Learn how to make a delicious homemade taco seasoning in just minutes using everyday spices from your pantry. This bold, flavorful blend is not only easy to prepare, but also much healthier and more affordable than store-bought packets—no fillers, preservatives, or added sugars.

Use it to add a burst of flavor to all your favorite dishes like ground beef tacos, burritos, taco salads, taco soup, fajitas, and even roasted veggies. It’s the perfect go-to seasoning to keep on hand for busy weeknight meals or meal prep.

Bowl of homemade taco seasoning with a spoon, perfect for low-carb meal prep.

Mexican cuisine is widely regarded as one of the most influential and flavorful cuisines in the world. Its rich variety of ingredients, diverse regional styles, and deep cultural roots shaped by centuries of history make it truly unique and beloved globally.

While store-bought taco seasoning can taste great, it often comes with added preservatives, fillers, or artificial flavorsthat aren’t the best for your health. That’s why nothing beats a fresh, homemade version—you get all the flavor, without the unwanted extras.

The best part? This homemade taco seasoning takes just a few minutes to make, and you probably already have all the ingredients in your spice cabinet.

I love using this versatile blend in more than just tacos—it’s perfect for soups, casseroles, ground meat, vegetables, and even steaks. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a jar of it on hand at all times!

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Is Taco Seasoning Keto-Friendly?
2 Why You’re Going to Love This Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
3 Ingredients for Homemade Taco Seasoning
4 How to Make This Delicious Taco Seasoning
5 Tips for Making the Best Homemade Taco Seasoning
6 Storing Ideas
7 Frequently Asked Questions
8 More Seasoning Recipes
9 Homemade Taco Seasoning

Is Taco Seasoning Keto-Friendly?

If we’re talking about store-bought taco seasoning, the answer is—not always.

Although taco seasoning should be a simple mix of herbs and spices, many commercial blends contain hidden carbs in the form of added sugar, cornstarch, maltodextrin, or other fillers. These ingredients might not seem like much, but they can quickly add up, especially if you’re trying to stay in ketosis.

That’s exactly why making your own taco seasoning at home is such a smart choice—you control every ingredient. It’s naturally low in carbs, free from additives, and just as flavorful (if not more!) than anything you’d find on a store shelf.

So if you’ve ever wondered why you should take a few extra minutes to make this spice blend yourself—this is it. A healthier, cleaner, and keto-approved option right from your own pantry.

Why You’re Going to Love This Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Made with Clean, Healthy Ingredients – No fillers, preservatives, or added sugars—just real, whole spices that are naturally keto-friendly and gluten-free.
Quick and Easy to Make – This recipe comes together in just a couple of minutes using spices you likely already have in your pantry.
Customizable to Your Taste – Want it spicier? Add more cayenne. Prefer it smoky? Swap in smoked paprika. You have full control over the flavor.
No Hidden Additives – When you make it yourself, you know exactly what’s in it—perfect for clean eating, keto, paleo, or allergy-friendly cooking.
Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a large batch and store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 6–7 months, ready whenever you need it.

Spoon scooping a vibrant blend of Mexican-inspired spices for DIY taco mix.

Ingredients for Homemade Taco Seasoning

You only need a few pantry staples to create this flavorful, customizable taco seasoning. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chili Powder – Adds heat and depth to the blend. If you want it spicier, you can also include a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Ground Cumin – A must-have for authentic taco flavor. It brings a warm, earthy aroma that defines classic taco seasoning.
Garlic Powder – Adds bold, savory flavor. Make sure to use unsalted garlic powder, or adjust the added salt accordingly.
Onion Powder – Gives a subtle sweetness and savory note. You can substitute with dried onion flakes if you prefer more texture.
Dried Oregano – Adds a hint of herbiness. You can swap it with coriander or dried cilantro for a slightly different twist.
Paprika – Use regular paprika for color and mild flavor. For a smoky version, try smoked paprika.
Salt – Just a small amount is included to balance the mix. You can adjust it or omit entirely depending on the recipe you’re using.
Pepper – Adds a mild kick. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can skip it or reduce the amount.

How to Make This Delicious Taco Seasoning

This taco seasoning is so quick and easy to prepare, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought blends again! Here’s exactly what you need to do:

Measure Your Ingredients
Carefully measure out each spice according to the recipe for a balanced and flavorful blend.

Mix
Add all the ingredients to a small bowl and stir well with a spoon or small whisk until fully combined.

Store
Transfer the seasoning to a tightly sealed jar or spice container. Label it with the name and date, and store in a cool, dark place.

That’s it! Your homemade taco seasoning is ready to use in your favorite dishes—tacos, burrito bowls, taco soup, casseroles, and more.

This is one of the easiest recipes you will find on my blog, right?

Metal spoon resting in a bowl of homemade taco seasoning, highlighting spice granules.

Tips for Making the Best Homemade Taco Seasoning

Store It Properly – Keep your taco seasoning in an airtight container—a spice jar, glass mason jar, or even a tightly sealed plastic zip-top bag. Store it in a cool, dry place away from heat and light to preserve its flavor and potency.
Make a Big Batch – If you often cook tacos, fajitas, or keto-friendly Mexican recipes, go ahead and double or triple the recipe. It saves time later and ensures you always have your favorite seasoning on hand.
Don’t Leave It Loose – Tightly pack your seasoning in the jar to limit air exposure. The more air that reaches your spices, the faster they lose their flavor and aroma.
Adjust to Taste – One of the best things about homemade seasoning is the flexibility. Customize the heat level, salt, or herbs to match your preference. Like it spicier? Add extra chili powder or cayenne. Prefer it smoky? Use smoked paprika instead of regular.
Check Spice Freshness – For maximum flavor, use fresh, high-quality spices. Ground spices lose their strength over time, so if a jar’s been sitting in your pantry for over a year, it might be time to refresh.
Label and Date It – Don’t forget to label your container with the name and date so you can keep track of freshness—most spice blends stay flavorful for up to 6 months, and even longer if stored well.

Storing Ideas

Store your homemade taco seasoning in an airtight container or spice jar and keep it in a cool, dry place, such as a pantry or spice cabinet.

When properly stored, the blend will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 7 months—sometimes even longer. For best results, avoid moisture, heat, and direct sunlight, which can reduce the potency of the spices.

Tip: Label your jar with the name and date you made it to help keep track of freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

How To Use This Delicious Homemade Taco Seasoning?

This recipe is great for many dishes like

Can I Use Other Types Of Spices?

Sure, if there are any ingredients you dislike using in this recipe, you can replace them with others.

What Is Taco Seasoning?

It’s a bunch of spices typically used in Mexican recipes, like tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and so much more. And you will be surprised to find out that you already have in the kitchen most of the ingredients that make up this delicious mix.

More Seasoning Recipes