Homemade Enchilada Seasoning Recipe
This Homemade Enchilada Seasoning Recipe takes 5 minutes to make and uses spices from your pantry. Store-bought seasoning packets are often packed with sodium and extra ingredients. This spice mix is mild, versatile and gluten free, plus it works on everything from enchiladas to tacos, chili, bison dishes and more. Once you make it yourself you’ll never go back!
Original Post: February 2024 | Post Updated: June 2026
We make Mexican cuisine at home all the time and I wanted to create a spice blend that was mild enough for kids but that also was a good base flavor if we wanted to change it up.
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Why this Enchilada Seasoning Recipe works
- Quick and easy: It’s simple to make and is ready in under 5 minutes!
- Versatile:With the perfect blend of savory and sweet, you can use this enchilada spice blend in beef dishes like Beef Enchilada Soup or chicken dishes like Ground Chicken Chili or with Bison such as Bison Stuffed Peppers, Bison Enchiladas , Bison Chili or Bison Tacos or in vegetarian dishes like Butternut Squash and Black Bean Enchiladas and seafood such as Cod Tacos.
- Adaptable: Just like my Mediterranean Spice Mix, All Purpose Seasoning, Za’atar Seasoning, Zesty Italian Seasoning, and Shawarma Spice, making your own blend means you can control your sodium intake, or if you’d like to increase the flavor of a particular herb, you could.
Ingredients you’ll need
- Ground cumin. The star of this enchilada spice blend. With its nutty undertones, cumin adds depth and complexity to the spice mix.
- Sweet paprika. Paprika give the vibrant red hue and a subtle sweetness to the blend. Smoked paprika can be used as well.
- Dried oregano. A staple herb in Mexican cuisine,oregano gives a refreshing citrus touch to the spices.
- Garlic powder. Garlic brings that layer savory yumminess.
- Ground coriander. Adds a citrusy smell and nuttiness to the spice blend.
- Kosher salt. This is an enhancer to the meat or veggies.
- Cayenne pepper. Adds a touch of heat to the spice blend.
How to make this Enchilada Seasoning Recipe
Step One: Gather all your herbs and spices.
Step Two: Using a measuring spoon, add the herbs and spices to a small bowl. Gently combine with a fork or small whisk.
Step Three: Use right away or store properly.
Storing spices
Store in a glass spice container with a lid or in an airtight jar at room temperature. You can store homemade dry rubs in your kitchen cabinet for up to 6 months. Be sure to label the jar so you remember what spices you have on hand for the next time you cook.
Helpful tips for this seasoning recipe
- Exact measurements are good but you can also measure abundantly. Playing around with different flavors is how you figure out what you like.
- Use fresh spices and fresh dried herbs. That will be a game changer in flavor! My recommendation for spices is to buy according to what you know you will use up. I go through spices fast- every 4-6 weeks but I cook 90% of the week.
- I don’t suggest adding more salt to the spice blend. Instead, taste test your dishes to see if more salt is needed and add gradually. If you are adding cheese to your enchiladas or tacos, that will increase sodium as well.
Variations for Homemade Enchilada Spice Blend
Here are some additional spices that are amazing in this enchilada spice blend:
Spicy chili powder. Chili powder is often referred to as the secret ingredient of an authentic enchilada spice blend. I wanted to keep the spice level light because I needed it to be toddler friendly so I didnt add it.
Onion powder. I didn’t add onion powder to this mix only because I normally add fresh sweet onions to my enchiladas or tacos. Onion powder will give the spice blend a touch of sweetness.
Crushed chipotle peppers or chipotle powder. OMG – this is seriously the perfect blend of flavors and makes the best taco seasoning!
Black pepper.
Sugar. If you’re looking for a spicy sweet taste, try adding a touch of sugar.
Uses for Enchilada spices
Whether you are getting ready to make chicken enchiladas or ground beef tacos, this enchilada spice mix will enhance any dish.
- Use this spice mixture with ground turkey, shrimp, beef, bison and chicken.
- Try it on vegetables like roasted carrots, potatoes or sweet potatoes similar to Cumin Sweet Potatoes or even spice up corn on the cob.
- Sprinkle on scrambled eggs or use on grilled meats or on top of mac and cheese, baked potatoes or any pasta dish or rice casserole dish.
- Use a tablespoon of seasoning to bring extra flavor to hummus or sour cream.
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Homemade Enchilada Seasoning Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
Instructions
- Gather all your herbs and spices.
- Using a measuring spoon, add the herbs and spices to a small bowl. Gently combine with a fork or small whisk.
- Store in a glass spice container with a lid or in an airtight jar at room temperature. You can store homemade dry rubs in your kitchen cabinet for up to 6 months.
Notes
Store in a glass spice container with a lid or in an airtight jar at room temperature. You can store homemade dry rubs in your kitchen cabinet for up to 6 months. Be sure to label the jar so you remember what spices you have on hand for the next time you cook. Helpful tips:
- Use exact measurements but you can also measure abundantly. Playing around with different flavors is how you figure out what you like.Â
- Use fresh spices and fresh dried herbs. That will be a game changer in flavor! My recommendation for spices is to buy according to what you know you will use up. I go through spices fast- every 4-6 weeks but I cook 90% of the week.Â
- I don’t suggest adding more salt to the spice blend. Instead, taste test your dishes to see if more salt is needed and add gradually. If you are adding cheese to your enchiladas or tacos, that will increase sodium as well.Â
Variations:
Here are some additional spices that are amazing in this enchilada spice blend: Spicy chili powder. Chili powder is often referred to as the secret ingredient of an authentic enchilada spice blend. I wanted to keep the spice level light because I needed it to be toddler friendly so I didnt add it. Onion powder. I didn’t add onion powder to this mix only because I normally add fresh sweet onions to my enchiladas or tacos. Onion powder will give the spice blend a touch of sweetness. Crushed chipotle peppers or chipotle powder. OMG – this is seriously the perfect blend of flavors and makes the best taco seasoning! Black pepper. Sugar. If you’re looking for a spicy sweet taste, try adding a touch of sugar. Â
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ÂNutrition
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Can’t wait to try it!
Used it on taco meat and it was great!
Great to hear! Thank you!
How much should I use on a pound of ground beef?
Hi! This serving size in the recipe is good for 1 pound of ground beef.