✔ Updated · rebalanced spice blend + packet-equivalent amounts
My copycat Old El Paso taco seasoning is a quick homemade blend inspired by the familiar packet, mixed from pantry spices in 5 minutes.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Use 3 tablespoons with 2/3 cup water per pound of meat, and simmer until the liquid thickens into a glossy sauce.
About 3 tablespoons replaces one packet for 1 pound of ground meat, and you control the salt and heat. It works well in our carne molida too.
Why You'll Love This Taco Seasoning
- Packet-style flavor: mild, savory and a little smoky, with a saucy finish.
- You control the salt and heat, so it works for kids and spice lovers alike.
- Pantry spices only, mixed in 5 minutes and good for up to 6 months.
What's in Old El Paso-Style Taco Seasoning?
I stopped buying packets years ago. Store-bought taco seasoning packets are built on a mild chili blend with cumin, paprika, onion, garlic and salt, usually with a starch to thicken the sauce and sometimes a little sugar. This copycat-style version uses the same flavor building blocks from your spice rack, so it tastes familiar on Taco Tuesday without anti-caking agents.
Cumin gives the warm, earthy backbone (I toast mine for a minute), paprika adds color and a gentle sweetness (smoked paprika makes it a little smokier), and a pinch of sugar rounds out the salt. Garlic and onion powders are the savory base; if you want to know when to use each kind of garlic seasoning, see garlic powder vs garlic salt.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Use a mild chili powder blend. American-style chili powder is a mix of ground chiles, cumin, garlic and oregano, and it gives the classic packet flavor. Pure ground chile, such as ancho or cayenne, is much stronger, so use less.
- Don't skip the cornstarch if you like saucy meat. It thickens the water into a glossy sauce that clings to the meat. Leave it out if you prefer a drier filling or a grain-free blend.
- Measure 3 tablespoons per pound. That roughly matches one store packet. Start with 2 tablespoons if your family prefers a milder, less salty taco, then add more to taste.
- Keep it dry. Spoon the seasoning out with a dry spoon and never shake it over a steaming pan, or moisture will make it clump.
- Check your spices. Ground spices lose flavor over time. If your chili powder or cumin smells faint, the seasoning will taste flat, so replace them.
Copycat Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
6
tablespoons5
minutes0
minutes5
minutesA copycat-style taco seasoning inspired by the Old El Paso packet: chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, onion, oregano, salt and pepper, with a little cornstarch so the meat turns saucy. About 3 tablespoons replaces one packet for 1 pound of meat.
Ingredients
- For the Seasoning (about 6 tablespoons, 2 packets)
2 tablespoons chili powder (mild American-style blend)
1 tablespoon ground cumin
2 teaspoons paprika (sweet or smoked)
2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, for a saucy texture)
1 1/2 teaspoons fine salt
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (Mexican oregano if you have it)
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper (optional, for heat)
- To Make Tacos (per batch)
1 pound ground beef, turkey or chicken
2/3 cup water
Directions
- Mix the Seasoning
- Measure the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cornstarch (if using), salt, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, sugar, black pepper and cayenne (if using) into a small bowl.
- Whisk until the blend is one even color, pressing out any lumps of onion or garlic powder with the back of a spoon.
- Spoon the seasoning into a clean, dry jar, seal it and label it with the date. Store it in a cool, dark cupboard for up to 6 months. Shake or stir before each use.
- Use It for Taco Meat
- Brown 1 pound of ground meat in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up, until no pink remains and it reaches 160°F (165°F for ground turkey or chicken). Drain off excess fat.
- Stir in 3 tablespoons of the seasoning and 2/3 cup water. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 8 minutes, until the liquid thickens and coats the meat.
- Spoon the meat into taco shells or tortillas and add your favorite toppings.
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How Much Taco Seasoning to Use
Use these amounts as a starting point, then taste and add more if you like it bolder.
| Use | Seasoning | Liquid |
|---|---|---|
| 1 lb ground beef, turkey or chicken | 3 tablespoons (1 packet) | 2/3 cup water |
| 1 lb chicken strips or shrimp for fajitas or tacos | 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons | Toss with 1 tablespoon oil |
| 1 can (15 oz) beans, drained | 1 to 2 tablespoons | 1/4 cup water |
| Taco soup (about 8 servings) | 3 tablespoons | As the recipe directs |
| Taco dip with 1 cup sour cream | 1 to 2 teaspoons | None |
Ways to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Casseroles and soups: it is the seasoning base for our walking taco casserole and crockpot taco soup.
- Taco salad: season the beef for a Wendy's-inspired taco salad.
- Seafood tacos: rub it on shrimp before searing, as in our chipotle shrimp tacos.
- Other blends: for sizzling peppers and chicken, try our McCormick-inspired fajita seasoning, or season burgers with our burger seasoning.
- Round out the meal: see what to serve with tacos and how much taco meat per person.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much homemade taco seasoning equals one packet?
About 3 tablespoons of this homemade blend equals one standard 1-ounce packet of taco seasoning. Use it with 1 pound of ground meat and about 2/3 cup of water, then simmer until the sauce thickens. A full batch of this recipe makes about 6 tablespoons, or two packets' worth.
Are the ingredients similar to Old El Paso taco seasoning?
This copycat-style blend uses the same kinds of flavors listed on many taco seasoning packets: chili pepper, cumin, paprika, onion, garlic, salt and a little sugar, plus cornstarch for thickening. It is not the company's formula, but it is close in taste, with no anti-caking agents and adjustable salt.
Is this taco seasoning spicy?
It is mild, like a packet labeled original or mild. Most of the heat comes from the chili powder blend, which is gentle. For a medium or hot version, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper to the batch, or use a hot chili powder.
How long does homemade taco seasoning last?
Stored in an airtight jar in a cool, dark cupboard, homemade taco seasoning keeps its best flavor for about 6 months. It is still safe after that, but the spices slowly fade. Label the jar with the date and keep it away from the stove, where heat and steam shorten its life.
Can I use this seasoning on chicken, beans or vegetables?
Yes. Toss 1 to 2 tablespoons with 1 pound of chicken strips or vegetables before roasting or sautéing, or stir 1 to 2 tablespoons into a can of drained beans with a splash of water. Cook chicken to 165°F. It is also good in taco soup, rice and dips.
