You only need a few ingredients to make this Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix that's perfect for tacos, salads, chicken fajitas, soup and more.
Taco Tuesday is always on our Weekly Meal Plan and with this easy recipe, you may never purchase the packets from the grocery store again!

When it comes to adding Taco Tuesday to your weekly meal plan, most of us make sure we have a packet of taco seasoning in the pantry. But what if you don't have one?
Do you make a quick grocery store run to purchase a seasoning packet? If you're like me, this quick grocery store run to pick up a $3.00 packet of seasoning mix usually ends up costing more because of the impulse purchasing. ff
Or maybe you live a far distance from a grocery store. It's a 15 minute drive to our local grocery store. Here is my recipe for Homemade Taco Seasoning that will help you never have to purchase packets again.
Sunshine Seasoning
This recipe is very similar to the packets of seasoning mix you can purchase in the grocery store. While you can use this homemade seasoning mix for many recipes, it does not contain pineapple or mango; which are found in Tabitha Brown's Sunshine Seasoning Mix.
You can use my homemade seasoning mix for beef or chicken; as well as seasoning soups.
More Easy Dinner Recipes:
- Creamy Chicken Enchiladas
- Easy Steak Fajitas
- Crock Pot Salsa Chicken
- Easy Mexican Recipes - Weekly Meal Plan
Helpful Kitchen Tools
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Main Ingredients Needed
Make sure you print out the recipe below and save it for later!
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Paprika
- Oregano
- Salt and black pepper

Storing Tips
- Once you have the homemade seasoning mix combined, add it to a mason jar.
- You could also use an airtight container.
- Then place the jar in a cool, dry place.
- This homemade seasoning mix will last up to 6 months if properly stored.
How to Use Homemade Seasoning Mix
- Add one pound of ground beef to a large skillet.
- After browning the meat, drain the fat and return the meat to the skillet pan.
- Add 1 to 2 tablespoon of seasoning mix to the browned ground beef with ¼ cup water.
- Allow the meat and seasoning to simmer for about 10 minutes.

Traditional Tacos
Use the homemade taco seasoning for Taco Tuesday. Everyone loves tacos!

Taco Salad
I love to use homemade taco seasoning to prepare taco salad.

Taco Hand Pies
You can make taco hand pies using Pillsbury Refrigerator Biscuits. This is a great use for leftover taco meat:
- Flatten out the biscuits using a rolling pin.
- Add a tablespoon or two of leftover taco meat on half the rolled out biscuit.
- Add a few tablespoons of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Fold the biscuit over and seal using a fork.
- Brush each pocket with a beaten egg.
- Bake in a preheated 425°F oven until golden brown; around 12 minutes.

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Recipe FAQ's:
You'll need to use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning per every pound of ground beef you are using to make tacos.
Yes, adding water to the taco seasoning and ground beef helps to distribute the seasoning better. For every pound of ground beef, add 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning and ½ cup water.
Add the taco seasoning after you have browned the ground beef. You can also drain the ground beef after it has cooked to remove the excess oil. Add the cooked ground beef to a colander and allow it to drain over a bowl. Then add the cooked ground beef back to the same skillet and add the taco seasoning.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

You only need a few ingredients to make this Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix that's perfect for tacos, salads, chicken fajitas, soup and more.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Chili powder
- 3 teaspoons Ground cumin
- 3 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 1 /2 teaspoon Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Stir to make sure everything is completely mixed.
- Add the contents to a small mason jar.
Notes
Store the mason jar in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
10Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 18Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 178mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 2gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
The nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you, please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator.
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared in 2013 with new photos, information and a new printable recipe card that includes nutritional information. I hope you enjoy the updates as much as I enjoyed working on them!
Rachel Harper says
Lois,
Wow, I love this idea. It would make a great hostess gift. Thanks for sharing and I'd love to add a link to your recipe on my Sunday, Dirt Road Adventures if that's ok.
Lois says
Thank you!
Cindy@CountyRoad407 says
I've wanted to make taco hand pies for a couple of weeks now and with this homemade seasoning, they will turn out better than ever! Thanks for sharing this on Farmhouse Friday. Pinning and featuring it this week. Hope you link up again.
Pam says
I love this! I use a lot of these seasonings when I make tacos, but I never thought about making the seasoning ahead in a jar. So much simpler! I'll be featuring it today at the TFT party. Congrats! 🙂
Lois says
Thank you Pam!
Donna B Reidland says
I plan to mix up a batch soon. I like the fact that it doesn't have any sugar in it!
Lois says
Hope you enjoy it! Thank you for visiting!
Marlene Baird says
Thanks for sharing this salad Lois on FFF. I love Taco Salads.
Walking on Sunshine says
Cucumber! Barbara! Thanks for visiting!
Barbara Pendleton says
I love making my own seasoning! And I love taco salad! What is that ingredient in your salad photo that looks like apple, onion? It looks too stiff to be avocado. Thanks for sharing on FFF!