Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
Make Old El Paso Copycat Taco Seasoning Mix at home in 5 minutes using a few basic ingredients. This DIY seasoning is made using the best ingredients, is super economical, and is big on flavor (vegan, gluten-free).
If you are on a Mexican cooking spree, try some of my other favorite recipes too – Classic Horchata, Strawberry Horchata, Cilantro Lemon Rice, and Tres Leches Pancakes.
About Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
Taco Seasoning is a popular Mexican spice mix prepared with onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and ground black pepper.
When I started to use this seasoning, Old El Paso was the brand I always went for. Their seasoning has bold flavor and perks up anything you add it to.
But then, like many other things, I decided to make the spice mix at home. Why, you may ask?
Firstly, this brand was not available in the part of the world I moved to. This was the initial motivation to try the recipe at home. But when I figured out a copycat recipe, there were other revelations.
- Homemade seasoning is made using the best ingredients.
- It is free of any artificial color and preservatives.
- Making it at home is much more economical than buying a packet.
- It tastes much better than the store-bought stuff.
- It is also customizable. You can adjust a specific ingredient in this spice mix to suit your taste buds.
Making Old El Paso Copycat Taco Seasoning at home is easy and quick. All you have to do is dump all the ingredients in a bowl or a mason jar and mix them.
This spice powder is very versatile and can be used in multiple recipes. It will instantly enhance the taste of your tacos, nachos, fries, and wedges.
This recipe is vegan, paleo, whole30, dairy-free, keto, and gluten-free, and you can half, double, or triple the recipe according to your requirements.
Ingredients
It uses very few ingredients, all readily available in a grocery store, or you can order them online.
You will need onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt, and ground black pepper.
I have used American chili powder, which is mild in taste and bright red. You can use cayenne pepper powder. If you are using other chili powders that are hot, you can decrease the amount.
Adjust the quantity of salt and chili powder according to your taste preference.
How To Make Old El Paso Copycat Taco Seasoning
Add the following ingredients to a medium size mixing bowl.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoon garlic powder
- 6 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 tablespoon ground cumin
- 4 teaspoon salt
- 4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Mix well using a spoon or a wire whisk.
Store the seasoning in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months or refrigerate for up to a year. Use as desired.
Usage Ideas
This flavourful seasoning can be used to make
- Tacos, burritos and fajitas
- Nachos, crackers, and chips
- Soups
- Casserole
- As a rub for grilled chicken, beef, fish, shrimp, and vegetables
- Mexican Rice and Beans
- Savory tarts
- Popcorn
- Vinaigrettes
2 tbsp of this homemade taco seasoning equals one packet of store-bought seasoning.
Use 2 tbsp for marinating 1 pound of meat. Add some water or oil to make a paste if you use it to marinate meat or veggies.
Storage Suggestions
If stored properly in an air-tight container in a cool and dry place, this DIY taco seasoning will last about 6 months at room temperature. You can store it in a mason jar or zip lock.
If you want to increase its shelf life, then refrigerate it. It will last for more than a year in a refrigerator.
Always use a clean and dry spoon while removing the seasoning from the container, and put it on the lid after every use.
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Old El Paso Copycat Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 6 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 4 teaspoons salt
- 4 teaspoons ground black pepper
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a medium size mixing bowl.
- Mix well using a spoon or a wire whisk.
- Store the seasoning in a clean airtight container in a cool, dry place for upto 6 months or refrigerate for upto a year. Use as desired.
Hi, what type of salt do you use? Regular table salt?
Thank you for this recipe!!
Pari
Yes Pari, it’s regular table salt.
it was great and I love the fact that it doesn’t contain sugar.
Thanks Sherry
Good and easy recipe. Tastes like the real Old El Paso Seasoning I added a littke cayenne pepper to make it hotter.
Thanks for your feedback Melissa
Wow, I was so impressed at how similar it tastes to Old El Paso. You should defiantly make a recipe for the Old El Paso taco sauce too. Thank you!
Good to know, Chrisitne 🙂
Quick, easy and better tasting than the packaged stuff!
I finally found an El Paso copycat that actually taste like El Paso taco seasoning!! thank you so much for sharing!!
Hi! What amount for one pound of ground meat? Thank you
You can use 2-3 tbsp of this seasoning.
Sounds lovely. And easy. Thank you so much for posting. Loving your posts. Regards, Caz. 🙂
Thanks