Taco seasoning is super easy to make using condiments you probably already have on hand! It’s also incredibly flavorful and super cheap. Do your future self a favor and mix up a batch of our favorite homemade taco seasoning.
Why you should make your own homemade taco seasoning
Tacos are one of our favorite weeknight meals. They’re simple, everyone loves them, and they bond quickly on busy nights. Plus I usually have the necessary ingredients on hand. What do I NOT always have on hand? Store-bought taco seasoning. On more than one occasion I have started cooking only to find myself outside. (Dun dun dun)
Most of the homemade taco seasoning recipes I found online made a large batch. Which is great! But sometimes I just need to know exactly what I need for a meal. A simple replacement for a single packet of taco seasoning. And that’s the beauty of this recipe.
I also love that I can control the ingredients. Lower sodium, no preservatives, and a flavor profile I know we like! Although I don’t always have ready-made taco packets at home.. I always have the condiments to throw together this condiment mix. Taco Tuesday here we come.
Ingredients for the Homemade Taco Seasoning:
- chili powder
- Ground cumin
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- paprika
- Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning:
Combine all your spices in a small bowl and stir to combine. Add it to the pan after browning your taco meat. Use it for ground beef, turkey, or shredded chicken. This spice mix is ​​enough for 1 pound of meat and replaces a spice packet.
Tips & Suggestions
How Long Does Homemade Taco Seasoning Last?
You can store homemade taco seasoning in a tightly sealed jar for up to 6 months. It generally doesn’t go bad afterwards, but your spice won’t taste nearly as good.
How much taco seasoning per pound of meat should I use?
Our homemade taco seasoning mix makes about 4 tablespoons – enough for a pound of meat.
Optional additions:
This is a great basic taco seasoning mix. Start here and get creative! Other delicious spices to add:
- Add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to heat
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Replace the regular paprika with smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon beef stock powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons dried coriander leaves
- 1 teaspoon crystallized lime
Can I make a large batch of this homemade taco seasoning?
Absolutely! This is an especially good idea if you can get your spices in bulk. Here are the ratios you need to make a large batch of homemade taco seasoning:
- 1/2 cup chili powder
- 1/3 cup ground cumin
- 3 tablespoons of salt
- 4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons onion powder
- 4 teaspoons of peppers
- 4 teaspoons of black pepper
What else can I use taco seasoning for?
This super flavorful blend is a great multipurpose condiment. Try it with our favorite ground turkey tacos, seven layer dip, taco soup, Mexican pinwheels, or Mexican meatloaf.
More Mexican-inspired recipes to try:
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Homemade taco seasoning is super easy to make using condiments you probably already have on hand! It’s also incredibly flavorful and super cheap.
Servings: 4 tablespoons (1.25 ounces)
Calories: 13kcal
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Use for taco meat
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This taco seasoning flavors 1 – 1 1/4 pounds of ground beef, depending on how flavored you like your meat.
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil if using lean ground beef. Using a wooden spoon or meat chopper, shred the meat and cook until browned.
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Add taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water to meat and stir. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from the heat and serve with your favorite taco toppings!
Calories: 13kcal | Carbohydrates: 2G | Protein: 1G | Fat: 1G | Saturated Fatty Acids: 0.1G | Polyunsaturated fat: 0.2G | Monounsaturated fatty acids: 0.2G | Sodium: 616mg | Potassium: 73mg | Fiber: 1G | Sugar: 0.2G | Vitamin A: 730ie | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 19mg | Iron: 1mg
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Natalie Monson
I am a Registered Nutritionist, mother of 4, an avid food lover and a strong promoter of healthy habits. Here you’ll find lots of delicious fruit and veg-packed recipes, tips on how to get your kids to eat better and become intuitive eaters, and plenty of resources to feed your family.
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