This post contains affiliate links.
Have you ever wanted to make some homemade seasoning mixes, yet you weren’t sure how? I’m sharing my homemade taco seasoning mix today, originally created for my cookbook, Simple Green Meals. It’s got just the right amount of heat and adds a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes.
Table of Contents
Making seasoning mixes at home is super simple and you know exactly what’s in them. I also am a bit picky when it comes to seasoning, so I made my own to get it just right every time.
Taco Seasoning Ingredients
Homemade seasonings might sound hard yet they aren’t! If you cook a few meals at home a week then you probably already have the necessary ingredients for this recipe. To make my taco seasoning, grab the following ingredients:
- Chili powder: often a mix of a few Tex-Mex style spices and can be bought in bulk.
- Paprika: sweet a smokey, one of my fav spices to add to just about any savory recipe.
- Cumin: earthy and smokey, this is the base of many spice mixes.
- Sea salt: brings out the other flavors nicely. If you use this in the seasoning then there’s no need to add extra!
- Cayenne pepper (optional): slightly sweet with a peppery undertone. Omit if you are sensitive to spice.
This recipe doesn’t take anything fancy or hard to find. Feel free to add onion or garlic powder, red pepper flakes or other additions.
NOVEMBER 9-13, 2026
Free 5-Day Soup Challenge
Celebrate this cozy season with us! For 5 days, we’re cooking up fall-inspired soup each day—packed with veggies, perfect for busy nights, and every bowl you make is a chance to win $750 in prizes!
How to Store
Make sure this is stored in an airtight container. Whether you reuse a spice jar or make a big batch and use an 8oz mason jar, secure that lid tightly.
Your homemade taco seasoning should last several months, yet you may find yourself reaching for it all the time!
How to Use Homemade Seasoning
I’ve got several recipes that are great when seasoned with this great recipe. It really is an all-purpose mix that can elevate almost any vegetable and turn any dish into a flavorful creation.
Toss it into the veggie mix for my chickpea tacos, loaded sweet potatoes or tacos de papa. You swap it in for the spices in my vegetarian tortilla soup or the chipotle veggie bowl for a different flavor profile.
I’ve started adding it into my crispy hash browns and it is a great way to start the day.
You can also add it to crispy tofu, eggs, roasted veggies and more. I love mixing up flavors and spices so don’t be afraid to try it on anything you want!
Common Taco Seasoning Questions
If you don’t have a ready-made seasoning blend on hand, no worries! You can add chili powder, cumin, sea salt, paprika and cayenne pepper to a jar with a lid and shake well to combine. My recipe makes enough to use several times, so you’re covered!
Prepackaged seasoning often has additives to preserve flavor. Ditch the weird ingredients and make your own instead! You can make a large batch and keep it right in the spice drawer to use whenever you want.
It’s so easy! Just measure the desired ingredients into a jar and shake or stir well to combine. Store in the spice drawer until you’re ready to use.
Homemade Kitchen Staples
Plants are easier to consume when they taste good. If you’re new to plant-based eating or just want to add more plants to your daily meals, yet need them to be less bland, I get it! I have some staple recipes I keep in my pantry and fridge just to give me a variety of ways to make vegetable munching more enjoyable.
- Lemon Vinaigrette
- Vegan Basil Pesto
- Hemp Hearts Sauce
- Hummus
- Cashew Cream
- Vegan Cheese Sprinkle
- Nut Butter
- Coconut Sriracha
With these recipes on hand, you’ll never find a dull bowl of veggies again! What’s your favorite way to season and dip your vegetables? Leave a comment and let me know!
How to Make Taco Seasoning
Jen HansardIngredients
- 6 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tbsp ground cumin ground
- 4 teaspoons sea salt, unrefined
- 4 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
- Combine the chili powder, cumin, salt, smoked paprika and cayenne, if using, in an 8-ounce mason jar. Secure the lid and shake well.
- Store in a cool, dry place.
Recipe Notes
- Flavor Add-Ins: This blend is intentionally basic. Add garlic powder, onion powder or dried oregano to taste.
- Spice Level: Leave out the cayenne for a mild blend, or add a little more for extra heat.
- How to Use: Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons per 2 cups of cooked lentils, beans or crumbled tofu, then taste and add more.
- Storing: Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months for the best flavor. If you use it often, double or triple the batch.
I love having a batch of taco seasoning ready to go. I made this version to try and love it! I added red pepper flakes for a bit more heat, and used it on roasted cauliflower.
I am anxious to try the recipe. Can you tell me how of this mixture to use in a typical recipe… or amount that would equal a packet of taco seasoning?
This seasoning is so yummy, I can’t wait for you to try it! Most packets of taco seasoning contain 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning, so I def start there if you’re subbing it in for a recipe that calls for a packet. Feel free to adjust according to you preferences!
This taco seasoning is amazing!! I created the walnut taco meat with this seasoning and didn’t miss meat at all. So yummy!!!