Taco Seasoning made with everyday spices but tastes anything but basic—once you try it, there’s no going back to store bought packets.
Use this seasoning recipe in this super-popular Taco Bowl recipe, Baked Chicken Tacos, Turkey Tacos, or Beef Tacos!
author’s note
Ditch the Packet, Keep the Flavor!
It’s no secret I’m obsessed with tacos—there are so many taco recipes on this site, they’ve earned their own category!
And while there are endless ways to taco, I always find myself coming back to ground meat tossed with this homemade taco seasoning blend. It’s quick, flavorful, and on the table in just 15–20 minutes—hard to beat that.
After making tacos more times than I can count, I’ve dialed in the perfect seasoning mix and picked up some helpful tricks along the way (starting with this: skip the water!).
This recipe makes just enough to replace one store-bought taco seasoning packet—no jars of leftover mix sitting around for years. Of course, it’s super easy to double or triple if you’re batch cooking or feeding a crowd.
What Is In Taco Seasoning
I use a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
To add spice, I mix in 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
For extra flavor, I add 1-1/2 to 2 teaspoons of bouillon powder—beef for ground beef or turkey, chicken for ground chicken. It gives the meat a richer, more savory flavor.
Quick Tip
Make sure to use chili powder (the American kind), not chilli powder, which is much hotter. If your seasoning ends up too spicy, there’s a good chance the wrong one was used!
How To Make Taco Seasoning
Simply measure out all the spices and whisk them together in a small bowl or add directly to the dish you’re preparing. Use immediately or store…more on this below!
Storage
- Store in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place (like a cabinet or pantry). I like to store these homemade “packets” in small plastic bags or make a big batch to store in a jar or spice containers (we love these!)
- As long as it is stored properly, homemade taco seasoning can last 6 months up to a year.
- Seasoning blend make-ahead: I get it– taco seasoning packets are easy and convenient! And that’s why I’ve started making my own packets. When I make this recipe, I’ll typically make 5 or 6 more “packets” of the seasoning. Since all the spices are out and I’m measuring anyways, it takes just a few extra minutes. Measure out the spices, put them in labeled individual snack-size bags, and store those packets with your spices.
The Best Way To Use This Seasoning
A lot of seasoning packets recommend browning the meat and then adding in the seasoning with water.
Here’s how I do it to ensure a lot more flavor for the same amount of work:
- Cook ground meat, breaking it up as it browns, until mostly cooked. Drain excess grease if needed.
- Stir in the seasoning and cook for 1–2 minutes to infuse the meat and toast the spices.
- Add 1/2 cup tomato sauce or chicken stock (not water) and cook until thickened, about 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
More Ways To Use Taco Seasoning:
Taco Seasoning
Equipment
- Large pan for making tacos
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon chicken bouillon powder or beef bouillon powder, optional—see note 2
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey or ground chicken, plus 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce or chicken broth/stock
Instructions
- Make Taco Seasoning: Measure out all the spices and stir them together in a small bowl or add directly to the dish you’re preparing. Season to taste with salt and pepper; I add 1/2 teaspoon of each.Use immediately or store. See notes below for storage information.
- Make Tacos: Drizzle 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan and heat to high. Add ground meat and cook, breaking it into small pieces as you go, until meat is no longer pink (but not fully cooked through). If there is a lot of extra grease (from higher-fat meat), drain off. Add in the taco seasoning blend (here’s a good place to add in 2 teaspoons minced garlic if you’d like!). If desired, add bouillon powder (see note 2). Stir in seasonings for 1–2 minutes or until meat is completely cooked through. Add 1/2 cup tomato sauce or chicken stock (not water) and stir until thickened, another 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside to slightly cool.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Went to make taco soup and realized I was out of taco seasoning. This was perfect. I am going to go buy more bulk spices and make a big jar of this. So much better than the store bought stuff with all the weird ingredients.
Thanks Jamie! I am so thrilled to hear this! 🙂