This easy homemade taco seasoning can be made in under 3 minutes, saves you money, and tastes much better than any store-bought version. Made with simple spices, no sugar or fillers, and Whole30 compliant.
Ready to show off your new favorite homemade taco seasoning…try it with my Juicy Healthy Steak Tacos
Buying taco seasoning at the store might seem like a no-brainer but the truth is that you are probably wasting your money and sacrificing flavor. I have been making homemade taco seasoning for years. Not only is it super simple to make, but the flavor is more vibrant and pronounced, making everything I use it on taste distinctly better. The best part is that I get to use all those seasonings and spices that I have already purchased before they go stale or pass their prime flavor power.
You'll Love this Recipe
- Very easy to make and way more flavorful.
- No additives, sugars or preservatives that can often be found in store-bought seasoning blends.
- Whole 30 compliant
- Use the spices and seasoning you already have before they go stale.
- Help reduce clutter in the spice drawer.
Let the seasoning begin!
Dried Spices You Will Need
This homemade taco seasoning blend contains 9 dried ground spices. There are many versions of homemade taco seasoning but I've found this combo to be the best.
Detailed measurements and ingredients can be found within the recipe card at the end of this post.
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Salt
- Cayenne
Expert Tips
- Make a batch and store in a small lidded glass jar to use for the next few months. This way it's always ready at your fingertips anytime you need some.
- Change it up. Make it spicier or more mild depending on your taste, adjust the amount of cayenne to your preference.
- Store dried spices in a cool dark area. My friends – do not store spices on or near your stovetop, heat will destroy the active compounds (medicinal) in dried spices and speed up the
Why is Homemade Taco Seasoning Better Than Store Bought?
The picture speaks for itself, the top seasoning is storebought, clearly with added coloring, caking agents, and preservatives. The bottom is homemade, you can see the vibrant spices and the color!
- No fillers, preservatives or sugar. No one needs to consume chemicals and fillers when all you want is a tasty taco.
- Use the spices you have! Dried spices lose their potency in a few months, so if you have dried spices for years, its best to toss them. Point is, rather than purchasing a pre-made spice blend, use the spices that are hanging out in your spice drawer to make your own easy spice blends, like in this taco seasoning.
Chefs Notes on Dried Spices
Most chefs agree ground spices lose their peak flavor after 6 months. So why would you spend money on a store-bought mix when you've had whole containers of ground cumin, cayenne, and garlic powder sitting around in your spice drawer for 3 months? Making your own taco seasoning is a great way to keep your spice drawer fresh and flavorful and reduces clutter.
Why Making Your Own Taco Seasoning is Whole 30 approved.
Whole30 is a diet plan focusing on real whole food and eliminating all processed foods. While I don’t personally subscribe to this dietary philosophy, folks who are looking to season their food while on this plan are often stuck because so many premade seasonings are full of ingredients that are not permitted on whole30, i.e. sugars, additives, and processed ingredients.
Thus this simple taco seasoning that relies on a few spices is in fact approved for the whole30 plan, but if you are not doing whole30 and don’t care about whole30 you are also welcome here! This is just a dang good spice mix without fillers, preservatives, or sugar.
Storage Instructions
- STORAGE – Store in an airtight glass jar or container for up to 6 months. Store in a cool, dry dark place for peak freshness.
FAQ
About six months. Be sure to store it in a cool, dry, and dark place to keep it at optimal and peak freshness.
Yes. When making your own seasoning you control what it's composed of and the quality of the ingredients. This means you can choose organic and premium spices and eliminate additives, sugars, and preservatives.
I can’t wait for you to try this! When you make it, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram @abrapappa or use the hashtag #abraskitchen so I can feature your photo!
If you’ve tried this recipe, don’t forget to rate it and leave a comment below.
Whole 30 Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1.5 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
Instructions
- Combine ingredients into a bowl and mix until fully incorporated.
- Transfer to an airtight container for storage
Notes
- Make a batch and store in a small lidded glass jar to use for the next few months. This way it's always ready at your fingertips anytime you need some.
- Change it up. Make it spicier or more mild depending on your taste. Add or subtract spices according to what you like best.
Aimee says
So delicious. This is a real flavor bomb.