This Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Recipe adds a bold real Tex Mex flavor to your tacos! Skip the store-bought packets and make this easy copycat version using everyday pantry staples — and make it your new favorite budget-friendly seasoning!
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Taco Seasoning Main Ingredients
- Chili Powder – The main flavor in the seasoning, bringing warmth, spice, and a deep, smoky flavor.
- Cumin – Adds earthy, nutty undertones that contribute to the overall complexity of the seasoning.
- Paprika — For color, mild sweetness, and hint of smokiness (if using smoked paprika)
- Dried Oregano – Adds just a little herbal note that balances out the bold spices.
- Garlic Powder – Helps round out that savory umami taste and pairs well with the other spices.
- Onion Powder – Lends a mild, sweet onion flavor to round out the spices.
- Kosher (or Pink Salt) – Brightens all the flavors and gives the seasoning its full flavor.
- Freshly Cracked Pepper – Offers a bit of heat and depth to the blend.
How To Make Taco seasoning
- Sift all spices in the same small bowl, and stir to combine!
- Brown taco meat (ground beef, chicken, or turkey) over medium heat in a skillet.
- Mix in the seasoning mixture with a splash of water, give it a good stir and let it fuse with the meat. Scoop into tacos, burritos or whatever Tex-Mex you fancy!
Pro Tips
- Bring out the Taste – Toasting spices in a dry skillet for 30 seconds (or until fragrant) by itself, enhances the release of their oil, and helps enrich the seasoning aroma and flavor.
- Add Cornstarch to the Seasoning — For a saucier, thicker, well-coated taco meat consistency, stir together a teaspoon of cornstarch with the seasoning before adding it to the meat. It aids in the development of a sticky, flavorful coating that clings to every morsel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in the Old El Paso Taco Seasoning?
Old El Paso Taco Seasoning-the classic taco seasoning blend with Tex-Mex spices like chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and black pepper. Store-bought is also sometimes sweetened (sugar), thickened (cornstarch) and preserved to keep it fresh
How Much Seasoning To Use?
As a guideline, use approximately 2 tablespoons taco seasoning for each 1 pound of meat. You can vary the amount according to your taste. For a more robust flavor, increase the seasoning or allow to reduce longer.
Usage Ideas
- Classic Tacos – Season ground beef, chicken, or turkey with it and get those taco fillings ready. Just brown the meat, add the spice with a little water, and simmer.
- Mexican Rice — Mix seasoning into cooked rice with tomatoes, bell peppers, and black beans for a quick and flavorful side.
- Seasoned Fries & Roasted Veggies – Use it on fries, roasted potatoes, or grilled veggies for a spicy Tex-Mex flair.
- Homemade Dips – Combine it with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or cream cheese for a delicious dip for tortilla chips or veggies.
Storage Suggestions
- Store in an Airtight Container – You can keep your seasoning freshness and moisture free in a sealed spice jar, mason jar, or even airtight bag.
- Store In a Cool & Dry Place – Avoid heat, sunlight, and moisture; stow it away in a pantry or spice cabinet to avoid clumping and loss of taste.
If you tried this Better Than Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please feel free to leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it goes in the 📝 comments below. And remember to tag me on Instagram!
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Recipe
The Best Taco Seasoning (Copycat)
This Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Recipe adds a bold real Tex Mex flavor to your tacos! Skip the store-bought packets and make this easy copycat version using everyday pantry staples — and make it your new favorite budget-friendly seasoning!
Print Recipe
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Servings: 8 tablespoons of seasoning
Calories: 19kcal
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
- Sift all spices in the same small bowl, and stir to combine!
- Brown taco meat (ground beef, chicken, or turkey) over medium heat in a skillet.
- Mix in the seasoning mixture with a splash of water, give it a good stir and let it fuse with the meat. Scoop into tacos, burritos or whatever Tex-Mex you fancy!
NOTES
- Customize to Your Liking — This seasoning blend is quite well balanced, but you can always tweak it with a little cayenne for heat (or sweetness with a bit of sugar, if you like it store-bought levels of sweet).
- Healthy & Natural – This homemade mix is made with nothing but spices; no filler, no preservatives, no cornstarch or artificial ingredients like their store-bought packet counterpart.
NUTRITION
Calories: 19kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 413mg | Potassium: 101mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 997IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 34mg | Iron: 2mg
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?Follow @ambitiousfoodieblog on Instagram, take a shot, and tag it #ambitiousfoodieblog! I love to see what you are making!
Harper Evans says
What a fantastic way to elevate taco night! I love that you can prepare this in bulk and store it. It makes weeknight dinners so much easier when you have your go-to seasonings ready to go!
Alyssa Morgan says
This homemade taco seasoning sounds fantastic! I’m all about keeping things simple and delicious. Can't wait to whip up a big batch and have it ready for those spontaneous taco cravings during the week.
Ella Morris says
Taco night just got an upgrade! I love how you can customize the spice blend. It's perfect for a family dinner or even a fun gathering with friends, and it keeps well for future meals, too!
Cora James says
'Make-Ahead' is music to my ears! This will save me so much time during busy evenings. Plus, tacos are always crowd-pleasers—can’t wait to impress my family with this homemade touch.
Allison Cooper says
I’m excited to try this recipe! Homemade seasoning feels so much fresher than store-bought, and I appreciate that there are no preservatives involved. I can already picture all the delicious tacos we'll be making!
Kaitlyn Butler says
This homemade taco seasoning is just what I need in my life! The flavor combinations sound amazing, and it's nice knowing that everything is fresh and customizable. Looking forward to taco night at home!
Jane Morgan says
I can't believe how easy this seasoning mix sounds! It’s such a great way to spice up dinner without needing tons of different jars cluttering up my pantry. Can’t wait for Taco Tuesday now!
Josephine Bailey says
This is such a great idea for anyone who loves tacos like I do! Having a homemade spice mix on hand means I can throw together a tasty meal any night of the week without much fuss.
Chelsea Stewart says
I absolutely love the idea of making my own taco seasoning! It’s so satisfying to know exactly what’s in it. Plus, being able to adjust the spices to my taste is a game changer for taco night.
Adeline Fisher says
'Better Than Old El Paso' sounds like a bold claim, but I'm here for it! I'm definitely going to try this out, especially since taco nights are a staple at our house. Thanks for sharing such an easy recipe!