• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Delicious on a Dime logo

  • Home
  • Save Money
    • Stock your Pantry on a Dime
    • Stock your Freezer on a Dime
    • 2 Easy Ways to Save Leftover Tomato Paste
    • 7 Steps to Meal Planning
    • Fresh Herbs
    • Freeze Cheese
    • Freeze Goat Cheese
    • Freeze Mushrooms
    • Superstar Food for Your Budget
    • Stock Your First Kitchen
    • Stock Your Fridge on a Dime
    • The Best $10 Kitchen Tool
  • Recipes
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Home » Recipes » Spices, Sauces & Condiments

Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

Published: Mar 21, 2018 · Modified: Oct 27, 2020 by Myra · This post may contain affiliate links

Sharing is caring!

  • Share
  • Yummly
Jump to Recipe

This Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix is so easy to make you can throw it together in two minutes. 

Ditch the store-bought seasoning packet full of strange ingredients and enjoy this healthy, clean eating alternative.  It’s delicious on ground beef, ground turkey, black beans, chicken and more! 

Mix up a big jar and it’s perfect for families on the go!

Taco Spice Mix in Small Glass Mason Jar.

About a year ago I did a lot of research into the difference between taco seasoning and, say, fajita seasoning.  For a long time, all I knew about them was that I would buy little individual packets at the grocery store with the name of whatever dish I wanted to make on them and then I would make it.  Easy, right?

But eventually I started looking at ingredient lists and wanting to make some changes when possible.  I also wanted to save money on groceries.  I figured that one small way to accomplish both these goals would be to start making our own seasoning mixes.

The difference between taco seasoning and fajita seasoning

I discovered in my research that taco seasoning and fajita seasoning are actually very similar, but taco seasoning relies more heavily on chili powder and fajita seasoning typically has more cumin. 

Also, if you have access to some less common ingredients like tomato powder, it’s very at home in taco seasoning (although not necessary), and fajita seasoning sometimes has a citrusy twist, like you would get from lime juice, zest, or even, say, dried coriander.

I did a little experimenting and some tweaking and found a taco seasoning mix that I like.  I make a big jar of it and store it in a cool, dark cupboard and it keeps really well.  Then I sprinkle it on whatever I want!

This is a mild mix, but you could definitely make it more spicy if you want to.  I just have small kids and don’t want to overwhelm them.

Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix – Step-by-Step Instructions

Taco Spice Mix Ingredients on Wooden Board.

Ingredients for Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

Various Spices in White Bowl.

In a small bowl, mix together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (optional, but nice, if you like to make a bit of sauce with your mix), 2 teaspoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional but doesn’t make it spicy in such small amounts).

Tip:  I actually like to mix together bigger batches of this and have it on-hand for when I’m making dinner in a rush.

Taco Spice Mix in Small Glass Mason Jar.

Store taco seasoning mix in an airtight container (a mason jar works perfectly for this) in a cool, dark place, like a cupboard away from the stove.  It should last a really long time.

Commonly Asked Questions:

Can I make taco seasoning without cumin?

Yes, you could leave the cumin out if you don’t like it.  However, it will taste a little different than traditional taco seasoning.  Maybe in a way that you like, if you don’t like cumin!

Can I make taco seasoning without chili powder?

Technically, yes, you can make taco seasoning without chili powder, but you might not find it tastes like what you expect. 

As I said above, chili powder is a large part of most taco seasoning.  If you don’t like it, by all means, leave it out.  If you simply don’t have any, you can still leave it out but it may or may not taste like taco seasoning.  If you try this, please let me know how it is!

How to use homemade taco seasoning

(Besides, you know, tacos)

  • We use it to make taco-seasoned sweet potatoes for our Mexican Buddha Bowls (super YUM).
  • Our post on 21 of the BEST Nacho Recipes to Rock Your World has some suggestions too!
  • It’s delicious as popcorn seasoning!
  • Sprinkle a little on scrambled or fried eggs.
  • Stir it into mayo to make a delicious spread for your next sandwich or wrap.

 

Small white bowl full of colourful herbs and spices.

Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

This Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix is so easy to make you can throw it together in two minutes. Ditch the store-bought seasoning packet full of strange ingredients and enjoy this healthy, clean eating alternative. It's delicious on ground beef, ground turkey, black beans, chicken and more! Mix up a big jar and it's perfect for families on the go!
5 from 4 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Spice Mix
Cuisine: Mexican
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 2 batches
Calories: 42kcal
Author: Myra

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, but good if you like to add a little water to whatever you're cooking to make a small sauce)
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, but doesn't make this mix spicy)

Instructions

  • Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl. 
  • Store in an air-tight container in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
  • I usually use a tablespoon or two and sprinkle it on whatever I'm cooking (ground beef, black beans, etc).  If you want to make a little sauce, add 1/4 cup of water and let it simmer for a few minutes. 

Notes

*I often make larger batches of this and store in in a mason jar in a cool, dark cupboard.  I love having it on-hand when I'm in a rush!

Nutrition

Calories: 42kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 1211mg | Potassium: 96mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1460IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 1.6mg
Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @DeliciousOnADime or tag #deliciousonadime!

You Might Also Like:

Spices for Ranch Dressing in White Bowl on Wooden Background.
Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
Spices for Fajita Seasoning in White Bowl.
Homemade Fajita Seasoning Mix

 

« Healthy White Chicken Enchiladas
Grilled Cheese With Tomato and Onion »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

A photo of a man and a woman in front of a building.

HI, WE'RE MYRA AND LAURIER!

We want to help YOU eat delicious food, AND save money on groceries!

With years of experience, we bring you EASY and CHEAP recipes and tips.

Take back control of your grocery budget, AND eat amazing food.

More about us →

FAST & EASY

  • Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie (NO protein powder!)
  • Grilled Cheese With Tomato and Onion
  • Quick & Healthy Mediterranean Dip (with hummus)
  • Homemade Bistro Box aka Adult Lunchables

EASY ENTERTAINING

  • Herb and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Bites – An Easy Party Appetizer!
  • Cheesy Bacon Garlic Pull Apart Bread
  • Pepperoni Pizza Dip (with cream cheese)
  • Whipped Artichoke and Feta Dip

AMAZON ASSOCIATE DISCLOSURE

Creative Cooking Solutions is a participant in the Amazon.com.ca, Inc. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.ca. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

A photo of a man and a woman in front of a building.

HI, WE'RE MYRA AND LAURIER!

We want to help YOU eat delicious food, AND save money on groceries!

With years of experience, we bring you EASY and CHEAP recipes and tips.

Take back control of your grocery budget, AND eat amazing food.

More about us →

FAST & EASY

  • Strawberry Banana Protein Smoothie (NO protein powder!)
  • Grilled Cheese With Tomato and Onion
  • Quick & Healthy Mediterranean Dip (with hummus)
  • Homemade Bistro Box aka Adult Lunchables

EASY ENTERTAINING

  • Herb and Goat Cheese Puff Pastry Bites – An Easy Party Appetizer!
  • Cheesy Bacon Garlic Pull Apart Bread
  • Pepperoni Pizza Dip (with cream cheese)
  • Whipped Artichoke and Feta Dip

AMAZON ASSOCIATE DISCLOSURE

Creative Cooking Solutions is a participant in the Amazon.com.ca, Inc. Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.ca. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Statement

WORK WITH US!

  • Download our
    Media Kit!

Contact

  • Subscribe for emails
    and updates
  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2022 Creative Cooking Solutions

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok