This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
This homemade Old El Paso taco seasoning copycat is perfect for quick weeknight meals. Made with simple pantry staples, it’s fresher, more flavorful, and more budget-friendly than store-bought packets—and it takes just minutes to make.
Every Tuesday—and honestly most other nights too—someone reaches for a taco seasoning packet. It’s convenient, but once you look at the ingredient list, you’ll notice plenty of salt and additives alongside the spices. This homemade taco seasoning recipe puts the flavor back where it belongs. It takes just 10 minutes to make, costs less than store-bought packets, and lets you control exactly what goes into it.
Homemade vs. store-bought taco seasoning
| Homemade Taco Seasoning | Store-Bought Packets |
|---|---|
| ✓ No fillers or anti-caking agents | Often contain fillers and preservatives |
| ✓ Control over the salt level | Usually high in sodium |
| ✓ Easy to adjust the heat | Fixed spice level |
| ✓ Fresher spices and better flavor | Older spices with less flavor |
| ✓ More economical over time | Higher cost per packet |
| ✓ Customizable to your taste | Limited customization |
| ✓ One batch seasons about 2 pounds of meat | Typically enough for 1 pound of meat |
The cornstarch secret: Cornstarch helps achieve the thick, saucy texture found in store-bought taco seasoning packets, allowing the seasoning to coat the meat evenly.
You’ll need
How to make homemade old el paso taco seasoning
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl or spice jar until combined. Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
How to use
Use 2 tablespoons of seasoning + ⅔ cup water per pound of ground meat. Cook and drain the meat first, then add the seasoning and water. Simmer 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the meat.
Helpful tips
- Use fresh spices: Replace chili powder and cumin that have been sitting in your pantry for over a year for the best flavor.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch: It helps achieve the thick, saucy texture that coats taco meat perfectly.
- Toast the spices: After draining the meat, stir in the seasoning and cook for 30–60 seconds before adding water to deepen the flavor.
- Make a bigger batch: Double or triple the recipe and keep it on hand for quick weeknight meals.
Variations
- Mild Taco Seasoning: Reduce the cayenne to ⅛ teaspoon and omit the black pepper for a kid-friendly version with plenty of flavor.
- Spicy Taco Seasoning: Increase the cayenne to ½ teaspoon and add ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Salt-Free Taco Seasoning: Leave out the salt and season your finished dish to taste. Great for low-sodium diets.
- Smoky Taco Seasoning: Increase the smoked paprika to 1 teaspoon and add ¼ teaspoon chipotle powder for a rich, smoky flavor.
Substitutions
| If You’re Out of… | Use Instead | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chili powder | Ancho chili powder or chipotle powder | Ancho is milder and slightly sweeter, while chipotle adds a smoky kick. |
| Smoked paprika | Regular paprika + ⅛ teaspoon cumin | You’ll lose some smokiness, but the cumin adds extra depth. |
| Cornstarch | Arrowroot powder | Use the same amount. It thickens just as well and is gluten-free. |
| Cayenne pepper | Red pepper flakes or hot sauce | Use red pepper flakes in the seasoning blend, or stir hot sauce into the meat while cooking. |
| Dried oregano | Dried marjoram | A very similar flavor profile—swap it in using the same amount. |
Storage
- Shelf Life: Up to 6 months
- Storage: Store in an airtight jar in a cool, dark pantry.
- Refrigeration: Not required.
- Label & Date: Mark the jar with the date you made it to track freshness.
Store away from the stove and oven — steam and heat are the enemies of dried spice blends. If the mix starts to smell flat or faint after several months, it’s time to make a fresh batch. Five minutes well spent.
More Homemade Seasoning Recipes
Seasoning Recipes
Potato Seasoning
Seasoning Recipes
Meatloaf Seasoning
Seasoning Recipes
Porketta Seasoning Recipe (Italian Pork Roast Seasoning)
Seasoning Recipes
Hello Fresh Fry Seasoning
Frequently asked questions
Cornstarch is the thickener that gives seasoned taco meat its glossy, saucy consistency rather than dry, crumbled texture. Store-bought packets use it for the same reason. If you prefer to skip it — for example, if you’re using the seasoning as a dry rub — simply omit it with no other changes to the recipe.
Yes — 2 tablespoons of this blend equals roughly one standard store-bought taco seasoning packet (typically 1 oz / about 2 tablespoons, but mostly salt). Because this blend has less salt and more actual spice, the flavor is stronger.
Absolutely. For chicken, use 1 tablespoon per pound, either mixed with a little oil as a marinade or added directly to the pan. For fish, use about ½–¾ teaspoon per fillet as a dry rub before pan-searing or grilling — fish absorbs seasoning quickly and a lighter hand works better.
Made this taco seasoning? Rate it below and tell us your go-to taco night protein — beef, chicken, or something else entirely!
Pin this now to find it later
Pin It
Homemade Old el Paso Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a small bowl or spice jar.
- Stir or shake until evenly combined.
- Use immediately, or store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
All rights reserved. CHEF JAR. All images and content are copyright protected. PLEASE do not use my images without my permission. If you want to share this recipe, PLEASE provide a link back to this post.
How much of this seasoning is used with 1 lb ground beef?
Hi Rob! You can use about 2 tablespoons for 1 pound of ground beef. Adjust based on how strong you want the flavor!