Taco Bell has a hold on many taco-lovers, and it is convenient to use their seasoning packets at home.

But something just irks me about paying a premium for seasoning you can easily make at home with none of the weird ingredients.

This homemade version gives you that classic Taco Bell flavor, but with dried spices you probably already have (and that you can actually feel good about).

My husband tasted these taco seasonings side by side and was shocked at how much better the homemade version is. We’re never going back to store-bought packets!!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No weird additives or mystery ingredients: This homemade mix skips the preservatives, anti-caking agents, and mystery “natural flavors” in store-bought packets. Just real ingredients you can actually pronounce.
• No maltodextrin: The Taco Bell seasoning packets have maltodextrin, which has a high glycemic index and can spike your blood sugar.
• Super versatile: One batch goes a long way—and once you’ve got it in a jar, you’ll be using it on more than just tacos. Ground beef, chicken, beans, roasted veggies, popcorn… it works on everything.
• It tastes just like the real deal: You’re getting that nostalgic, craveable Taco Bell flavor without having to hit the drive-thru or wonder what’s actually in your food.

Taco Bell vs Our Taco Seasoning

Let’s talk about what’s inside the store-bought Taco Bell seasoning packets.

Taco Bell’s seasoning mix includes: 

• Wheat flour
• Salt
• Dried garlic
• Dried chili peppers
• Maltodextrin
• Spice
• Dried onions
• Paprika
• Sugar

And less than 2% of:

• Silicon dioxide (as an anticaking agent) 
• Natural flavor
• Yeast extract
• Soybean oil
• Malic acid

So, you’re getting fillers (like wheat flour and maltodextrin), which act as cheap bulking agents and thickeners. They’re not there to add flavor—just to stretch the mix and help it cling to meat.

You also get preservatives like silicon dioxide (to prevent clumping), vague ingredients like “spice” and “natural flavor” (which can mean just about anything), and additives like soybean oil (used as a processing aid) and malic acid.

Not ideal if you’re trying to be a little more mindful about what goes into your food.

This homemade version keeps things simple. It’s made with pantry staples you probably already have, and you can tweak it to fit your preferences (or whatever you’re out of). 

Ingredients in Taco Seasoning

• Sea salt 
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder 
• Onion powder 
• Sugar (or coconut sugar)
• Cumin
• Paprika (or smoked paprika)
• Umami seasoning (or mushroom powder)
• Cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
• Nutritional yeast (optional)

The umami seasoning was the secret weapon in my homemade ranch seasoning, and it worked its magic here, too. You could also use mushroom powder, or even MSG if you don’t mind it, for a similar effect. 

The umami blend I used included: sea salt, organic onion, organic mushroom, organic mustard, organic chili pepper, black pepper, rice concentrate, and thyme.

The nutritional yeast is optional, but I included it since Taco Bell’s version uses yeast extract. It adds a little more umami to the mix.

How to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning

Of course, taco seasoning is perfect for classic ground beef tacos. Brown the meat, sprinkle in the mix, add a little water, let it simmer, and dinner is done.

Check out my Sourdough Tortillas Recipe to make taco night even better!

But honestly, this blend is so versatile. Once you’ve got a jar in the pantry, you’ll start reaching for it way beyond taco night. 

Here are some of my favorite ways to use it:

• Meat Rub: Use it as a dry rub on chicken, pork, or steak before roasting or grilling. The cornstarch helps the spices stick and creates a flavorful crust.
• Taco Dip: Mix it in sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a quick and easy taco dip.
• Roasted veggies: Toss sweet potatoes, cauliflower, or chickpeas with olive oil and a spoonful of taco seasoning, then roast until crispy. 
• Soups and Stews: Add a spoonful to chili, tortilla soup, or any Mexican-inspired stew.
• Eggs: Sprinkle a little seasoning on scrambled eggs and add them to breakfast tacos.
• Popcorn: Shake a little over warm popcorn for a savory snack with a kick.
• Easy Marinade: Mix the seasoning with olive oil and a splash of lime juice for a super simple marinade that works with chicken, steak, or pork.

How to Store Homemade Taco Seasoning

All the ingredients in this mix are dry and shelf-stable, so it holds up really well over time.

Just store it in a cool, dry spot like your pantry or spice drawer, and make sure the lid’s sealed tight to keep moisture out.

I like to keep mine in an 8-ounce mason jar fitted with a spice shaker lid. You can buy these special mason jar lids (affiliate link) on Amazon. It’s also available directly on their website. They make it super easy to sprinkle straight from the jar.

Three to six months is a safe window for the best flavor. After that, it’s still safe to eat, but the flavor might start to fade a bit.

Another pantry staple recipe: Easy Vanilla Extract Recipe

Conclusion

This taco seasoning mix is officially a staple in my kitchen, and once you try it, I think it’ll earn a spot in yours, too.

It’s one of those easy wins that makes taco night (or any dinner night) extra delicious. 

If you give it a try, let me know how it turns out in the comments. And I’d love to hear what you made with it!

Want to make some more homemade seasoning blends? Try this Homemade Fiesta Ranch Seasoning Recipe