Taco seasoning is a blend of spices commonly used to flavor Mexican or Tex-Mex dishes. Typical ingredients include:
- Chili powder (a blend of dried chilis such as ancho, pasilla, or cayenne)
- Ground cumin (adds a warm, earthy, and slightly nutty flavor)
- Paprika (for color and subtle sweetness; smoked paprika is often used for smokiness)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred, but Italian oregano can be used)
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne for heat
Some recipes also include coriander for a citrusy, floral note
. The proportions and exact spices can vary, but these core ingredients create the characteristic taco flavor. Homemade blends allow control over salt content and spice levels, often avoiding preservatives and additives found in store-bought mixes
. A typical homemade taco seasoning mix might be:
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1-2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
This mix can be combined and stored for up to a year in an airtight container
. In summary, taco seasoning is a balanced blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic and onion powders, oregano, salt, and pepper, with optional heat from red pepper flakes or cayenne, designed to add warm, smoky, and savory flavors to taco fillings and other dishes.
