When the next taco night rolls around, make it the best ever Taco Tuesday by using your own Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning! This pantry staple is super simple to make in 5 minutes using simple ingredients you already have on hand. And, you can use this taco seasoning recipe for more than simply tacos!
If you're still buying store-bought taco seasoning, We encourage you to try your hand at making your own taco blend. It's simple to make with basic spices and a small mason jar in simply 5 minutes!
Homemade taco seasoning is a versatile blend of spices that adds so much flavor to any dish. Creating your own taco seasoning allows you to tailor the flavors and spice level to your personal taste preferences while avoiding any unwanted additives or preservatives commonly found in a store-bought seasoning packet.
Once you try your own DIY taco seasoning, you won't go back to the little packets from the store!
[feast_advanced_jump_to]🌟 Why this recipe works
This homemade mild taco seasoning recipe is:
- Simple– The best part of this simple recipe is how simple it is to make!
- Fast– You can make this taco mix in simply 5 minutes.
- Tasty – This is a fairly mild taco seasoning recipe, which makes it versatile to use in so many different dishes.
- Healthier – Store-bought taco seasoning often includes a long list of ingredients like added preservatives. With homemade seasoning, you know exactly what's in it and can
🛒 Ingredient notes
This simple homemade taco seasoning recipe is made with simple ingredients – dried spices – that you probably already have in your pantry or spice drawer.
- Paprika – This warm, sweet spice adds a nice depth of flavor without adding heat.
- Chili powder – This smoky spice adds simply a little bit of heat to the taco seasoning.
- Garlic powder & onion powder – Gotta have both garlic and onion powder for the most flavorful taco seasoning! You could use fresh minced garlic, however that would shorten the shelf life of this seasoning so We suggest sticking with the powder form.
- Cumin and oregano – These two spices are what give this seasoning another layer of flavor, thanks to the earthy flavors from ground cumin and oregano's herbaceous notes. Don't skip either one!
- Salt & pepper – Use kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper.
✅ Step-by-step instructions
This taco seasoning blend is simple to make! The full list of ingredients and instructions is in the recipe card at the bottom of this post. But here is a photo step-by-step guide of how to make this tasty taco mix!
- Add all of the spices together in a jar or other airtight container.
- Either whisk together until combined, or secure the lid to the jar and shake until well combined.
- Label the jar with the date you made the spice blend, make sure the lid is secure, then store in a cool, dark place like a spice drawer, spice cabinet, or your pantry until you're ready to use it.
👩🏻🍳 Recipe FAQs
- Use fresh spices. Always check the expiration date of your spices. While most spices may be usable and last for years, their flavors weaken as more time passes. With homemade taco seasoning mix, you'll want the flavors of each spice and dried herb to be as fresh as possible for the best results.
- Label the jar. We always keep some washi tape and a sharpie pen in our kitchen to label food containers. Write the item and the date you made it, so there's no guessing game as to when it might go bad.
To increase the spice levels, you could add more chili powder, a spicy chili powder, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes if you prefer a little more spice.
What's the best way to store your own mild taco seasoning?Store in an airtight container like a mason jar at room temperature in a spice drawer, spice cupboard, or other dark cool place, for up to 6 months.
🍽 Serving ideas
This healthier taco seasoning is perfect to sprinkle into Pressure-cooker Taco Meat and Simple Shrimp Tacos.
But it's also so good on more tasty recipes than simply traditional tacos! Try a few tablespoons of homemade taco mix in Sheet Pan Tex-Mex Vegetarian Nachos, Taco Mac & Cheese recipe, Taco Pizza, Taco Pasta, and Taco Dip with Ground Beef. Use it in this Mexican Lasagna, too!
More taco recipes
If you're using this taco seasoning for tacos, be sure to check out these side dishes for What to Serve with Tacos. And here are more tasty taco recipes!
- Simple Taco Pasta recipe
- Simple Taco Dip with Ground Beef
- Simple Taco Mac and Cheese
- Pressure-cooker Taco Meat
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to leave a 5-Star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card, and if you truly loved it, please leave a comment further down on the page. Thank you!
Homemade Mild Taco Seasoning
By Marlynn Schotland Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 0 mins 0 mins Total Time: 5 mins Servings: 4 ounces This healthier taco seasoning is a cinch to make in simply minutes using spices you already have in your pantry! Perfect seasoning for chicken, fish, shrimp, and beef tacos, and more!Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon paprika
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add all of the spices together in a jar and either whisk together until combined, or secure the lid to the jar and shake until well combined.
Notes
Makes approximately 1/2 cup, or 4-5 ounces. Spice: This recipe makes a mild taco seasoning. You could add more chili powder, a spicy chili powder, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes if you prefer a little more spice. Storage: Store in an airtight container (we love using jelly jars or wide mouth mason jars) in a cool, dark place like your spice drawer or pantry for up to 6 months.Nutrition
Calories: 19 kcal, Carbohydrates: 4 g, Protein: 1 g, Fat: 0.5 g, Saturated Fat: 0.1 g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2 g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1 g, Sodium: 617 mg, Potassium: 93 mg, Fiber: 1 g, Sugar: 0.4 g, Vitamin A: 718 IU, Vitamin C: 5 mg, Calcium: 26 mg, Iron: 1 mgNutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.