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Make this small batch homemade taco seasoning in just 5 minutes with simple pantry spices. It’s flavorful, budget friendly, and perfect for tacos, chicken, or vegetables.
Featured Comment
“This is my go to taco seasoning recipe! SOOOO much better than the store bought packets!”
– Joyce
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Made in 5 minutes with simple pantry spices.
- Customizable: Adjust the heat level or salt to suit your taste.
- Better Than Store-Bought: No fillers or preservatives, just pure flavor.
- Budget Friendly: Costs less to make than packaged taco seasoning.
- Easily Scales Up: Double or triple the recipe to always have some ready.
- Versatile: Use it on tacos, chicken, beef, vegetables, or seafood.
What I love most about this small batch taco seasoning is how versatile it is. It’s not just for tacos, this flavorful spice blend brings bold, smoky depth to chicken, steak, seafood, and even vegetables. I think of it as a pantry staple that instantly adds warmth and spice to any dish.
This recipe makes just over 2 tablespoons, the perfect amount to season two or three meals. And if you only need enough for one, you’ll find a one-meal version below. Whether you sprinkle in a little or use the whole batch, the rich flavor will make every bite memorable.
Taco seasoning is incredibly versatile and adds bold flavor to so many dishes. Try it in taco soup for one or taco casserole for one for a delicious, easy meal.
If you enjoy making your own spice blends, don’t stop here – explore our collection of homemade spice recipes like small batch creole seasoning and small batch garam masala.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this homemade taco seasoning recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Chili powder: American-style chili powder is mild and includes a mix of spices. Heat levels vary by brand, so adjust to taste. This is not the same as cayenne pepper, which is much hotter. Try using extra chili powder in chicken tikka masala for one or small sheet pan chicken fajitas.
- Ground cumin: Adds warm, earthy flavor with a touch of sweetness and bitterness. Essential for that classic taco seasoning taste. Also used in small slow cooker ropa vieja for one and in a Mexican street corn salad for one.
- Paprika: Smoked paprika gives a deeper, richer flavor, but regular paprika works well too. Use smoked paprika in small batch Spanish Rice or chicken paprika for one.
- Garlic powder: Made from dried garlic, it brings a familiar bold flavor to the mix. Use it in mini mam and cheese sliders or mini crack chicken casserole.
- Onion powder: Adds depth and complements the garlic powder. Use it in mini slow cooker pot roast or in our small batch BBQ sauce recipe.
- Dried oregano: Balances the spices with a subtle herbal note. If you’re out, dried basil makes a decent substitute. Try leftover oregano in lasagna soup for one or small sheet pan Greek chicken.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors. Adjust to your preference or dietary needs.
Use these spices as your base, then adjust amounts to make your perfect homemade taco seasoning blend.
How To Make A Small Batch Of Taco Seasoning
See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients together with a fork or whisk until well combined.
- Transfer the seasoning to a small jar or container, cover tightly, and store in a cool, dry place.
Expert Tips
- Mix Thoroughly: Use a fork or small whisk to evenly blend the spices so every sprinkle delivers balanced flavor.
- Store Properly: Keep the seasoning in an airtight jar or spice container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- Check Spice Freshness: If your spices are over a year old, their flavor may fade. Fresher spices make the mix more vibrant and aromatic.
- Customize the Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.
How To Use Taco Seasoning
This small batch taco seasoning adds bold, smoky flavor to more than just tacos. Try it in these easy, delicious ways:
- Spiced Popcorn: Sprinkle over air-popped popcorn for a quick, flavorful snack.
- Seasoned Fries: Toss small batch of baked french fries or small batch sweet potato fries with taco seasoning before baking for extra flavor.
- Vegetable Dishes: Add a pinch to a single serving of ratatouille or sautéed bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for a flavorful side.
- Grilled Seafood: Rub taco seasoning on shrimp or fish before grilling, then serve with lime wedges.
- Taco Dip: Stir into Greek yogurt or sour cream for an easy dip for chips or veggies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Use about 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning for every pound of ground beef, chicken, or turkey. Adjust to taste if you prefer a stronger or milder flavor.
Store it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months. The flavor is best when the spices are fresh.
Yes, this small batch taco seasoning is naturally gluten-free as long as your individual spices are labeled gluten-free.
Yes. You can reduce or omit the salt and season your dish to taste when cooking.
Absolutely. This recipe doubles or triples easily, just keep the same ratios and store the extra in a sealed jar.
How To Make Taco Seasoning For One Meal
The main recipe makes about 2 ½ tablespoons of seasoning, enough for several meals. If you only need enough for one, use this scaled-down version.
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
This single serving blend delivers the same bold flavor without any leftovers.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this homemade taco seasoning recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
If you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Small Batch Taco Seasoning
Equipment
- Jar
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl and blend thoroughly with a fork or a wire whisk.
- Transfer to a small jar or container, cover and store.
Notes
- Mix Thoroughly: Use a fork or small whisk to evenly blend the spices so every sprinkle delivers balanced flavor.
- Store Properly: Keep the seasoning in an airtight jar or spice container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- Check Spice Freshness: If your spices are over a year old, their flavor may fade. Fresher spices make the mix more vibrant and aromatic.
- Customize the Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for extra spice.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
This is my go to taco seasoning recipe! SOOOO much better than the store bought packets! My whole family loves this seasoning for tacos, burritos or any other Mexican dish that calls for store bought taco seasoning packets!
Taco seasoning was perfect taste & no additives!
Thank you
Mel
I love this recipe! I like making my own, they can be customized to your tastes and needs.
Thanks Joanie.
Looking forward to your version of pumpkin and apple pie spice mixes.
Hi Joanie, have been using your recipes a little while now and can’t thank you enough for making them available. I use them all the time and have many I use again and again. I have just made your Pumpkin Coffee cake and it was delicious. Thank you for the recipes for spice rubs etc., they add a new dimension to the recipes. I look foward to receiving your weekly e-mail recipes and I have purchased your book for myself and my son who also appreciates your wonderful recipes. Thank you so much and stay safe in these difficult times with Covid.
Joy, Thank you so much for your support, it means the world to me. I’m so happy to know that you and your son are enjoying our recipes and I appreciate that you’ve taken the time to let me know.
Joanie
Hi Joanie. Keep the recipes coming I have tried several for my husband and me. And they are just the right amount and delicious as well. Thanks Maureen