhot powders
- Optional: A tiny pinch of sugar (1/4 teaspoon) to soften the edges
Bright & Herby
For a fresher, more aromatic blend:
- Add: 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano and 1/2 teaspoon dried basil or cilantro
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander for a citrusy note
- Reduce: Chili powder by 1 teaspoon if you don’t want it too bold
Lower Sodium
Want to cut back on salt without losing flavor?
- Reduce or remove: Salt to your preference
- Add: 1 teaspoon onion powder and a bit more Mexican oregano
- Optional: Finish your cooked taco meat with a squeeze of lime instead of extra salt
Store in their own spice jars. You can also work in other dried chili powders to make the blend uniquely yours:
- Ancho powder
- Jalapeño powder
- Chipotle powder
- Smoked or sweet paprika
- Spicy chili flakes / red pepper flakes
So many wonderful options. Got a special ingredient you like to use? Do tell, if you feel like spilling a secret.
You can even dehydrate your own chili peppers, then grind them into powders to add your own truly one-of-a-kind elements to the mix.
What to Make with My Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe?
Make anything you'd normally make with your old store bought taco seasoning or old packaged taco seasoning, including tacos (fish tacos, ground beef tacos, chicken tacos, you name it!), fajitas, nachos, taco bowls, burritos and burrito bowls, taco salad, so much more.
Try it on this Homemade Crunchwrap Supreme Recipe. Yum!
Consider is as a seasoning for making burgers or spicing up grilled meats. It will feel like you're eating a Mexican style burger. I personally love it as a rub for making grilled chicken.
You can use this taco seasoning with ground turkey, ground beef, ground chicken, ground pork, or any chopped meats, and even shrimp and seafood. It will season up just about any type of meat.
How Much Homemade Taco Seasoning Equals 1 Packet?
When making tacos with ground meats, use a ratio of 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix to 1/2 cup water to 1 pound of ground beef or other meat.
To double this, use 4 tablespoons taco seasoning mix to 1 cup water to 2 pounds of meat.
Such a great recipe. Great for any spicy food lover. Naturally gluten free.
It's taco time!
If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you'll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don't forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I'll be sure to share! Thanks! -- Mike H.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons chili powder (Use an American chili powder blend - I use equal parts ancho, guajillo, and New Mexican chili powders)
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon cornmeal (optional, as a thickener)
Instructions
- Get Mixing. Simply mix together all of your ingredients, including red chili powder, paprika, cumin, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, pepper and chili flakes (if using) in a medium sized bowl. Use a fork to blend the mixture as evenly as possible.
- Get Cooking or Store It. It's time to get cooking! Go make some tacos or burritos, or store it in an airtight container until you're ready to use it.
- Easily Double or Triple the Recipe. You can also double or triple this recipe very easily to make yourself a big batch. Make it family size and use it all month long.
Video
Notes
Storing Homemade Taco Seasoning
Store in an airtight container like a mason jar and keep it a cool, dark place, like a spice cabinet or pantry.How Long Does Taco Seasoning Last?
Homemade taco seasoning will last 6 months or longer, but is best used within 3 months, as it will start to lose freshness.Nutrition Information
Try it Out on these Taco Recipes
Check Out Some of My Other Homemade Seasoning Blends
This post was updated on 12/4/25 to include new video, photos and information. It was originally published on 2/25/15.
Robert says
I just made this, and it is definitely better than the little package from the store. Since my wife is out of town I added a teaspoon of freshly ground ghost powder as you suggested, what a wonderful aroma in the air in here tonight as supper is cooking. Thanks again Mike, your recipes have never failed me. Cheers!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Nice, Robert! I love it! Sneaking in some ghost pepper powder. So awesome. True spicy food lover!
Angie Newhouse says
I adore your recipes! Thank you so much for sharing your passion. I have a goofy question, when Paprika is called for in a recipe am I to assume it’s plain or smoked? Is there a “rule of thumb” as to which to use?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Angie! I always assume plain paprika unless the recipe calls specifically for smoked, but really you can use to your personal preference. I appreciate the comments!
Larry says
I have been using this recipe for years :-). The only difference I see is that my home made chile powder is equal parts New Mexico, Pasilla/ancho, guajillo and maybe some cayenne to turn the heat up a little, but that is personal taste. It is great fun to try different chiles when making up you signature chile powder. Reassuring to see someone else with the same ideas. Since this is a blend of ground chiles with other spices/herbs I use this in any recipe that calls for chili powder. Works great! 🙂
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Yes, perfection, Larry! I love it. Thanks for sharing!
Kathy says
I’m never buying packaged taco seasoning again. I like the flavor of this recipe the best and I like that it has cornmeal in it too to sop up some of the fat from the meat.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Yes! I agree, Kathy. I haven't bought from the store in years. I love my own homemade taco seasoning. So much better. Thanks!!!
Rick Starling says
I just made this mixture and added 1 tsp of tumeric
This is the best taco spice I have ever eaten.
Thank you very much for this and I'm looking forward to the info you will be sending.
You are a spice god.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Nice! I appreciate it, Rick! So good! I love making my own blends. Glad you enjoyed it.
barbara says
Your recipe calls for red chili powder (as do most recipes on web). You indicated in earlier exchanges that a simple American blend could be used....but all american blends of "chili powder" at supermarkets already have other spices, such as paprika, cumin, pepper, oregano, etc. in them....so if we use supermarket chili powder, and add cumin, paprika, oregano, it seems we're just doubling up on spices already included? unless we start with only a single pepper powder.....when you say simple american chili powder, should we be looking for single pepper powder? Also, if using chili powder as a base to make taco seasoning, same thing is happening?? Other than cornmeal/cornstarch, what might be the principal difference between chili powder and taco seasoning? Thanks so much for your passion!!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Barbara, it's OK if you're duplicating some of the ingredients, as the end result is still a nice balance of flavor. I link directly to the red chili powder page from the recipe so you can review that if you'd like for further discussion. https://chilipeppermadnesscom.bigscoots-staging.com/preserving-chili-peppers/how-to-dehydrate-chili-peppers-and-make-chili-powders. I mix it up usually. You have many options. You can use your favorite type, such as New Mexican red chili powder or ancho powder, for example. If you use an American blend, yes, there will be some duplication of ingredients, but they compliment each other. The overall difference is in the flavor.
Robynet says
I've been looking for a good made-from-scratch taco seasoning, and this looks terrific. I have a recipe question. The write up references the "corn starch" will act as a thickening agent for taco meat. Yet the recipe reflects "cornmeal." Which one do we use for the seasoning?
Thanks!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Robynet, I use cornmeal in my recipe, as it thickens and adds some "corn" flavor. You can use cornstarch instead as a thickener. Let me know how it turns out for you.
Keith says
Great Taco Seasoning, I used 1/2 half chilpote chile powder and 1/2 ancho chile powder and just the right amount of kick. with great flavor Thanks for the receipe
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Excellent, Keith! I like the variation!
Gib says
When you say "red chili powder", exactly what do you mean? Is that a chili powder mix or a specific chile you are referring to?
Thanks for your help.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Gib, there are a number of chili powders you can purchase, such as the typical American chili powder, but you can also use paprika, cayenne, or a Mexican powder, like ancho.
Brent Spomer says
Hi MIke, I have been looking for a good taco spice recipe and ran across yours. I have some ancho chile powder that I was hoping could be used for the basis of a taco spice but wanted to get your thoughts. It may be too mild but then everyone doesn't like things hot. I was thinking I'd cut back on the cumin a bit as I don't care for cumin all that much.
I enjoy your letters and wish I had time to try out and eat all of your recipes (chili con carne looks outstanding!). Any thoughts you might have about using ancho for a homemade taco spice would be appreciated.
Thanks and have a great day!
Brent
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Hi, Brent. Thanks. Ancho powder would be a great addition to this, actually. Ancho is one of my very favorite seasonings. If you enjoy it, certainly add it in. You can also omit the cumin. A number of people don't like cumin. The great thing about this recipe is that you can customize it to your own personal preferences. Let me know how it turns out! Have a great one!
Tom Speight says
Hi Mike - new viewer, thanks for the great site! General question: when you say Chili Powder (like above) is this a blend like Chili Powder i find in grocery stores or is ground Chile pepper the only ingredient?... thanks, Tom
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Hi, Tom. I generally mean a simple American Chili Powder, though check out these Chili Powder Substitutes for further information.
Jason says
Hey Mike,
I'm very interested in making this but I would love to see this super hot version you teased us with. Is that in your cookbook or did it just not make it on the site yet?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Jason, it's not in my book. I'll have to get it on the site soon!
Arthur R. Trevino says
Thank you so much for sharing
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
You're very welcome, Arthur!