Homemade Salt-Free Taco Seasoning

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Homemade Taco Seasoning is quick and easy to make at home. Skip the grocery store packet and make your own mix. Homemade salt-free taco seasoning is easy to customize and even easier to use. This Spice Mix is perfect for your next taco or taco salad night, in soups or casseroles, or sprinkled on top of roasted vegetables for an easy side dish.

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Ingredients
Substitutions
How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
Tips for making homemade taco seasoning
What to Use Taco Seasoning for
Storage
How to use this taco seasoning for tacos or taco salad
Why are Homemade Seasoning Mixes better than store-bought?
Can I use homemade taco seasoning in other recipes?
Can I make a large batch of homemade taco seasoning?
FAQs
Recipe

Ingredients

See the recipe card for exact amounts.

chili powder: adds a smoky and spicy flavor.
ground cumin + coriander: these add earthy and savory flavors.
smoked paprika: I love smoky paprika, but feel free to use regular paprika instead if you don't want your mix to be smoky.
dried oregano leaves: I add oregano to most of my Mexican and Tex-Mex inspired dishes, I love the flavor it adds. You can leave it out if you're not a fan.
garlic and onion powder: adds some savory depth to the mix.
ground black pepper: mild heat
ground cayenne pepper: adds heat and spiciness - adjust to your preference.

Substitutions

smoky: I like the smoky flavor that smoked paprika adds to this taco seasoning but you can use regular paprika instead if you prefer.
spicy: not a fan of spice? You can use less cayenne pepper if you want or totally leave it out. For a lot of heat, try doubling the amount. Try red pepper flakes instead of cayenne.

How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning

Prep Tips

You'll need a container with a lid.

Mix all the spices together in a bowl or in your jar.

Store the spice mix in the jar with a lid.

You can scale the seasoning mix up or down, just make sure to keep the ratios about the same. Use the servings option on the recipe card to increase the servings.

Mix spices.

Add spices to a jar.

Tips for making homemade taco seasoning

customize: not a fan of coriander? Leave it out. The main spices are chili, cumin, onion, and garlic.
spice: you can leave out the cayenne pepper for a less spicy mix, or add a bit more if you really love a spicy heat.
store: keep the mix in a dark place like a cupboard or pantry.
variations: try this spice mix in other dishes like grilled chicken or shrimp, roasted potatoes or mixed vegetables, or make a taco pasta dish.

What to Use Taco Seasoning for

Try this mix in my Taco Salad recipe for a super easy dinner. If you're looking for more easy weeknight dinner ideas try my Grilled Chicken Tacos using this mix, or try my Loaded Taco Fries. Sprinkled this seasoning on Sheet Pan Roasted Vegetables for an easy, delicious side dish.

Try my other spice mixes like my Italian Seasoning, Salt-Free Fajita Seasoning, Greek Spice Mix, Southwest Seasoning, or my Everyday Seasoning.

Storage

Store in the pantry, in a jar with a lid for about 6-9 months.

How to use this taco seasoning for tacos or taco salad

To use this mix for taco meat or a vegetarian taco filling to use in tacos or on taco salad:

Brown 1lb ground beef, ground turkey, or sauté mashed chickpeas or brown lentils in a large skillet.
Add diced onion and garlic and sauté until the onion has softened.
Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning + 2 tablespoons of tomato paste.
Stir to cook the tomato paste and wake the spices (about 30-60 seconds.)
Add 1 cup of water and simmer to reduce the liquid and thicken the sauce. To thicken further, add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to a 1 cup measuring cup and fill it about ¾ with water. Whisk until lump free and then add to the skillet.
Heat until the mixture thickens, then turn the heat down to medium low and simmer for about 10 minutes.
Cool and refrigerate any leftovers.

Why are Homemade Seasoning Mixes better than store-bought?

they are cheaper in the long run
you can customize the flavors, adding the spices you like best
you can add a spicy heat or omit it
no preservatives or additives
you can make them salt-free, making it easier to control the salt content (and seasoning) when you're cooking

Can I use homemade taco seasoning in other recipes?

Yes! Try this mix on potatoes or vegetables before roasting them, or on grilled shrimp or chicken. Shake the mix onto onion and bell pepper strips and sauté them before adding to a salad or a grilled cheese sandwich.

Can I make a large batch of homemade taco seasoning?

Yes. Homemade spice mixes will last in the pantry for about 6-9 months before they start to lose a bit of flavor.

FAQs

How can I adjust the spiciness of homemade taco seasoning?

You can omit the cayenne powder for a less spicy mix or add a bit more for more heat.

Is homemade taco seasoning healthier than store-bought options?

Homemade taco seasoning is free of additives, preservatives, gluten (for those sensitive) and can be made salt-free.

Can I use homemade taco seasoning in recipes other than tacos?

Yes you can use this taco mix wherever you want like on roasted potatoes or sheet pan vegetables or on grilled chicken or shrimp.

Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Author : Jacqueline Piper

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

Servings: tablespoons

Homemade taco seasoning is quick and easy to make at home. Perfect for your next taco or taco salad night, in soups or casseroles, or shaken on top of roasting veggies for easy meal prep.

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Ingredients

Instructions

Add all spices to a jar and mix well.
Store in a jar with a lid.

Notes

No salt added. Add salt to your individual dishes.
For tacos, I add 2 tablespoons of this mix plus 2 tablespoons of tomato paste to one pound of browned ground beef or turkey. Add a cup of water and simmer. To thicken add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with another cup of cold water and simmer until thickened.
Store in a container with a lid for 6-9 months.