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Home ≫ Condiments & Sauces

Easy Taco Seasoning (Old El Paso Copycat)

By Nikole Berg Mar 17, 2020 · Updated: Apr 22, 2025

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If you use Old El Paso taco seasoning, then you'll love this easy copycat recipe. The bold flavor works for all your favorite Tex Mex dishes. It's the perfect blend of spices that you can make at home so you can adjust the heat level to your taste preferences. Your Taco Tuesday will never be the same!

Taco seasoning in a glass jar.

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We love our Mexican-inspired flavors around here, so a DIY taco seasoning is a no brainer in our spice cabinet. I usually triple this recipe because I use it ALL THE TIME.

Here's the deal, most store-bought options, including Old El Paso taco seasoning, have ingredients in them that you can avoid if you make your own. If you read the nutrition information, you'll find maltodextrin, soybean oil, monosodium glutamate or MSG, silicon dioxide, and corn starch to name a few. 

When you make your own spice blends, you have complete control over the ingredients for that Tex-Mex flavor the whole family can enjoy without worry. If you want to check out some of my other homemade spice mixes, try my Authentic Fajita Seasoning or my Louisiana Rub recipe.

Another great thing about this homemade taco seasoning mix is that you can make it as spicy or as mild as you like by adjusting the cayenne pepper. So whether you're making classic tacos or a taco casserole, you can control the spice level and your  taste buds will love you for it!

What Goes Into This Recipe?

  • Chili powder
  • Ground cumin
  • Garlic powder
  • Smoked paprika - or regular paprika. I prefer the added smokey flavor it offers.
  • Mexican oregano - if you have or can only find Mediterranean oregano at your grocery store, that is fine to use. If your oregano is not labeled "Mexican" then it is likely "Mediterranean". Ground oregano was my go-to, but it's hard to find these days so dried works.
  • Onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper - keep in mind that a little bit goes a long way. Crushed red pepper flakes are more mild and can be substituted.
spices in a cast iron skillet with name labels

Directions

Add spices to a mason jar or another airtight container. Shake or stir well to combine thoroughly. You can also make this in a small bowl, mix the spices well then transfer them to a spice jar.

Store at room temperature in a dry place or with your other spices. 

Making the recipe.

Expert Tips

How much taco seasoning is equal to one packet? There are about 4 tablespoons of spice in a packet of taco seasoning. I recommend using anywhere from 2-4 tablespoons of this recipe per one pound of meat.

Always use fresh spices. Check the expiration date on your spice containers. As time goes by, spices can lose their flavor.

You adjust the heat level. You can make this mix without cayenne pepper and it will still be packed with flavor. Add as much or as little based on your taste preference.

Vary the kind or amount of spices. The beauty of making your own taco seasoning mix is that you get to make it how you like it! Add more or less of any spice to personalize the flavor.

Use to spice up chicken, shrimp, or fish. Rub on roasts for BBQ or steak for fajitas. Add to soups and stews whenever you want to add a taste of Tex Mex.

Store Easy Taco Seasoning with your other spices. Easily double the recipe if you make a lot of Tex Mex dishes like I do!

How to use taco seasoning

  • Turkey Taco Soup
  • Chicken Dorito Casserole
  • Ground Beef Tacos
  • Ground Beef Mexican Cornbread
  • Beef Chili
  • Ground Beef Doritos Nachos Casserole
  • Mexican Ground Beef and Potatoes
  • Wet Beef Burritos
Making the recipe.

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Old el paso taco seasoning copycat recipe.

Easy Taco Seasoning

Recipe by Nikole Berg
Use this Easy Taco Seasoning recipe to create delicious Tex Mex meals.
5 from 2 votes
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Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Total Time 5 minutes mins
Course Condiments
Cuisine Mexican/Tex-Mex
Servings 7 tablespoons
Calories 37 kcal

Ingredients
 
 

  • ¼ cup chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons cumin
  • 2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground Mexican oregano or dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne omit or adjust for your taste; can use crushed red pepper as a substitute
US Customary - Metric

Instructions
 

  • Mix all ingredients together and store in a tight fitting container in a cool dry place along with your other spices.
  • I recommend using anywhere from 2-4 tablespoons of this recipe per one pound of meat.  

Notes

How much taco seasoning is equal to one packet? There are about 4 tablespoons of spice in a packet of taco seasoning. I recommend using anywhere from 2-4 tablespoons of this recipe per one pound of meat.  
Always use fresh spices. Check the expiration date on your spice containers. As time goes by, spices can lose their flavor.
You adjust the spice level. You can make this mix without cayenne pepper and it will still be packed with flavor. Add as much or as little based on your taste preference.
Vary the kind or amount of spices. The beauty of making your own taco seasoning mix is that you get to make it how you like it! Add more or less of any spice to personalize the flavor.
Use to spice up chicken, shrimp, or fish. Rub on roasts for BBQ or steak for fajitas. Add to soups and stews whenever you want to add a taste of Tex Mex.
Store Easy Taco Seasoning with your other spices. Easily double the recipe if you make a lot of Tex Mex dishes like I do!

 

Nutrition

Serving: 1TbsCalories: 37kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 2gFat: 2gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 475mgPotassium: 219mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 2868IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Mexican Food, rubs, spice mix
Tried this recipe?Click here to leave a helpful tip!

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About Nikole Berg

Nikole is the creator and photographer behind The Travel Palate, a food and travel blog featuring quick and flavorful recipes and getaway guides. Nikole hopes to inspire your inner foodie whether you're in the kitchen or traveling on your next adventure.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Beth

    September 18, 2018 at 9:06 am

    I agree 100%! Why buy the premixed stuff? It is loaded with salt! It's so easy to make your own at home and a great use up for your spices, so that they don't stale!

    Reply
    • Nikole

      September 24, 2018 at 5:10 pm

      Yes, I love using up my spices before the expiration date!

      Reply
  2. sheenam | thetwincookingproject.net

    September 18, 2018 at 2:59 am

    Totally saving this for taco night this weekend!! Such an easy recipe! Pinned it right away!

    Reply
    • Nikole

      September 19, 2018 at 2:34 pm

      Thank you for such a sweet comment!

      Reply
  3. Courtney

    September 17, 2018 at 9:17 pm

    love making homemade taco seasoning! Great recipe!

    Reply
    • Nikole

      September 17, 2018 at 11:37 pm

      Thank you Courtney!

      Reply
  4. Jacqui

    September 17, 2018 at 8:35 am

    I agree, seasoning is that secret ingredient that makes tacos so good! And it is a great idea to have it mixed up beforehand to be able to enjoy tasty tacos even when there is no time to cook!

    Reply
    • Nikole

      September 17, 2018 at 3:47 pm

      Yes, it makes taco night even faster!

      Reply
  5. Amanda

    September 17, 2018 at 5:27 am

    I love making taco seasoning! So easy to make and healthier than store bought versions! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Nikole

      September 17, 2018 at 3:46 pm

      Your welcome Amanda!

      Reply
  6. Julie @ Running in a Skirt

    September 16, 2018 at 10:08 am

    What a great recipe! I love anything Mexican and using a DIY seasoning is perfect. Can't wait to cook with this.

    Reply
    • Nikole

      September 16, 2018 at 10:10 am

      Thanks Julie!

      Reply
5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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