DIY Single-Recipe Taco Seasoning Mix
Forgot to buy a taco seasoning packet? Don’t want to buy a taco seasoning packet? This Single-Recipe Taco Seasoning Mix has you covered! I love this recipe because you can make exactly the amount you need instead of preparing a huge jar of it and it contains just seven simple ingredients. Perfect for tacos, quesadillas, and so much more!
Why I love this DIY Single-Recipe Taco Seasoning Mix
I don’t know about you, but I grew up seasoning my tacos with those lovely little store-bought seasoning packets. (If we’re being honest, I still buy them from time to time.) But… sometimes making your own seasoning at home is SO much better.
Maybe you’re in a pinch and forgot to pick up seasoning mix from the store. (We need tacos, stat!)
Or, maybe you’d just like to have more control over what goes into your food.
Either way, I got you boo. DIY Single-Recipe Taco Seasoning Mix to the rescue!
When I tried to search for taco seasoning recipes to replace a packet in the past, all I could find were recipes for HUGE amounts of taco seasoning. (Who has 1 cup of chili powder just lying around?) So, I decided to make my own! After a few taste tests, I finally got the right mix and I’m so excited to share it with you.
Nutrition Tidbits
Making your own taco seasoning instead of using a mix lets you have a say in what goes into it! If you read my spiel above, you know that I’m not afraid of a little store-bought mix, but let’s say you have some nutrition goals…
Trying to watch your salt intake?
This recipe allows you to control how much salt goes in. (If you add enough cayenne, you might not even need salt!) Feel free to omit the salt.
Watching your carbs?
The store-bought taco seasoning mix usually comes with a bit of starch (like potato starch) for thickening and some sugar. No extras like that in this recipe.
Have an allergy? (specifically corn or dairy)
Some spice mixes contain maltodextrin (a corn derivative, also for thickening) or are processed on equipment that also handles dairy products. None of that here either!
Cooking Tips + FAQs
Which dishes can you use this spice mix in?
I call this “taco seasoning,” but it’s honestly great in any dish that needs some spice. I use this spice mix in any dish that needs a little zip — quesadillas, fajitas, and sometimes even roasted veggies!
Need a yummy taco recipe? Try my Instant Pot Shredded Chicken Tacos!
Can you make this recipe in bulk instead of a single serving?
If you’d like to make this in bulk, multiply as needed for the number of recipes you’ll need and store in an airtight jar.
What size recipe will this work for?
This seasoning mix recipe works best in dishes that serve at least 6. If you’re using it in a smaller dish (let’s say, one that serves 2-4) it may be too spicy because the seasoning mix will be more concentrated.
How can I make this recipe more/less spicy?
To make this dish spicier, add 1/4 tsp more cayenne. To make it less spicy, cut the cayenne in half.
Originally posted on 8/9/2019. Updated on 2/22/20.
DIY Single Serving Taco Seasoning Mix
Ingredients
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chili powder
Instructions
- Measure out ingredients and mix in a small bowl.
- Add to your favorite recipe to season it! (Can be used in a batch – roughly 6 servings – of tacos, quesadillas, or fajitas)
- Multiply as needed for larger recipes. Multiply by 10 and store in a sealed jar if you'd like to make it in bulk for future recipes.
This was a great “packet size” taco seasoning recipe! Luckliy, I read your warning about the heat and subsituted half the chlili powder with Paprika, so mept the heat down for the delicate palates in my household… Also added in 2 small crushed garlic cloves. Everyone loved it. I am keeping this one for sure. Thank you!
Happy to hear this came in handy. Thank you for your notes on the heat level too!
Your a life saver! Needed a quick dinner tonight if tacos and of course forgot to buy taco seasoning (why do I keep going to the store without a list- or losing my list before I get to the store? LOL!??♀️)
Since it’s just hubby and me now I don’t need the large quantity seasonings that most recipes offer (although when my boys were still at home I couldn’t make it fast enough?) Thanks so much for sharing your recipe- you saved dinner tonight!
It made my day to hear this! Glad I could be a small part of making your dinner happen <3
I only put half of the cayenne pepper in and it was pretty spicey and I like spicey. So be careful.
Thanks for letting me know how it went, Liz! Yes, this can be spicy, especially if used in a small recipe.