This DIY taco seasoning is the perfect thing to make in a big batch and store with the rest of your spices. Skip the packets of taco seasoning at the grocery store and learn how to make your own to use in all of your favorite Tex-Mex recipes! It’s the perfect thing to grab when Taco Tuesday rolls around!
The Issue with Seasoning Packets
Matt and I are not only big DIY home renovation enthusiasts, we also extend our do-it-yourself mentality to plenty of other things, too. One I’m also passionate about is simplifying recipes and food, with the least amount of junk ingredients possible. My DIY taco seasoning is super easy to make with spices you likely already have. Best of all, though, it doesn’t include the filler ingredients that seasoning packets have, like corn starch, tons of extra salt, maltodextrin, or silicon dioxide. Why put that stuff into your body if you can make your own seasoning with spices alone? Look how pretty this chili powder is!
What’s In this DIY Taco Seasoning?
Seasoning packets that you buy in the store don’t typically list all of the spices that are in them. Or, those listed are so minimal that you’re left wondering if they’ll provide much flavor at all. This DIY taco seasoning, however, is chock full of tasty spices! Here’s what you’ll need to grab:
- chili powder (not cayenne)
- cumin
- garlic powder
- paprika (plain or smoked)
- oregano
- onion powder
- sea salt
- ground black pepper
- red pepper flakes
How to Make DIY Taco Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the following:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder (not to be confused with ground red pepper
- 1 teaspoon each of cumin, garlic powder, and paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon each of oregano and onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon each of sea salt, ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes
The different spices are so colorful!
Using a whisk or a spoon, completely mix all of the spices until the mixture is uniform in color. You are going to fall in love with the aroma of these spices as you mix them together! Store in a clear spice container if you have an extra one or a small storage container.
A Few Notes:
- If your recipe calls for one packet of taco seasoning mix, you’ll need the equivalent of 4 tablespoons of this homemade version. I usually triple or quadruple this recipe and store it in a small storage container so I always have enough on-hand.
- I prefer to make this taco seasoning with freshly ground black pepper. However, if you only have pre-ground pepper handy, it will work just fine.
- If you like your spice on the milder side, I recommend skipping the red pepper flakes, which definitely adds some heat to this spice mix.
Never grab those seasoning packets again. Not only will your tacos be taken to next-level tasty, but you have the benefit of knowing there’s not a single unnecessary extra ingredient in your flavoring. Let me know if you try this DIY taco seasoning. I’d love to hear what you think in the comments!
Other Recipes I Think You’ll Love
5 Minute Homemade Refrigerator Pickles
Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Whoopie Cookies – perfect for Valentine’s Day!
Yum! Great recipe……will try, thank you.
GO BENGALS!