This is a quick and easy homemade taco seasoning recipe using things you probably already have in the pantry. A copycat of the taco seasoning sold in packets, but cheaper, nearly just as quick, and a little bit more natural!
I’ve always been a bit wary of those seasoning packets because they usually have some additive or another that I’m not in the mood for. Different brands like McCormick have added sugar, preservatives, or that pesky “natural flavor”. I’m not and never will be draconian about these things, and I understand the science isn’t clear. But it feels intuitive to me to use foods with ingredients that are as pared down as possible. Enter homemade taco spice.
When I started researching DIY taco seasoning I also discovered that most recipes contain chili powder, which usually presents the exact same problem that store bought taco seasoning does. Added flavorings, sugar, etc. Plus, it usually has added salt. I always make my spice blends without added salt so that I can salt my individual meals to taste and add as much spice as I want!
Chili powder is pretty much just a mixture of the other things that are already going into the taco blend, so it’s redundant, and increases the cost… but I’ve got you. I use a blend of sweet and hot paprika instead to make my homemade taco seasoning without chili powder at all.
With paprika, you can use 50-50 sweet and hot for a balanced flavor, all hot paprika for a little kick, all sweet paprika to make your taco seasoning mild, or you can even substitute some of the paprika for ancho chili powder, chipotle chili powder (both of which are made from one type of ground up chile pepper), or cayenne if you’re very daring.
This homemade taco seasoning is naturally vegan, gluten-free, paleo, sugar-free, and pretty much anything else you could want from life. Enjoy!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1/2 tbsp hot paprika
- 1/2 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
Instructions
- Stir together all ingredients to combine. Store in an airtight container. The flavor stays even fresher in the fridge but this homemade taco seasoning can also be stored for months at room temperature.
Notes
Nutrition
Adapted from AllRecipes.
More homemade seasoning blends on the site:
I'm Shannon, the writer and photographer of Yup, it's Vegan! I'm a morning person based in Baltimore, USA. My mission is to create healthy plant-based recipes that anyone would enjoy, using seasonal produce with inspiration from global flavors.
Deborah Henson says
I love making my own spice blends, thank you for a new one. Just how much of the mix should I use to sub for a packet?
Shannon @ Yup, it's Vegan says
About 2 tablespoons equals 1 packet of seasoning. You’ll also want to add salt since many packets are salted.
Jessica says
Just what I needed because I was out of chili powder! Worked great thank you!