The Homemade Taco Seasoning I Use Again and Again

This is your new go-to taco seasoning for everything from ground meat and a pot of chili to popcorn and Bloody Marys.

Taco Seasoning in Spoon and More in a Bowl — Simply Recipes / Marta A Rivera Diaz

I live in the land of tacos, aka San Antonio, Texas. Tacos are a religious experience here, so it only makes sense that the seasoning is handcrafted and uniquely mine.

This taco seasoning is a spice blend that’s smoky and herby. It eliminates the need to pull out multiple spice jars when you get a craving for big, bold flavors. It will cover all the spice bases for your next epic Taco Tuesday.

What’s in My Taco Seasoning?

Chili powder: My taco seasoning begins with chili powder, which is often mild, without an overwhelming heat.
Cumin: A must in taco seasoning. It gives the tacos a smoky, umami flavor.
Granulated garlic and onion: These give your taco seasoning a pungent aroma.
Dried oregano: This herb lends pungency.
Coriander: A little coriander goes a long way to add warmth with a little citrusy and floral flair.

Jar of Taco Seasoning — Simply Recipes / Marta A Rivera Diaz

Make It Your Own!

The best part of making your own spice blends is, well, you get to make them your own. Use this recipe as a foundation, then adjust any way you see fit.

Use chipotle or ancho chile powder, or a combination of the two. It’ll taste smokier.
Add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper for a spicier seasoning blend.
For a low-sodium version, decrease the kosher salt in the recipe to 2 1/2 teaspoons.

How Much Taco Seasoning To Use for 1 Pound of Meat

My recipe makes about a 1/2 cup of taco seasoning—it's enough to season 8 pounds of ground beef. That's 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning for every pound of ground beef (or any meat you prefer). You can always add a little more or less.

Think Beyond Taco Meat

The recipe was created with tacos in mind, but use it much like any other spice blend. My favorite: season taco meat. And taco meat means meat for nachos, quesadillas, or taco bowls.

You can also use it to season chicken, seafood, and pork. If you’re planning to use it on fish, reduce the amount to 2 teaspoons per pound of fish. Are you a fan of a good Bloody Mary? Use this to rim your cocktail glass. Sprinkle it over grilled or roasted vegetables or stir it into your next batch of enchilada sauce or chili.

How To Store Homemade Taco Seasoning

When stored properly, spice blends can last for 2 years, though mine never hang around that long. Store it in an airtight container or lidded jar in a cool, dark place.

Avoid storing it next to a heat source or humidity. The spices love to absorb moisture, which makes them grow moldy or clump together. If it clumps, give the container a vigorous shake before using it.

Taco Seasoning in Jar Surrounded by Taco Ingredients — Simply Recipes / Marta A Rivera Diaz

Recipes for Using Taco Seasoning

Combine the ingredients:

In a small bowl, add the chili powder, salt, cumin, granulated garlic, granulated onion, oregano, coriander, and black pepper. Use a small whisk or fork to stir the ingredients together.