Homemade Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Recipe (Copycat) 

Now you can make store bought taco seasoning at home. This recipe utilizes basic spices without fillers or mystery ingredients you find in the packaged seasoning. It is a healthy, cost efficient and simple mix than store bought seasoning mixes.

This spice recipe can be used in a variety of dishes. The batch can be doubled for storing or simply measured out on the spot. 

This recipe tastes just like the Old El Paso store bought seasoning except fresher. Using fresh spices can also boost your health benefits. 

I suggest starting with these measurements and then over time tweak the recipe to your flavor preference.

You can incorporate other spices to your liking.  If you’re using this for taco night or game day recipes it is sure to become your new staple seasoning. 

It seems easier to tear open a package of seasoning than to prepare yourself. Once you make this recipe you’ll never go back. Avoid unhealthy ingredients by preparing this fast recipe that uses spices you already own for less money. 

Prep Time: 5 MINUTES

What You’ll Need

  • 1T Chili Powder
  • 1 ½ T Cumin
  • 1t Paprika
  • 1t Onion Powder
  • 1t Garlic Powder
  • 1t Salt
  • 1t Black Pepper
  • 1/2t Oregano (dried)

To fill a 10oz Mason Jar (Big Batch for Storing)

  • 10T Chili Powder
  • 15 t Cumin
  • 5t Paprika
  • 5t Onion Powder
  • 5t Garlic Powder
  • 10t Salt
  • 10 t Black Pepper
  • 5t dried Oregano

Ingredient Notes

Chili Powder

This spice is the staple for chilis, tacos or fajitas and provides the Southwest flavor.  It provides the spice and heat in the seasoning.

Depending on your preference for spice you can adjust the measurement lower or higher. If you’re a fan of spice you might try adding an 1/8 t of cayenne to kick up the heat.

Cumin  

This is personally one of my favorite spices that I identify with for tacos and fajitas. I don’t skimp on this spice.

Cumin is part of the parsley family. It provides warm and earthy elements to this seasoning. It is a versatile spice with antioxidant properties. 

Onion and Garlic Powder 

These two spices are the staple of any seasoning. They provide important flavor as the base of any seasoning. 

Oregano

The spice is widely used in Mediterranean and Mexican cuisine. It is popular in savory dishes and provides an earthy element. It is high in antioxidants and vitamin K. It can fight bacteria and reduce inflammation. 

Paprika

Made from dried red peppers.  This spice has a variety of health benefits. It also contains antioxidant properties, improves immunity, vitamin A, and may reduce inflammation.

This spice can be altered by used smoked paprika if you want to incorporate more smokiness to your dish.

How to Make It

Step 1:  Mix Ingredients in a bowl with whisk or tight fitted container 

Step 2:  If making a large batch label the container with date and the type of seasoning 

Buy Spices in Bulk

Buying spices in bulk can save money. It also means that you will be purchasing items less. It saves money on the packaging and product itself. Plus it’s sustainable.  

Substitutions and Alternative Ingredients 

Can I Substitute Different Seasonings?

Yes, you can adjust the amounts to your preference above. I have started to add different seasonings depending on the recipe.

Sometimes I add Turmeric, Coriander, or red pepper flakes. I like a smoky flavor, so I have started to incorporate smoked paprika and a smoked salt. 

Can I Leave the Salt Out?

Yes, you can make this recipe without salt. If you are trying to avoid salt for health reasons or personal preference you can leave it out.

Alternative Meat and Protein

When using this spice, you can add it to a variety of proteins. Ground beef, chicken, turkey and even fish.

Experiment and decide what you like best. This can be used in various recipes like taco soup and chili. 

Alternative Additions to Your Protein

When cooking my ground beef, you can add lots of different thinks like onions, canned green chiles, peppers or jalapenos. Get creative and discover what works best. 

Why Make Your Own Seasoning

Making your own seasoning allows you to use spices without fillers or mystery ingredients.

It is the best way to get the healthiest mix by making from scratch. Measuring out the ingredients takes minutes and is easy, even the kids could do.

Seasoning packets can include gluten and other allergens.  Making your spice mixture by batch allows you to buy in bulk and save money. 

This can be cost effective overall.   This blend is gluten-free, low carb, keto friendly, paleo and sugar free.

How to Store My Spices and Seasoning

Spices can lose flavor and health benefits if stored improperly or for too long. Make sure to check your expiration dates before using the spices.

The spice mixture can last up to 6 months when stored in a cool dry place in an airtight container.

I like to store my large spice mixture in a mason jar. I store day to day seasoning in a cleaned and reused spice bottle. 

Be sure to label your spice mixture correctly and include the dates and ingredients if necessary.

How Much Taco Seasoning equals a Packet

4 T seasoning with 1 pound of ground beef is the typical ratio. 1 packet = 4T=1/4 cup

You might want to check out our Ruth’s Chris Steak Butter Recipe.

Recipes for Taco Seasoning  

  • Tacos
  • Fajitas
  • Taco Soup
  • Chili
  • Taco Shells in Air Fryer

Tips and Tricks

  • Buy and use fresh spices (check the expiration dates)
  • Alter the recipe to your preference of flavors and heat
  • Buy spices in bulk and make the recipe in bulk to save money and time. 
  • Store and label the spice mixture correctly. 
  • 1 packet = 4T= ¼ cup seasoning ratios
Homemade Old El Paso Taco Seasoning (Copycat)

Homemade Old El Paso Taco Seasoning (Copycat)

Yield: 3
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes

This recipe will become a pantry seasoning staple. Healthy and easy to prepare with use of a variety of recipes. No more wondering what’s in that seasoning packet. Just fresh southwest spices ready to elevate your next taco Tuesday!  

Ingredients

  • 1T Chili Powder
  • 1 ½ T Cumin
  • 1t Paprika
  • 1t Onion Powder
  • 1t Garlic Powder
  • 1t Salt
  • 1t Black Pepper
  • 1/2t Oregano (dried)
  • 10T Chili Powder
  • 15 t Cumin
  • 5t Paprika
  • 5t Onion Powder
  • 5t Garlic Powder
  • 10t Salt
  • 10 t Black Pepper
  • 5t dried Oregano

Instructions

  1. Mix Ingredients together with a whisk in bowl or tight fitted container
  2. Label container with name and date (skip further steps if just making the taco seasoning)
  3. Cook 1lb Ground Beef until browned in skillet
  4. Add the seasoning until combined
  5. Add ¾ cup water and simmer until sauce has thickened
  6. Serve and Enjoy
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