Bulk Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

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Homemade Taco Seasoning is the perfect way to skip the little packets from the grocery store and take control of your ingredients. This easy homemade taco seasoning recipe lets you make a large batch so you’ll always have some ready for your next taco night. Whether you’re making ground beef tacos, turkey tacos, or taco soup, this homemade version tastes way better than the store-bought stuff.

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Why Make Your Own Taco Seasoning?

Store-bought taco seasoning packets may be convenient, but they often come with a high salt content, preservatives, and extra ingredients you don’t need. When you make your own spice mix at home, you get to control everything—especially the salt and spice levels. You can even adjust it based on your taste or the type of meat you’re using, whether it’s ground beef, ground turkey, or shredded chicken breasts.

Plus, making a big batch of homemade taco seasoning saves time and money. Keep it in a spice jar, mason jar, or any airtight container in a dry place like your pantry or spice cabinet. It’s one of those pantry staples you’ll end up reaching for again and again.

Ingredients for Homemade Bulk Taco Seasoning

This recipe makes about 16 servings—enough for roughly 16 pounds of meat. You’ll need a small bowl and a simple blend of spices:

• 1 cup chili powder (use mild chili powder or ancho chili powder if preferred)
• 1/2 cup ground cumin
• 2 tablespoons paprika (or try smoked paprika for a smoky flavor)
• 3 tablespoons onion powder
• 4 tablespoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons dried oregano (or use Mexican oregano for more authentic flavor)
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons salt

Optional Add-ins:
If you like heat, stir in 1 to 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning

To make this homemade bulk taco seasoning, simply add all the ingredients to a large bowl and whisk everything together until it’s fully combined. Make sure there are no clumps and that the spices are evenly mixed. Once blended, transfer the seasoning to an airtight container or mason jar and store it in a cool, dry place until you’re ready to use it.

How to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning

Use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning per 1 pound of meat. After browning your ground meat, stir in the seasoning mix along with 2/3 cup of water. Let it simmer until the liquid reduces and thickens. This works great for a pound of ground beef, ground turkey, or even shredded chicken. You can also stir this homemade taco seasoning into your favorite Taco Soup and serve it with Homemade Guacamole.

A Few Tips

• Adjust the salt content if you’re watching your sodium intake.
• Add corn starch if you like a thicker sauce when cooking taco meat.
• Use smoked paprika or ancho chili powder for a bolder, richer flavor.
• Label your spice jar or airtight container with the date so you know when you made it.

Final Thoughts

This homemade bulk taco seasoning is one of those recipes that once you try it for the first time, you’ll never go back to the packet of taco seasoning from the grocery store. It’s easy, affordable, and gives you total control over what’s in your food. No preservatives, no weird additives—just a great blend of spices.

Use the recipe card below to save it or print it for later.  And while you’re at it, try out our favorite Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix.

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