Homemade Taco Seasoning
Are you tired of bland, generic store-bought taco seasoning? Say goodbye to those uninspiring flavors at the grocery store and welcome the tantalizing aroma of Homemade Taco Seasoning into your kitchen.
Making your own seasoning is not only easy and cost-effective, but it also allows you to have complete control over the flavors and ingredients that go into your favorite Mexican dishes. From the perfect balance of spices to the subtle hints of smokiness, you’ll be amazed at how a homemade version of taco seasoning can transform any ordinary meal into a fiesta for your taste buds!
We are forever eating tacos and taco-inspired dishes like this Chicken Taco Dip, and these easy Chicken Tostadas. I wanted a little more control over the flavor; plus, those little packets of taco seasoning add up when you go through them like water! So, I put together my own recipe for homemade taco seasoning.
SAVE THIS EASY HOMEMADE TACO SEASONING RECIPE TO YOUR FAVORITE PINTEREST BOARD!
Why make your own homemade taco seasoning?
When it comes to taco seasoning, store-bought packets often fall short in terms of flavor and quality, and have too much salt and other preservatives. By making your own taco seasoning, you can ensure that you are using 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 up anything you have in your spice cupboard and customize the flavor to your liking.
What is in homemade taco seasoning?
Here are the basic spices I put in my own taco seasoning mix:
chili 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 based on 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 Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning
Mix all your spices together in a small bowl until well combined, then store the mixture in an airtight container. I like to keep taco seasoning in a wide mason jar with a lid. That way, it’s easy to measure out with a tablespoon.
How much taco seasoning do I use per pound of meat?
I use about 3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of ground beef (or other meat). You may prefer a bit more depending on how strong of a spice flavor you like in your taco meat.
I also add 1/3 cup of water to the pan, just like I did when using the spice packets. It makes the beef saucy and helps deglaze the pan.
How long does it keep?
Stored in a dry dark location, taco seasoning keeps pretty much forever. After a while, the flavors will start to become a bit muted. If you notice that your seasoning has lost its fragrance and kick, it’s time to replace your spices.
If you make tacos frequently, you’ll easily use up all the spice mix within a few weeks or months. It may even be gone within 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 cupboard stocked.
What can I make with DIY taco seasoning?
This spicy seasoning mixture tastes amazing in so much more than just the best homemade taco! A bit of DIY taco seasoning adds instant Mexican flavor to any dish.
Sprinkle it over chicken breasts before grilling or for my Chicken Taco Salad.
Stir it into a pot of beans or rice.
Use it for Walking Tacos!
Add a bit to your favorite chili or taco soup 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 into sour cream or Greek yogurt for a quick and easy dip.
Use it to season ground meat for burgers, meatballs, or meatloaf.
Sprinkle it over popcorn or roasted nuts for a spicy snack.
Mix it into mayonnaise or ketchup for a zesty dipping sauce.
More Recipes for Taco Lovers
How will YOU use your homemade taco seasoning?
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Homemade Taco Seasoning
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published on 7/31/12, and has been updated on 1/13/25.
The post Homemade Taco Seasoning appeared first on 365 Days of Baking.