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Nuts & Twigs » Recipes » Seasoning Blends

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Regina Pearce head shot.
Modified: Feb 13, 2025 · Published: Mar 8, 2024 by Regi Pearce · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

Making a homemade taco seasoning blend ensures you're keeping things natural and healthy and allows you to adjust the flavors precisely to your liking in under 5 minutes.

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45 degree angle of Homemade taco seasoning

Taco Seasoning is simple to make and packs a punch of flavor, ideal for spicing up your plant-based dishes.

For other delicious blends, take a look at Italian Seasoning Substitute, Creole Seasoning Recipe, and Adobo Seasoning.

Jump to:
  • Why Make Your Own Seasoning?
  • Ingredients
  • How To Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
  • Storing Your Taco Seasoning
  • Ways to Use Your Taco Seasoning in Vegan Cooking
  • Recipe FAQS
  • More Vegan Mexican Recipes
  • Recipe Card
  • Comments

Why Make Your Own Seasoning?

  • Play chef and jazz up your spice mix however you like - crank up the heat, sweeten the deal, or make it herbier than a garden.
  • This homemade seasoning mix does not contain mysterious additives or preservatives that you can't pronounce, just pure spice goodness.
  • Buying spices in bulk and DIYing your blends beats shelling out for those pricey pre-mixed jars. Save money with my other blends like this Cajun Seasoning or these 20 Seasoning Blends.

Ingredients

Say goodbye to the store-bought packets with added fillers and hello to this fresh, zesty, and customizable homemade taco blend with these ingredients. See the recipe card for details on quantities.

top view of taco seasoning ingredients in bowls
  • Paprika - Use smoked or regular, depending on your preference.
  • Crushed red pepper flakes - Adjust according to heat preference.
  • Use dried Mexican oregano or regular oregano.

How To Make Homemade Taco Seasoning

Simple but delicious. Just mix everything. See the recipe card for more details about the recipe.

Homemade taco seasoning blend ingredients in a mortar.

Step 1: Place all the ingredients in a small bowl. Use a mortar and pestle or a spice blender if using any whole spices you want to crush.

top view of blend blended ingredients in a mortar.

Step 2: Mix together all the ingredients until well combined.

Storing Your Taco Seasoning

To keep your homemade taco seasoning at its peak for as long as possible, store it in an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a screw-top lid.

If you store your taco seasoning correctly, it'll keep its freshness and punchy flavors for around 6 months. Though I've hung onto mine for a bit longer, six months is a general recommendation for when you'll want to refresh your stash for peak zestiness.

top view of homemade taco seasoning in a white bowl.

Ways to Use Your Taco Seasoning in Vegan Cooking

Here are some plant-based serving suggestions for your homemade taco seasoning blend that are sure to be hits among vegans and anyone looking to add more veggies to their diet:

  • Dash this seasoning on tofu, tempeh, or lentils for a flavorful taco flavor.
  • Add a tablespoon (or to taste) to your salad dressings for a Mexican-inspired twist. Try it in Easy Chipotle Aioli Sauce.
  • To give vegan chili an extra layer of flavor, incorporate taco seasoning. Try substituting some spices for the taco seasoning in Vegan Chili With TVP.
  • Toss chickpeas with olive oil and the taco seasoning blend, then roast until crispy. These make a great snack or a crunchy topping for salads. Check out Roasted Chickpea Croutons to learn how to air fry chickpeas.
  • Use the seasoning in your quesadilla filling, combining it with sautéed onions, bell peppers, and vegan cheese between tortillas. Cook until crispy and golden. Use it for Vegan Jackfruit Quesadillas.
  • Use it in Easy Walnut Taco Meat for an authentic flavor.
top view of homemade taco seasoning in a white bowl with a teaspoon inside the bowl.

Recipe FAQS

Can I make a salt-free taco seasoning?

Yes. Just omit the salt. Consider increasing the other spices slightly to compensate for the flavor.

How can I adjust the heat level in my taco seasoning?

Adjust the heat by varying the amount of chili powder or red pepper flakes. Use less for a milder mix, or add more for extra spice.

Is it cheaper to make taco seasoning at home?

Yes, making taco seasoning at home can be more cost-effective, especially if you already have the spices on hand or buy them in bulk.

How much homemade taco seasoning should I use?

As a super general guideline, use about 2 to 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of food. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

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What did you think?

Have a minute? I'd love for you to dive into the comments and rate this Homemade Taco Seasoning. Your feedback is invaluable-did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked for you so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.

Recipe Card

top view of homemade taco seasoning in a white bowl.

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Regi Pearce
Make your own taco seasoning to keep it fresh, natural, and totally customizable - no fillers, just flavor!
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course seasoning blend
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 12 tablespoons
Calories 9 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 2 teaspoons paprika smoked or regular
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes adjust according to heat preference
  • ½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano or regular oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
InstacartGet Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Mix: In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients until well combined.
  • Store: Store your taco seasoning in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep for up to 6 months.

Video

Notes

Store in an airtight container.
Nutritional information is only an estimate.

Nutrition

Calories: 9kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 0.4g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 218mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg
Keywords beginner friendly, budget friendly, gluten free, homemade, no cook, nut free, oil free, soy free, whole food plant based
Tried this recipe?Please consider Leaving a Review!

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Reader Interactions

Comments

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    Recipe Rating




  1. Michelle says

    September 11, 2024 at 12:05 pm

    5 stars
    Great blend! Thanks!

    Reply
    • Regi Pearce says

      September 15, 2024 at 9:46 am

      Glad you enjoyed. Thanks for commenting.

      Reply

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I'm Regi.

Head nut, chief twig, and creator of Nuts & Twigs. Here, you can expect delicious vegan recipes that make you realize that a life without cheese is not only possible but also worth living.

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