3 Easy Homemade Pantry Mixes + Free Printable Labels
Taco Seasoning • Chili Seasoning • Sloppy Joe Mix
Stocking your pantry with ready-made mixes is one of the easiest ways to get dinner on the table fast — without the expense or additives of store-bought packets. Today I’m sharing three of my go-to blends: Taco Seasoning, Chili Seasoning, and Sloppy Joe Mix.
Each recipe uses simple pantry spices you may already have on hand, and each comes with a free printable label so your jars look as good as they taste.
Why Make Your Own Pantry Mixes?
Save Money – Buying spices in bulk and mixing your own costs a fraction of store packets.
Control Ingredients – Skip preservatives, MSG, and excess sodium.
Convenience – Make several batches at once, so dinner is always 10 minutes away.
Reduce Waste – No more single-use packets or tiny plastic containers.
Free Printable Labels for Your Jars
I’ve designed a set of labels for today’s three mixes. You can download the PDF, print them on sticker paper, and have your pantry looking organized in minutes.
1. Homemade Taco Seasoning
Makes: About 3 tablespoons (enough for 1 lb of meat)
Ingredients:
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika (smoked or sweet)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp dried oregano
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a small bowl.
Store in an airtight jar for up to 6 months.
To use: Brown 1 lb of ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Add seasoning and ½ cup water, simmer 5 minutes.
2. Chili Seasoning Mix
Makes: About ¼ cup (enough for one pot of chili)
Ingredients:
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Directions:
Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight jar for up to 6 months.
To use: Add the full ¼ cup seasoning mix to your chili pot along with 2 cans of beans, 2 cans of diced tomatoes (or equivalent fresh), and 1 lb cooked meat. Adjust salt to taste.
3. Sloppy Joe Mix
Makes: About 3 tablespoons (enough for 1 lb of meat)
Ingredients:
1 tbsp dried minced onion
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground mustard
1 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
1 tsp chili powder
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
Directions:
Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight jar for up to 6 months.
To use: Brown 1 lb ground beef or turkey. Add seasoning plus ¾ cup tomato sauce. Simmer until thickened.
How to Store & Use Your Mixes
Jars: Use small spice jars, 4 oz jelly jars, or recycled seasoning bottles.
Labels: Print the free label set, cut them out, and stick directly to jars.
Shelf Life: Up to 6 months for best flavor. Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
More Pantry Mix Ideas
If you love these three, you’ll want to try my other pantry-friendly blends: Ranch Dressing Mix, Fajita Seasoning, and Italian Dressing Mix.
Stay tuned I’ll be sharing the next set in a couple of weeks!
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