Avoid the additives and learn how to make taco seasoning mix in minutes.
Tex-Mex flavours! Tacos, fajitas, quesadillas . . . kids and adults alike love these fun-to-eat meals! Make your own seasoning mix for these favourite dishes in minutes!
Why bother learning how to make taco seasoning mix?
If you’re on a mission to start cooking more from scratch, making your own seasoning mixes is one place to start. You can avoid the fillers, flavour enhancers, anti-caking agents, and preservatives often found in packaged mixes, not to mention the packaging itself. Making this taco seasoning mix took me less than five minutes, much less time than it would have taken me to run to the store to pick up a package.
You can easily adjust the spices to suit your family’s preferences, too. I am not a great fan of cumin, so I kept the amount to a minimum. If you have kids who don’t like their food too spicy, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
How much seasoning mix will this recipe make?
This recipe will make almost one cup of taco seasoning mix. Many recipes call for 3 tablespoons (the amount in one package) so this recipe will season several meals. This mix will last at least six months, if the spices you are using are fresh and you store it in a sealed container.
What other recipes can I use this taco seasoning mix in?
Use this mix to make these popular easy Chicken Fajitas in Foil Packets,
this fabulous Shrimp Fajita Salad with Honey Lime Vinaigrette,
or my quick and easy Taco Chicken with Guacamole and Fresh Salsa.
I love using this homemade mix to make this popular Skinny Chopped Chicken Taco Salad,
or these Taco Stuffed Mini Peppers!
Spoon some into a small jar and pass it on to a friend. So easy, so quick, and you’ve made one more step toward eating “clean!”

How to Make Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp cumin
- 2 tbsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Measure all ingredients into a small bowl, stir to mix evenly and store in an airtight jar.
Notes
Nutrition
And if you’d like to try another homemade spice mix, see this post: How to Make Cajun Seasoning Mix and bring those spicy Southern flavours into your home!
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Jackie says
Thank you thank you thank you. I hate having to run to the store just to get one of those taco seasoning packages. I love your reasoning for making your own, too. I bet the flavour is superior as well.
Flavour & Savour says
You’re welcome! You can add your favourite flavours too. I’m going to add a little smoked paprika or chipotle powder next time I make this.
Mirada says
Oh, boy! So glad I found your site; I’ve started trying to eat cleaner and looks like some great recipes here. 🙂 I’m following you on pinterest and will sign up for emails, too.
Hope this isn’t a dumb question: is the cumin called for in this recipe ground or whole seeds? I can’t really tell from the pictures. Thanks!
Flavour & Savour says
Hi Miranda,
Welcome! Thanks for following. All the spices I used were ground, including the cumin. I use this spice mix a lot. Last week I tossed it with some butternut squash and roasted it in the oven. Yum!
Miranda says
Oops, I saw your reply after I sent the second comment. I love roasted butternut squash–I’ve always seasoned it with thyme. I’ll try it with your seasoning mix; sounds very yummy!
Miranda says
Elaine, I made this with ground cumin and used it in a chicken salsa casserole tonight–it was great. So I guess I answered my own question. 🙂 BTW, I replaced the onion powder with 1/4 c dry minced onion–not sure if that counts as “clean,” but I didn’t have onion powder. I’m looking forward to preparing other recipes from your site.
Flavour & Savour says
Mmmm . . . that sounds good! Thanks for sharing your ideas here of how you used the taco seasoning mix. Now we can all benefit!