Homemade Taco Seasoning
This Homemade Taco Seasoning is bold, fresh, and free of fillers—no packets required! Made with garlic, onion, pure ground chile, and just the right touch of spice, this versatile blend is perfect for tacos, picadillo, fajitas, carnitas, arroz con pollo, and more.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons pure ground ancho chile (or cayenne for heat)
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin (optional, go light)
- 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano (optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl or jar.
- Stir or shake until evenly combined.
- Transfer to an airtight container and keep in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- Season with about 1–2 tablespoons per 1 pound of meat (or adjust to taste).
Notes
- Avoid American-style chili powder blends, which contain multiple spices. Instead, use pure ground chile such as ancho, cayenne, or Chimayó.
- For smoky flavor, swap in smoked paprika.
- Great for ground beef tacos, picadillo, chicken fajitas, steak fajitas, pork carnitas, carne asada and arroz con pollo.
- You can easily double, triple, or even quadruple this recipe to make a larger batch. When ready to cook, simply use about 1–2 tablespoon of taco seasoning per 1 pound of meat (or adjust to taste).