• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Whisk Affair
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Indian Recipes
  • Meal Type
    • Salads
    • Soups
    • Appetizers
    • Main Course
    • Desserts
  • My Cookbook
    • My E-Books
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Fasting Recipes
  • Eid Specials
  • Buy my Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Whisk Affair » Recipes » Spice Mixes » Old El Paso Copycat Taco Seasoning

    Published: Mar 30, 2021 | Last Updated On: Feb 17, 2023 by Neha Mathur | This post may contain affiliate links. I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Old El Paso Copycat Taco Seasoning

    3484 shares
    Jump to Recipe

    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 – One-Pot Mexican Rice, Refried Bean Dip, Salsa Chicken, Roasted Fresh Tomato Salsa, Homemade Spinach Tortilla, and Instant Pot Refried Beans. 

    Old El Paso Copycat Taco seasoning kept in a bowl.
    Jump to:
    • About Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
    • Ingredients
    • How To Make Taco Seasoning
    • Usage Ideas
    • Storage Suggestions
    • You Might Also Like
    • Recipe Card

    About Old El Paso Taco Seasoning

    Taco Seasoning is a popular Mexican spice mix prepared with a combination of 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 is very flavorful 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.

    1. Homemade seasoning is made using the best ingredients.
    2. It is free of any artificial color and preservatives.
    3. Making it at home is much more economical than buying a packet.
    4. It tastes much better than the store-bought stuff.
    5. 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 to 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 requirement.

    Ingredients

    Taco seasoning ingredients.

    It uses very few ingredients, all of which are readily available in a grocery store, or you can order them online.

    You will need onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and ground black pepper.

    I have used American chili powder, which is mild in taste and bright red. 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.

    I have used smoked paprika, but you can use sweet paprika too.

    How To Make Taco Seasoning

    Add

    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 2 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 6 tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
    • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
    • 2 tablespoon ground cumin
    • 4 teaspoon salt
    • 4 teaspoon ground black pepper

    in a medium size mixing bowl.

    All the ingredients added to a 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.

    Ready taco seasoning.

    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 seasoning will last for 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.

    You Might Also Like

    • Jerk marinade is a fabulous classic Jamaican marinade that is loaded with spicy, tangy flavors. This recipe makes the best homemade authentic marinade in just 5 minutes using simple ingredients. Use it to marinate chicken, pork, beef, fish, shrimp, etc (vegan, gluten-free).
      Jerk Marinade
    • Pomegranate molasses is an essential ingredient in traditional Middle Eastern cooking and it is made by reducing pomegranate juice and sugar. Make it at home using my simple recipe (vegan, gluten-free)
      How To Make Pomegranate Molasses
    • Crispy, spicy, and super easy to make, spicy pickled radishes come together in under 10 minutes of hands-on time. Put them in tacos, toast, sandwiches, or wraps, these give a zingy bite to them.
      Spicy Pickled Radishes
    • Make this spicy, garlicky, and tangy Nandos copycat Peri Peri Sauce (Piri Piri Sauce) at home using simple ingredients in under 30 minutes. It's vegan and gluten-free too.
      Peri Peri Sauce

    Recipe Card

    Loved this recipe?Click here to leave a review and give us a five star rating ★★★★★
    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).

    Old El Paso Copycat Taco Seasoning Recipe

    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.
    4.36 from 14 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Basics
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 2 minutes
    Total Time: 4 minutes
    Servings: 10 people
    Calories: 33kcal
    Author: Neha Mathur

    Ingredients 

    • 1 tablespoon onion powder
    • 2 tablespoon garlic powder
    • 6 tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
    • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
    • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
    • 4 teaspoons salt
    • 4 teaspoons ground black pepper
    US Customary or Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    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.

    Notes

    You can half, double, or triple the recipe according to your requirement.
    I have used American chili powder, which is mild in taste and bright red. 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.
    I have used smoked paprika, but you can use sweet paprika too.
    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.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 33kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1013mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 2g | Vitamin A: 1785IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 2.1mg
    Pin this recipe for later use!I LOVE to see your creations so pin and mention @WhiskAffair!
    Sign up for regular updates?I would love to have you as part of my journey. Click to sign up!

    More Spice Mixes

    • This Homemade Spaghetti Seasoning is the secret ingredient you need to enhance the taste of your pasta. Not only in pasta, but you can also use it in soups, pizzas, sauces, etc. Try my easy recipe here (vegan, gluten-free).
      Homemade Spaghetti Seasoning
    • Egyptian Pistachio Dukkah Seasoning is a take on the classic spice blend that is a delicious combination of roasted nuts, spices, and seeds. Here is an easy recipe to make it (vegan, gluten-free).
      Egyptian Pistachio Dukkah
    • Chai Masala Powder (Masala Tea Powder, Masala Chai Spice Mix, Chai ka Masala) is a spice mix made using whole spices, dried rose petals, and fennel seeds. It is added to Indian milk tea (Masala Chai ) to make it strong and flavorful. Here is how to make it at home.
      Easy Homemade Chai Masala Powder (Chai Ka Masala, Tea Masala)
    • Make Dominos Copycat Oregano Seasoning at home using simple ingredients in just 5 minutes. Try my easy recipe here (vegan, gluten-free).
      Dominos Copycat Oregano Seasoning

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Caz McLaughlin

      April 19, 2018 at 7:16 am

      Sounds lovely. And easy. Thank you so much for posting. Loving your posts. Regards, Caz. 🙂

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        May 06, 2020 at 3:23 am

        Thanks

        Reply
    2. Zee

      January 28, 2023 at 11:12 pm

      Hi! What amount for one pound of ground meat? Thank you

      Reply
      • Neha Mathur

        January 29, 2023 at 9:09 am

        You can use 2-3 tbsp of this seasoning.

        Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Hey! Nice to meet you

    Neha Mathur, Founder & Recipe Expert at Whisk Affair

    Hi! I'm Neha, Blogger & Recipe Expert behind Whisk Affair. I've nurtured Whisk Affair since 2012 by trying & testing every recipe published. Be sure that it will turn out good each time! Read More about me…

    Stay Connected

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube

    My Cookbook

    Neha's Cookbook Cover

    Click to Buy Now on Amazon

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Make this delicious restaurant-style Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice) for a quick Asian-inspired meal. Serve it with Hibachi chicken and Yum Yum sauce and get transported to a Japanese Steakhouse.
      Best Hibachi Fried Rice (Japanese Style Fried Rice)
    • This oven-baked lemon garlic baked tilapia is super easy to make and comes together in under 20 minutes. It's low carb, gluten-free, keto-friendly, and very flavorful. Here is how to make it.
      Spicy Lemon Garlic Baked Tilapia
    • Creamy Garlic Parmesan sauce served in a bowl.
      Creamy Garlic Parmesan Sauce
    • Lemon tea served in cups.
      Lemon Tea
    • Light, hearty and delicious, Chicken Clear Soup is super easy to make at home. It is made using simple ingredients and comes together in under 30 minutes. This soul-soothing soup is gluten-free and low carb too.
      Chicken Clear Soup
    • Egg White Scramble is a healthy, fluffy, and delicious option for breakfast. Serve it with some toast and fruits and milk on the side. Here is how to make the best fluffy scrambled egg white recipe at home!
      Scrambled Egg Whites

    Best Fasting Recipes

    • Badam Panjiri (Almond Panjiri) is a North Indian sweet dish prepared with almond flour, ghee, powdered sugar, and nuts. It is a slight variation of the classic panjiri that is made using wholewheat flour. Make it using my easy recipe (vegetarian, gluten-free).
      Badam Panjiri
    • Roasted Makhana is an instant snack that can be served any time of the day whenever hunger strikes. Here is how to make these at home (vegetarian, gluten-free).
      Roasted Phool Makhana (5+ Flavors)
    • Badam Sharbat (Almond Sharbat) is a refreshing Indian beverage made using almonds, sugar, and saffron strands. Make it this summer to beat the heat!
      Badam Sharbat (Almond Sharbat)
    • Dates Milkshake (Khajoor Milkshake) is a delicious and nutritious drink that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is made with milk, seedless dates, and a few other healthy ingredients, and is a great way to get your daily dose of calcium and other essential nutrients.
      Dates Milkshake (Khajoor Milkshake)
    • Mango Basundi is a delicious twist on the classic Basundi recipe. Make this Indian sweet using fresh or frozen mangoes for a yummy treat.
      Mango Basundi
    • Pineapple Basundi is a delicious fruity twist on the classic basundi recipe. Serve it for festivals and special occasions. Here is how to make it.
      Pineapple Basundi

    Eid Specials

    • Sheer Khurma or Sheer Korma is a traditional Indian dessert that is a must-make for the festival of Eid. It is made by cooking fine vermicelli with ghee, milk, dates, and dry fruits. Saffron is added to it for a unique flavor.
      Sheer Khurma (Vermicelli Milk Dates Pudding)
    • Super crispy from the outside and juicy from the inside, these Homemade Fish Fingers are a breeze to make. You just can't go wrong with this delicious and easy recipe.
      Homemade Crispy Fish Fingers
    • Kesar Phirni or Firni is a traditional Kashmiri dessert that is made using milk and rice. This Mughlai sweet is a treat to eat and is very easy to make. Here is how to make it.
      Traditional Phirni Recipe (Firni, Indian Rice Pudding)
    • Shahi Tukda (Shahi Toast) is a Mughlai dessert made using deep-fried bread slices, reduced saffron flavored milk (rabdi), and sugar syrup. It is a perfect dessert for festivals and special occasions (vegetarian).
      Mughlai Shahi Tukda
    • Keema Kaleji is a mouth-watering combination of mutton mince and liver, that is hard to resist, especially if you have a special soft corner for mutton just like me. Serve it with crispy and flaky Laccha Parathas and your weekend lunch is sorted. Here is how to make it.
      Keema Kaleji (Mutton Mince And Liver Curry)
    • Motichoor Rolls is a delicious fusion dessert where crumbled motichoor ladoo (or boondi) is wrapped inside spring roll sheets and the rolls are deep fried until crispy. Try these this festive season (vegetarian).
      Motichoor Rolls

    Footer


    ^ back to top

    About

    About Neha

    Diwali E-Book

    My Cookbook

    Stay Connected

    Sign up! for emails and updates

    Contact Me

    Policies

    Privacy Policy

    Terms & Conditions

    Accessibility Policy

    Whiskaffair has been featured in leading media including the huffington post, bloomberg quint, buzz feed, your story and many more

    Copyright © 2022 WhiskAffair Food LLP