Are you tired of bland, generic store-bought taco seasoning? Say goodbye to those uninspiring flavors at the supermarket and say hello to the enticing aroma of Homemade taco seasoning in your kitchen.
Making your own condiment is not only easy and economical, but it also allows you to have complete control over the flavors and ingredients that make up your favorite Mexican dishes. From the perfect balance of spices to subtle hints of smoke, you’ll be amazed at how a homemade version of taco seasoning can turn any ordinary meal into a feast for your taste buds!
We eat tacos and taco inspired dishes like this all the time Chicken Taco Dipand these are easy Chicken Tostadas. I wanted a little more control over the flavor; plus, those little taco seasoning packets add up when you go through them like water! So, I put together my own recipe for homemade taco seasoning.
Why make homemade taco seasoning?
When it comes to taco seasoning, store-bought confections often fall short in terms of flavor and quality and contain too much salt and other preservatives. By making your own taco seasoning, you can ensure you use high-quality ingredients and have the freedom to adjust the flavors to suit your personal taste preferences.
Homemade taco seasoning also allows you to experiment and create unique flavor profiles that you won’t find in store-bought versions. From adding a touch of heat with cayenne pepper to incorporating smoky undertones with paprika, the possibilities are endless. Plus, making your own spice blend is a great way to use everything you have in your spice cabinet and customize the flavor to your liking.
What’s in Homemade Taco Seasoning?
Here are the basic spices I included in my taco seasoning mix:
- chilli powder
- cumin
- salt
- corn starch
- black pepper
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- smoked paprika
- oregano
See the recipe card below for exact amounts.
Pro Tip: Feel free to adjust the amount or type of spices to suit your taste preferences. If you want more heat, add a teaspoon or two of red pepper flakes. For a milder taco seasoning, reduce the amount of chili powder.
How to make a simple homemade taco seasoning
Mix all the spices together in a small bowl until well combined, then store the mixture in an airtight container. I like to store taco seasoning in a large glass jar with a lid. This makes it easy to dose with a spoon.
How much taco seasoning do I use per pound of meat?
I use about 3 tablespoons of seasoning for every pound of ground beef (or other meat). You may prefer a little more depending on how strong a spice flavor you like in your taco meat.
I also add 1/3 cup water to the pan, just like I did when I used the spice packets. It makes the meat flavorful and helps deglaze the pan.
How long does it keep?
Stored in a dark, dry place, taco seasoning will last virtually forever. After a while the flavors will start to fade. If you notice that your seasoning has lost its fragrance and flavor, it’s time to replace the spices.
If you make tacos often, you will easily use up all the spice blend within a few weeks or months. It might even disappear in a few days if you have a big taco-loving family! Feel free to make a large batch by doubling or tripling the recipe if you want to keep your spice cabinet stocked.
What can I make with DIY taco seasoning?
This spicy seasoning blend has an amazing flavor that goes so much more than just a homemade taco! A little DIY taco seasoning adds instant Mexican flavor to any dish.
- Sprinkle it on chicken breasts before grilling or for my chicken taco salad.
- Mix it into a pot of beans or rice.
- Use it for Walking Tacos!
- Add some to your favorite chili soup or taco recipe.
- It’s also delicious with browned ground turkey, cooked lentils, and vegetarian meat substitutes!
- Add a sprinkle of taco seasoning to roasted vegetables for a flavorful side dish.
- Mix the seasoning blend with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a quick and easy dip.
- Use it to season ground beef for burgers, meatballs or meatloaf.
- Sprinkle it on popcorn or toasted nuts for a spicy snack.
- Mix it with mayonnaise or ketchup to make a spicy sauce.
More recipes for taco lovers
How will you use homemade taco seasoning?
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Homemade taco seasoning
Tired of bland store-bought taco seasoning? Say goodbye to unappealing supermarket flavors and welcome a fresh blend of spices and the tantalizing aroma of homemade taco seasoning to your kitchen.
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Instructions
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In a medium bowl, whisk all ingredients together.
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Store in an airtight container.
Notes
- The recipe yields just under 11 servings when using 3 tablespoons per pound of meat.
Nutrition
Serve: 1serve | Calories: 23kcal | Carbohydrates: 4G | Protein: 1G | Fat: 1G | Saturated fat: 1G | Polyunsaturated fats: 1G | Monounsaturated fats: 1G | Sodium: 986mg | Potassium: 114mg | Fiber: 2G | Sugar: 1G | Vitamin A: 1166UI | Vitamin C: 1mg | Soccer: 30mg | Iron: 2mg
This post was originally published on 07/31/12 and was updated on 01/13/25.
