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.
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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.
- 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 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
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.
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.
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.
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Recipe Card
Old El Paso Copycat Taco Seasoning Recipe
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
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.
Caz McLaughlin
Sounds lovely. And easy. Thank you so much for posting. Loving your posts. Regards, Caz. 🙂
Neha Mathur
Thanks
Zee
Hi! What amount for one pound of ground meat? Thank you
Neha Mathur
You can use 2-3 tbsp of this seasoning.