Learn how to make the best taco seasoning recipe, also known as Mexican seasoning since you can make a lot more than just tacos with this versatile seasoning mix!
My recipe has the perfect combination of flavor and a medium heat that is popular with many households.
I used to sell my seasoning blend, but now I’m sharing my recipe and best sources for getting the flavor just right.
What is taco seasoning or is it Mexican seasoning?
This spice mixture has flavors and ingredients that are popular in Mexican recipes so it can be simply called Mexican seasoning.
It also creates incredible flavor in ground and shredded meat, or even minced mushrooms for vegan eaters to enjoy delicious tacos.
However, the store-bought stuff has issues… Many brands of store-bought taco seasoning have unhealthy ingredients like added powders, extra salt, food colorings, or artificial flavors.
Some brands sell you a bunch of filler like cornstarch rather than pure flavor.
Even some better quality blends, have flavors that are too spicy or just taste “off”.
Whichever term you choose, taco seasoning or Mexican seasoning, you’ll love this homemade spice blend.
How to make my Best Taco Seasoning recipe
Don’t try to just grab spices off the grocery store shelf and mix this recipe.
You need to learn how (and why) to source spices, long term storage, and an easy mixing method to make your diy taco seasoning blend.
Why to source spices
In cooking, using fresh good quality spices is so important.
If you use old or rancid spices or ones mixed with extra fillers or binders, you will not get the results promised in your recipe.
Spices are made from herbs, seeds, or vegetables. These natural ingredients break down over time.
Ground spices start to degrade after 1-2 years depending on your climate. Spice mixes usually begin to degrade after 1 year.
Therefore, refreshing your spice cabinet is important.
In fact, you may want to plan a time to pitch some old spices on your next cleaning day.
How to source spices
If you are able to get spices as close from the source as possible, that’s amazing but rare.
Getting organic spices is recommended, if you are able, to make sure the flavor is as pure and exceptional as possible.
Check labels to watch out for extra fillers or processes that may affect purity.
If you are at a grocery store, check the dates on spices as well, some have been sitting in a plastic bag or plastic container for a long time and have lost potency.
Bulk is a good option, but the bulk bins at some grocery stores are not very hygienic and may not be refreshed often.
Buying in bulk online is my preference. It will give you access to fresher spices that haven’t been sitting on a grocery store shelf for a long time.
My favorite source for thousands of spices, variations in form (i.e., ground, partially ground, whole) and in sizes (i.e., one-ounce bag, one-pound bag) is Starwest Botanicals.
Best way to store Taco Seasoning
A large glass airtight container is the best way to store this spice blend.
Store it in a cool, dark place like a cabinet. As beautiful as it may look, don’t store it on the counter next to your range where it will be exposed to more light and heat.
I use a one-quart flip top jar to store my taco seasoning. A large mason jar will work well too.
An airtight glass container keeps the spices fresher longer, keeps other smells or contaminants out, and will wash out easily once empty.
Here’s the one we use: Bormioli Rocco Fido Jar
How to mix your taco seasoning
Grab a large bowl (4-5 quart size) and a kitchen scale to make a big batch of this Mexican spice mix.
I recommend using a kitchen food scale for the easiest and most accurate way to measure. Bonus is there are less teaspoons, tablespoons, etc. to clean up when you’re done.
If you are freshly stocked with all of your spices, proceed with the full bulk recipe amounts.
If you are low on one ingredient, start with that ingredient to see if you need to adjust the recipe. For example, if you only have half the onion powder, make only a half batch by using half of all the other ingredients.
Ingredients for the Best Taco Seasoning:
I use organic for all of these spices, get organic if possible. The affiliate links below go directly to the same ingredient version I use in my homemade blend.
- 425g chili powder, medium roast 1K H.U. (3 cups)
- 300g sea salt, table or finely ground (1 cup)
- 160g cumin powder (1 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon)
- 140g black pepper, medium grind (1 cup)
- 75g paprika* (1/2 cup and 3/4 teaspoon)
- 50g garlic powder (1/4 cup)
- 25g onion powder (1/4 cup)
- 17g red pepper flakes, 35K H.U. (1/4 cup)
- 7g oregano, dried leaves cut and sifted (1/4 cup)*
Notes:
*Do NOT use smoked paprika. Paprika and smoked paprika are not the same and you will be disappointed in the flavor difference. It will also make your taco seasoning mix more spicy.
*The volume measurement for the last four ingredients are all the same (1/4 cup) but the weight measurements are all different because of how much mass each ingredient has. This is not an error.
6 Tips for making and using your Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Use fresh bulk sources for best results and organic when possible.
- Store your homemade seasoning blend in a glass, airtight container in a cool, dark cabinet or pantry. Keep in a dry place, away from steam when cooking
- Pro tip: check all your spices before you begin mixing. If one looks low, start with that item then make adjustments to all the other ingredients so the ratios stay the same.
- 1 tablespoon of this seasoning will season 1 pound of ground beef, ground turkey, or other pound of ground meat for a medium spice heat.
- 1 tablespoon of this seasoning mix is about equal to most single taco seasoning packets.
- Use this blend to season guacamole, rice, soup, or enchilada sauce!
Share and Enjoy!
Can you share this recipe with a friend right now? I appreciate your help.
I love creating and sharing recipes with people and it always makes it worth it when I hear from people who are enjoying them!
How to complete this recipe
A great homemade Mexican spice blend recipe is incomplete without some ways to complete it for your next taco Tuesday or meal of Mexican cooking.
Use this to make perfectly seasoned ground beef for my Sourdough Tortilla recipe or make my homemade enchilada sauce for my from scatch enchilada recipe.
Weekly Menu Planning Template
Planning out your weekly menu or meals will remove decision fatigue as well as save you time and money longterm.
Get a free edit-able copy of my menu planning template: Use this template to plan out your meals, groceries, and prep needed each day of the week.
Living Bread Baker posts mentioned
The Best Soft Flour Sourdough Tortillas Use Active Starter
Best Homemade Beef Enchiladas with Enchilada Sauce Recipe
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Chili powder, medium roast 1K H.U. , 1 lb. recommended
Sea salt, table or finely ground, 1 lb. recommended
Cumin powder, 1 lb. recommended
Black pepper, medium grind, 1 lb. recommended
Paprika, regular not smoked!, 3 oz. size recommended
Garlic powder, 4 oz. size recommended
Onion powder, 2.5 oz. size recommended
Red pepper flakes, 35K H.U., 1.5 oz. size recommended
Oregano, dried leaves cut and sifted, .85 oz. size recommended
Taco Seasoning/Mexican Seasoning
Ingredients
- 425 g chili powder medium roast 1K H.U. (3 cups)
- 300 g sea salt table or finely ground (1 cup)
- 160 g cumin powder 1 1/2 cups plus 1 tablespoon
- 140 g black pepper medium grind (1 cup)
- 75 g paprika* 1/2 cup and 3/4 teaspoon
- 50 g garlic powder 1/4 cup
- 25 g onion powder 1/4 cup
- 17 g red pepper flakes 35K H.U. (1/4 cup)
- 7 g oregano dried leaves cut and sifted (1/4 cup)*
Instructions
- Gather ingredients. See full post for how to source well and get my links for best ingredients
- Grab a large bowl (4-5 quart size) and a kitchen scale to make a big batch of this Mexican spice mix. (American measurements are provided, but a scale is recommended)
- Mix ingredients until completely combined.
- Store in a glass container (at least 1 quart size) in a cool, dark, dry place away from steam and heat. Use within 1 year for best flavor.
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