Timesaving Copycat Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Recipe (Makes 16 Batches!)
on Apr 24, 2025
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Ditch the packets! Make this easy copycat Old El Paso taco seasoning in bulk. Healthier, cheaper, and tastes even better than the original. Plus, this recipe will save you time, because it yields about 3 cups – or 16 batches – in about five minutes!

Table of Contents
- Why Make Your Own Old El Paso Taco Seasoning at Home?
- Old El Paso Taco Seasoning: Store-Bought vs. Homemade
- Cost Comparison
- What Makes This Batch Seasoning Special?
- Ingredients for Homemade Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
- How to Make Old El Paso Copycat Taco Seasoning
- How to Use Your Homemade Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
- Making the Best Taco Meat for Your Family
- Old El Paso Variations You Can Make at Home
- Creative Ways to Use Your Taco Seasoning Beyond Taco Tuesday
- FAQ About This Taco Seasoning Recipe
- Homemade Taco Seasoning – time saving bulk recipe Recipe
Why Make Your Own Old El Paso Taco Seasoning at Home?
If you love the iconic flavor of Old El Paso taco seasoning but want to avoid preservatives and save money, this copycat recipe is for you! After countless attempts to recreate that classic Old El Paso taste, I’ve perfected this homemade taco seasoning mix that my family actually prefers to the store-bought options. This DIY taco seasoning gives you complete control over the salt content and heat preference.
Old El Paso Taco Seasoning: Store-Bought vs. Homemade
Old El Paso taco seasoning packets have been a pantry staple for generations, but have you ever looked at the ingredient list? Most commercial seasoning packets, including Old El Paso, contain additives like corn starch, silicon dioxide, citric acid, and sometimes monosodium glutamate (MSG) or yeast extract (which contains natural flavor similar to MSG). My homemade blend uses only simple, recognizable spices while capturing that distinctive Tex-Mex flavor you love.
Cost Comparison
Making your own Old El Paso style seasoning in bulk can save you over 60% compared to buying individual packets at the grocery store! One batch of this recipe equals approximately 16 store-bought packets!

What Makes This Batch Seasoning Special?
The signature Old El Paso flavor comes from its perfect blend of spices including chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and onion powder, with subtle notes of oregano and paprika. This homemade taco seasoning replicates these proportions, but allows you to adjust to your taste preferences.
Ingredients for Homemade Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
This bulk recipe creates enough seasoning for approximately 16 pounds of meat – the equivalent of 16 Old El Paso packets:
- 1 cup chili powder
- 1/2 cup ground cumin
- 1/4 cup sea salt (I recommend Redmond’s Real Salt for bold flavor)
- 1/4 cup black pepper
- 8 teaspoons garlic powder
- 8 teaspoons onion powder
- 8 teaspoons dried oregano
- 8 teaspoons paprika
- Optional – 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper or up to 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes to make a spicier seasoning
How to Make Old El Paso Copycat Taco Seasoning
Creating your own Old El Paso style spice blend couldn’t be simpler:
- Combine all flavorful seasonings in a medium bowl
- Mix thoroughly until evenly blended
- Using a funnel, transfer to an airtight container (I use a mason jar or glass jar)
- Store in a dry place and shake well before each use
How to Use Your Homemade Old El Paso Taco Seasoning
For that authentic Old El Paso taco experience:
- Heat a 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat
- Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil
- Cook beef (a pound of ground beef or ground turkey) until browned
- Drain excess fat
- Add 3 tablespoons of homemade seasoning mix and 1/2 cup little water
- Bring to a simmer
- Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce thickens
This method mirrors the instructions on the back of actual packet of taco seasoning, ensuring you get that same familiar taco flavor for your next taco night.
We like mixing beans in with our meat to stretch the meat more. You can find our delicious homemade taco meat recipe here!
Making the Best Taco Meat for Your Family
This homemade seasoning makes the best taco meat for classic tacos served in a variety of crispy hard taco shells or tasty soft tortillas. Top with cheese, lettuce, tomato, and sour cream for a complete meal the whole family will love.
Old El Paso Variations You Can Make at Home
One advantage of making your own Old El Paso style seasoning is customization with exact measurements:
- Mild Taco Seasoning: Reduce or omit the red pepper flakes
- Hot: Double the red pepper flakes or add 1 tsp chili pepper
- Low Sodium: Cut the salt in half or use potassium magnesium chloride as a substitute
- Authentic Style: Add 1 tsp of Mexican oregano and 1 tsp of smoked paprika
Creative Ways to Use Your Taco Seasoning Beyond Taco Tuesday
While the most obvious use is for tacos, this versatile popular Mexican spice mix works wonderfully in:
- Taco soup
- Mexican rice
- Seasoned black beans for vegetarian options
- Sprinkled on roasted vegetables for Mexican-inspired flavors
- Added to soups for a delicious kick
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Pin ItFAQ About This Taco Seasoning Recipe
How long does homemade taco seasoning last?
When stored properly in an airtight container away from heat and light, this homemade version can last up to 1 year, though the flavors are strongest within the first 6 months.
Does this taste exactly like Old El Paso taco seasoning?
Most people find this homemade version tastes even better than Old El Paso packets because it uses fresher spices without fillers or anti-caking agents. In the event of a conflict between fresh and store-bought, fresh usually wins!
Can I use this Old El Paso copycat recipe for other Mexican dishes?
Absolutely! The endless options include enchiladas, burritos, taco soup, or sprinkle it on roasted vegetables for that familiar Old El Paso flavor profile.
Is this healthier than actual Old El Paso taco seasoning?
This homemade version eliminates the preservatives, anti-caking agents, and potential MSG found in store-bought Old El Paso packets – ingredients that are problematic for some people.


Homemade Taco Seasoning – time saving bulk recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup chili powder
- 1/2 cup ground cumin
- 1/4 cup salt (we prefer Redmond's REAL Salt)
- 1/4 cup black pepper
- 8 tsp granulated garlic powder
- 8 tsp onion powder
- 8 tsp dried oregano
- 8 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp Optional – add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier
Instructions
- Simply mix all spices in a bowl.
- Using a funnel, transfer the spices to a quart sized mason jar.
- Store in a cool dry area and shake well before use.
To use this mix:
- Add 3 tablespoons mix to one pound cooked meat or beans and ½ cup water. Bring to a boil, simmer for 5 minutes.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition

MY kids love tacos in our house! I love your suggestion for adding beans to your taco meat. I enjoy it but I have one kiddo that has issues with texture and she can always tell if I have added beans to the mix! I am new to your blog but have enjoyed it so far. Thanks!
Karen from Making It As Mom
Hi Karen, Glad you like the blog and thanks so much for taking the time to let me know. 🙂 Hope you have a great day!! Michelle
How much does this make?
Hi Katey, thank you for reminding me that I need to update this post. It makes about 16 batches if you use 3 TBS per pound of meat. 🙂