Taco night just isn’t complete without the perfect spice mixture so here’s how to make the best homemade taco seasoning blend! This is one of my favorite seasoning recipes since it’s so versatile and easy plus you likely already have most, if not all, of the basic spices needed!

filled spice jar with "taco seasoning" label

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Use this blend on ground turkey or ground beef tacos, in taco soup, a taco salad, your favorite tex-mex recipes or even for nachos and birria tacos! The best part about making your own taco seasoning mix is knowing exactly what’s in it! Store-bought packets are often packed with cheap fillers, artificial colors/food colorings and tend to have a higher salt content than your homemade version. And if that wasn’t enough to convince you, the flavor of homemade is just plain better than a factory-made packet of taco seasoning! Which is why I prefer to make my own homemade seasonings and sauces whenever I can like this Caribbean staple – green seasoning, jerk seasoning and the perfect seafood boil sauce!

You’ll notice that this recipe omits salt altogether. This is because I recommend adding it only when you use the seasoning. By doing this you can taste as you go and adjust the salt as needed for the particular dish you’re making! This also makes it easier to use your own homemade taco seasoning in different settings and for people with different dietary needs like a low sodium diet.

key ingredients for the Best Homemade Taco Seasoning

Ground cumin. A warm yet fresh tasting spice and an absolute necessity for any Taco Tuesday menu.

Garlic powder. Dried garlic pulverized into granules or a powder. For complete control over the salt content make sure not to use garlic salt.

Dried Mexican oregano. Mexican oregano has a deeper and more earthy taste than regular (usually Italian) oregano which tends to have a lighter taste.

Onion powder. Just as the garlic powder, ensure you’re not reaching for onion salt which could result in an overly salty seasoning blend.

Dried thyme. Has a subtle smokiness that adds depth to your taco seasoning.

ingredients for the best homemade taco seasoning - Mexican oregano, ground cumin, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, onion powder, smoked paprika

Smoked paprika. Adds more depth in flavor than regular paprika

Cayenne pepper. This is totally optional. Feel free to omit completely if you want a “mild” taco seasoning. You can also substitute with red pepper flakes if you prefer or ground black pepper for a milder and more subtle bite.

faq’s and tips for success

Is it better to use fresh or dried herbs for homemade taco seasoning?
Use dried herbs for best results and for a longer shelf-life. If you only have fresh herbs on hand you can dry them in a food dehydrator or in an oven set to 160°F. The oven method will take a bit longer (up to about 4 hours). For optimal drying, slice the onions and garlic thinly or dice them very finely. This provides a larger surface area and speeds up drying!

wooden spoon scooping homemade taco seasoning on a plate

How long does this homemade taco seasoning blend last?
Dried seasoning can last anywhere from 1-4 years which makes it convenient to make a big batch at a time!
Ultimately the shelf life will depend on how well the ingredients have been dried. Removing the water content of the herbs prevents the growth of organisms that cause decay like mold, bacteria and yeast. If you’re drying at home ensure that your vegetables and herbs are completely crisp before incorporating them into the seasoning blend. To test, simply bend a piece of the vegetable or the herb’s stem. You’re good to go if it is brittle & snaps or breaks apart immediately. If it is pliable, this means it still has some moisture so return it to the oven until done.

How should you store this taco seasoning?
Container choice is mostly up to you and your preferences but it should be in an airtight container. Containers like a mason jar or spice jar help to preserve aroma and flavor as much as possible. I use these spice jars. They come with pre-printed labels and fit perfectly in 2 columns in my pull-out spice rack! There’s no need to refrigerate this seasoning mix given that the herbs have been dried properly. Simply store it in a cool, dark place – most likely in your spice cabinet alongside your other seasonings & spice jars.