Spicy Taco Seasoning
You can prep this Spicy Taco Seasoning in bulk and keep it stored airtight for several months. Use it to season your favorite tacos, soups, enchiladas, burritos, and more!
Hot and Spicy, Just How I Like It!
I used to buy those taco seasoning packets all the time, and would run out of them just as fast as I could stock the house. I started to really think about what was in those packets, though.
I no longer wanted to put all those preservatives in my body. I was afraid I would end up sacrificing taste when I made my first bulk batch of this spice blend. Thank goodness I was wrong!
Here’s why else I love making this hot and spicy taco seasoning:
✔ Easy to Customize: If you love the flavor of cumin, then feel free to add a bunch of it! If you like it even spicier than we do, add more Mexican hot chili powder or even more red pepper flakes. And so on!
✔ Fast to Make: You can make a bulk amount of this seasoning mix in less than 5 minutes. The recipe yields 2 cups of seasoning as written.
✔ Great for Gifting: I know other people love giving cookies around the holidays, but I like to give seasoning blends like this one since my friends love making scratch meals as much as I do!
How to Make Spicy Taco Seasoning in Bulk
Homemade spice mixes are simple to prepare and customize according to your personal preferences.
To make this seasoning blend, simply add the following spices to a mixing bowl and whisk until well combined:
- Chili Powder: I like to use a blend of Mexican chili powder and regular chili powder for a more nuanced heat.
- Garlic Powder: Doesn’t make the seasoning blend taste garlicky, just well balanced.
- Onion Powder: If yours has formed lots of hard clumps, it might be time to purchase a new bottle.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a nice kick of heat.
- Dried oregano: Use Mexican oregano if you have it on hand, otherwise regular oregano is just fine.
- Paprika: I prefer using regular sweet paprika rather than smoked, which tends to overpower the seasoning mix.
- Ground Cumin: A must for any Mexican-inspired recipe!
- Kosher Salt and Ground Black Pepper: The perfect finishing touches to round out the seasoning.
For the complete ingredient list and detailed instructions, scroll to the bottom of this post for the FREE printable recipe card.
My Preferred Taco Seasoning to Meat Ratio
I like to start with 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of meat, and then taste from there. If you are sensitive to heat, you may like to start with half that amount (1 1/2 teaspoons) and taste before adding more.
It is always easier to add more seasoning than it is to make your taco meat less spicy!
Ways to Use It
The most obvious way to use this hot taco seasoning is (you guessed it!) in tacos. But this is actually a versatile spice blend. Here are a few more ways to use this easy taco seasoning in your cooking:
More Homemade Seasoning Blends to Make
I love making my own seasoning blends whenever possible! That way I know the herbs and spices in them are the freshest possible, and I can control how much salt and sugar is in my food.
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Spicy Taco Seasoning Recipe
This is a fantastic bulk recipe for spicy taco seasoning so you can have it on hand for any needed Mexican food craving!
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp Mexican hot chili powder
- 1/4 cup regular chili powder
- 2 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 2 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 2 tsp red pepper flakes (more or less to taste)
- 2 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 6 tsp paprika
- 1/4 cup cumin (more or less to taste)
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt
- 3 Tbsp plus 1 tsp finely ground black pepper
Instructions
- Gather all of the spices.
- Measure each of the spices and add directly into a mason jar.
- Place lid on the mason jar and tighten securely.
- Shake the jar vigourously to combine all of the spices.
- Store in mason jar with lid for at least a month. Store in a dry place.
Notes
Substitution Tips
If you don't like too spicy, lessen the amount of the red pepper flakes, or use less of the Mexican hot chili powder and more of the regular chili powder.
You can also adjust the flavors of the remaining spices as well to your taste. This is totally adjustable to your liking! That's what is so great about making your own seasoning mixes!
HOW LONG WILL TACO SEASONING LAST?
I love that this homemade taco spice mix stores well in a jar so that you can make a large batch ahead of time and use it throughout the year. It will keep for months, but I guarantee your stash of homemade taco seasoning won’t last that long.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 48 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 7Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 66mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g
Try Making Your Own Taco Seasoning!
Instead of stocking up on packets of taco seasoning, make your own hot and spicy seasoning blend at home using basic herbs and spices you keep stocked in your pantry.
Did You Try This Recipe? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment and a review below—your feedback helps others and makes my day.
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Ally says
Is there a way to make the seasoning last longer than a month?
Katie says
If it is stored airtight (like a jar) you can probably get up to 3 months. You can also store it in the fridge if desired. The cooler temperature should help it keep fresh longer.
nicole o says
What proportion of homemade spice-to-meat do you use when preparing tacos? My girls just made a batch of this for their uncle for Christmas. Thanks!
Carla | Carla's Confections says
I would use between 3-4 Tbsp of seasoning for 1lb of meat. But that’s just my preference. I like it extra spicy 😉 it’s really to your preference. I’m making this for a Christmas gift as well!! I hope their uncle loves it! 🙂