Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (2024)

I love homemade seasoning mixes so I can adjust the salt and spice levels.

This easy Taco Seasoning recipe is the perfect way to spice up your chicken or beef with ingredients you likely have in your pantry.

I keep a large batch of this taco seasoning at all times to quickly cook up tasty tacos.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (1)

For More Than Just Tacos

  • Store-bought seasoning is convenient but contains additives and lots of salt. Making your own taco seasoning at home means you can reduce the salt or add extra heat if you’d like.
  • It’s quick to make and can be doubled or tripled and stored in the pantry.

Ingredients in Taco Seasoning

It’s a blend of spices, most of which you likely have in your pantry. It’s the perfect way to season meat for tacos and beyond.

  • Chili Powder: It’s not just for chili, it adds depth, warmth, and heat. You can use mild or hot chili powder.
  • Ground Cumin: Adds a slightly nutty warm flavor
  • Garlic Powder: Adds color, sweetness, and classic taco flavor.
  • Onion Powder and Dried Oregano: Adds savory depth of flavor.
  • Seasoning: Salt & pepper can be adjusted to taste.
  • Options: A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes add heat. A pinch of smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor.
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Variations

  • To make a low sodium verison, add less salt (or no salt) based on your dietary needs.
  • To make mild taco seasoning, leave out the cayenne pepper and/or chili flakes.
  • To make it spicy, double the cayenne or add other dried chili peppers to your liking.
  • Since this is made from spices, it’s naturally gluten-free, double check that your chili powder and other spices are gluten-free.
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How Much Taco Seasoning to Use

Once you try it homemade, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought packets of taco seasoning.

  • To replace a store-bought packet, use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning.
  • Use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef. Add 1/2 cup of water with the seasoning and let it simmer.
  • Options: Add 1/2 diced onion to the meat while browning. Once browned, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a diced tomato if you’d like.

Other Way to Use Taco Seasoning Mix

Of course, it’s great for ground beef tacos, but this DIY taco seasoning recipe can also be used for other types of tacos or as a seasoning for meat and vegetables.

  • 1 pound of ground meat: ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey
  • Sprinkle it on shrimp or chicken before grilling.

I love using this recipe to makeDorito taco saladandslow cooker chicken tacos.

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Storage

Store this taco seasoning recipe in a spice jar in a cool dry place. It will last at least 6 months. I usually prepare a triple batch so it’s ready to go whenever I need a little taco mix!

Ways to Use Taco Seasoning

5 Minute Taco Dip

Dips and Dressings

Shrimp Tacos

Seafood

Taco Ring

Ground Beef

Easy Taco Salad

Salads

Did you enjoy this Homemade Taco Seasoning? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

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4.91 from 280 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

This Taco Seasoning recipe is easy to make and it's just for tacos! Use it as a seasoning for meats and veggies or to add a little zip to soups and casseroles.

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Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (11)

Servings 2 tablespoons

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (12)

Author Holly Nilsson

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ½ tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • pinch cayenne pepper optional

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, add all ingredients and mix well to combine.

  • Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for 6 months.

To Use:

  • To prepare ground beef tacos, add 2 tablespoons (or more to taste) of seasoning mix to 1 pound of cooked ground meat (optional, add diced onions) in a large pan or skillet.

  • Add ½ cup water, mix, and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.

Notes

  • 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning is equal to one packed of store-bought seasoning.
  • Use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef. Add 1/2 cup of water with the seasoning and let it simmer.
  • Options: Add 1/2 diced onion to the meat while browning. Once browned, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a diced tomato if you’d like.

Tuck the taco meat into taco shells or tortillas and top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes and cheese.

4.91 from 280 votes

Nutrition Information

Serving: 2.25tablespoons | Calories: 24 | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 655mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1293IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (13) Course Pantry, Seasonings

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (14) Cuisine American

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

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Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I use if I don't have taco seasoning? ›

Packet Taco Seasoning replacement: if you only want to make enough taco seasoning to replace 1 packet, use the following amounts:
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder.
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder.
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano.
  • ½ teaspoon paprika.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin.
  • 1 teaspoon salt.
Mar 16, 2021

What is taco seasoning mix made of? ›

Most taco seasoning mixes contain salt, warming spices (such as paprika, oregano, and chili), onion powder, and garlic powder. This top-rated recipe is made with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.

What can you add to taco seasoning to make it better? ›

If you prefer a spicier taco seasoning mix, use spicy chili powder and/or add up to 2 teaspoons red chili pepper flakes. If you want a mild mix, use mild chili powder (Tone's has a mild chili powder which is what I use.)

What if I don't have cumin for taco seasoning? ›

Cumin is an earthy, aromatic spice that brings citrusy notes to a dish. If you're in a pinch, there are many great alternatives you might already have in your pantry. Caraway seeds and ground coriander most closely mimic cumin's flavor, while curry and chili powders contain cumin.

What are the ingredients in Old El Paso taco seasoning? ›

Ingredients. Corn Starch, Chili Pepper, Maltodextrin, Salt, Spice, Onion Powder. Contains 2% or less of: Vegetable Oil (high oleic canola and/or soybean oil), Silicon Dioxide (anticaking agent), Natural Flavor, Modified Corn Starch.

Does taco seasoning have tomatoes in it? ›

What is Taco Seasoning? Taco Seasoning has masa harina, salt, chiles, tomato powder, garlic, cumin, California paprika, onion, white sugar, Mexican oregano, allspice. All of the spices are pretty finely ground with no large chunks.

What are authentic tacos made of? ›

There's no cheese or lettuce. Instead, you'll see soft corn tortillas filled with authentically flavored meat, cilantro, radish slices, grilled onion, and an assortment of hot sauces.

Does taco seasoning mix have sugar in it? ›

Ingredients. Yellow Corn Flour, Salt, Maltodextrin, Paprika, Spices, Modified Corn Starch, Sugar, Citric Acid, Yeast Extract, Natural Flavors, Rosemary and Green Tea Extract, Silicon Dioxide.

What makes tacos taste better? ›

Not enough people use cilantro. Iceberg lettuce can be refreshing in a burrito, but when it comes to tacos, cilantro, onion and lime are king. I know Tex-Mex enthusiasts love their dairy on a taco. Big pinches of cheddar cheese that lack flavor or the ability to melt.

What makes tacos so good? ›

The key to a great taco is a homemade tortilla. Once you've mastered the art of making tortillas, tacos will be a breeze. A freshly made tortilla tastes so much better than a store-bought one, and it's really not that hard to make. You can add more taste to it my using le beurre bordier singapore butter.

What is the best sauce for tacos? ›

Cilantro Lime- Cilantro Lime Sauce is fresh, vibrant, full of flavor. That is why it is one of the best sauces for all your tacos! It is made from sour cream, mayonnaise, cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, lime juice, and salt.

What are the most popular taco ingredients? ›

The most common toppings that you will find for crispy tacos are shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg lettuce), finely shredded cabbage, sliced or chopped tomatoes, and onions (white onion is more popular than red onion). This list can go on for ages, but I will only mention the most popular fried tacos. Shredded Beef.

How do you season without seasoning? ›

Experiment with vinegars (white and red wine, rice wine, balsamic, and others). For the most flavor, add it at the end of cooking time. Toasted sesame oil adds a savory flavor without added salt.

Can you replace taco seasoning with chili seasoning? ›

Yes, taco seasoning can be used as a substitute for chili seasoning and vice versa in a pinch. However, it's important to note that the flavor profile may not be exactly the same due to the different spice blends.

How do you season food without seasoning? ›

Acids act a little like salt in that they help bring out the natural brightness of foods and work to meld flavors together. Try making a quick salad dressing with lemon juice and zest or red wine vinegar with a smidge of oil—or toss veggies and grains with citrus or vinegar to brighten them up.

Can you cook ground beef without seasoning? ›

I actually recommend boiling ground beef without seasoning (especially if you're cooking it for meal prep), and mixing it in after draining, or as you cook it with other recipes.

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