The secret spice mix I keep up my sleeve
You know that moment when the ground beef is already browning and the taco packet you swore was in the pantry… isn’t? That’s never a problem at my house, since I keep a big jar of this homemade taco seasoning mix in my spice cabinet.
I grew up in Southeast Texas, so I’ve spent my ENTIRE life surrounded by real Tex-Mex flavors. I’ve been making this blend since I started blogging in 2014 and still use it at least twice a week, so the ratio is basically burned into my brain.
It all comes down to an easy 3-2-1: three tablespoons of cumin, two tablespoons of chili powder, and one tablespoon of paprika, plus a few other pantry spices. (I’ve bumped up the chili powder a bit since I first shared this recipe in 2019, and I like it even more this way!)
Anytime I make my Crock-Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup (or really any Tex-Mex dish), everyone always asks why it tastes so good.
The secret? It’s all in this homemade taco seasoning recipe you see right here!
I mix it up in a big batch, and the jar is usually empty within two weeks. I’ve also updated this post with exactly how I use it for taco meat, plus how to make it without the garlic powder or salt.
Ingredients and Substitutions
For the exact measurements and detailed instructions, please see the recipe card below.
Cumin. Use ground cumin, not whole cumin seeds. It’s the biggest part of the mix, so a fresh jar makes the biggest difference (if it doesn’t smell strong when you open it, it’s time for a new one).
Chili powder. Grab the regular chili powder blend from the spice aisle, like McCormick, not a pure chile powder like ancho, which will change the flavor. The heat varies a lot between brands, so go mild for the kids or hot if you like a kick.
Paprika. Regular paprika is what I use, and a fresh jar should be a deep, bright red. If yours has faded to a dull brick color, it’s lost most of its flavor.
Garlic powder. Use garlic powder, not garlic salt, which will make the mix way too salty.
Cayenne pepper. The ¼ teaspoon in the recipe gives a gentle kick. Leave it out for the mildest version, or add a little more if your crew likes it spicy.
Step-by-step Instructions
Please see the recipe card below for the full instructions, ingredient amounts, and a printable recipe.
Mix the spices
Add all of the spices to a small bowl (or straight into the jar you’ll store it in), then stir or shake until everything is evenly mixed.
Pro Tip: Give the jar a quick shake before each use, since the garlic powder (and the other spices) can settle at the bottom over time.
My all-time FAVE spice jars!
I got these cute spice jars to organize all of my spices and dried herbs and now it’s SO easy to find exactly what I need!
Plus, they come with blank labels so you can add your own personalized ones for your homemade seasoning mixes.
How to use it for taco meat
You’ll need about 2 to 2½ tablespoons per pound of meat, which is roughly what you’d use from one store-bought packet.
Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet, sprinkle in the seasoning, and pour in ½ cup of chicken broth (or water). Let it simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, until most of the broth cooks off and the meat looks glossy and juicy, not dry.
Broth is the one place I go off the packet directions, since it keeps everything SO juicy. Here’s the full step-by-step for my 20-minute ground beef taco meat if you want it.
It’s also what flavors Justin’s one-pot Mexican Beef and Rice Skillet, where 3 tablespoons go right into the pot with the rice, salsa, and beans. The same 2 to 2½ tablespoons per pound works for ground turkey, shredded chicken, or steak, too (just taste and add a pinch of salt if you left it out of the mix).
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Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
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Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons cumin
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder optional
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt optional
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Add all of the spices to a small bowl (or straight into the jar you’ll store it in) and stir until evenly mixed. Store in an airtight jar for up to 1 year.
- Use 2 to 2½ tablespoons per pound of meat with ½ cup of broth or water, and simmer 4 to 5 minutes until the meat looks glossy and juicy.
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Video
Notes
- Original version: If you’ve been making this mix for years, the original called for 2 teaspoons of chili powder instead of 2 tablespoons (everything else is the same!). These days I like a little more chili powder, so the 3-2-1 is what I keep in my jar now.
- Paprika: I use regular paprika, but you can swap in half smoked paprika for a little smokiness, or go all smoked if you love that flavor.
- Garlic-free or salt-free: I’ve made it without the garlic powder and without the salt, and both work. If you skip the salt, just season each dish to taste as you cook.
- Storage: Store it in an airtight jar in a cool, dry spot (not above the stove) for up to 1 year.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipes that use this taco seasoning
This homemade taco seasoning isn’t just for taco night. It’s the secret behind everything from soups to stuffed veggies, and here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:
Soups and salads
- Crock-Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup – The soup everyone asks about, with 3 tablespoons stirred right in.
- Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup – The same cozy flavor in a fraction of the time.
- Fiesta Lime Chicken – Fresh, zesty, and perfect on top of greens or rice bowls.
- Fajita Steak Salad – A hearty salad with bold Tex-Mex flavor.
Tacos and wraps
- Shredded Chicken Tacos – Juicy and easy thanks to a quick Instant Pot or slow cooker cook.
- Crispy Baked Turkey Tacos – Family-style tacos baked until golden and crunchy.
- Ground Turkey Lettuce Wraps – A lighter option that’s still bold and full of flavor.
Stuffed veggies
- Mexican Stuffed Bell Peppers – Classic Tex-Mex comfort food.
- Mexican Zucchini Taco Boats – A lighter take that still packs tons of flavor.
- Mexican Stuffed Sweet Potatoes – Cozy, filling, and totally weeknight-worthy.
More homemade seasoning blends
Once you see how easy it is to mix your own, your spice cabinet will never look the same. Here are a few more blends I keep on hand!
excellent mix, perfect directions, so lucky to have it in my spice cabinet
Thanks so much for leaving a comment! I’m so glad you found the directions helpful and that the taco seasoning has a spot in your spice cabinet. Hope you enjoy using it in lots of recipes!
Love this taco seasoning! It’s my go to recipe for! Thank you for sharing! 😁
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Bianca! Mine too! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
Thank you! I was out of taco seasoning. This was really easy!
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, Stephanie! It is so easy! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!