Homemade Taco Seasoning
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I’ve been making this homemade taco seasoning recipe for years and have perfected it. Use this easy taco mix for all your Mexican-inspired meals! This recipe is enough to season 1 pound of ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Pro tip: Make a big batch to store in the pantry.
“Simply the best. It’s been over two years since I first tried this taco seasoning recipe. No more store-bought taco seasoning for me!”
– Edna ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Why Make Your Own Taco Mix?
Like me, you may like the convenience of the little store-bought packets. But, here are a few reasons why it makes sense to make your own…
- It’s better for you. There’s no additives, MSG, or fillers. Plus, you can also control the sodium content.
- It’s cheaper. Buying and prepping spices in bulk saves about 75% over individual packets.
- Reduces waste. Buying in bulk means less packaging to throw away.
- It’s easy! All you do is grab a few pantry staples (you might already have them), stir together, and store for months to come.
Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients in order to make this taco seasoning recipe…
You can always add a little pinch of sugar or extra salt to your seasoning, if you’d like.
How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
It’s so easy! Place all the seasonings in an air-tight jar, seal, shake, and store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
This makes enough to make 1 pound of seasoned Taco Meat, but we recommend quadrupling the batch (x4) to store in the pantry to use in all your favorite Mexican recipes.
See the full, printable recipe below.
Storage Tips for Taco Seasoning
- Choose an airtight container: Opt for a glass jar or a sealable plastic container to keep your homemade taco seasoning fresh.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Place the container in a pantry away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve the flavor and potency of the spices. For longer storage, store in the fridge or freezer.
- Label the container: Clearly mark the container with the date you prepped it and the contents.
- Use within 6 months: While homemade taco seasoning can last longer, for optimal flavor, aim to use it within 6 months of preparation. For sure throw it out after a year.
- Shake before using: Before adding the seasoning to your recipes, give the container a good shake to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
How to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning
We have SO many delicious Mexican-inspired recipes that utilize this seasoning blend. Here are some of the most popular recipes…
- Taco Meat for a Taco Bar
- Cheesy Chicken Enchiladas
- Mexican Soup
- Layered Taco Dip
- Mexican Chopped Salad with Southwest Ranch Dressing
- Vegetarian Tortilla Soup
- Shredded Beef Tacos
Taco Seasoning FAQs
If you’ve been used to using one packet of taco seasoning per 1 pound of meat, then you might have this question. There’s typically 3 tablespoons (sometimes 4 tablespoons depending in the brand) in a store-bought packet of taco seasoning.
We typically use 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of ground meat. Add more if you like the flavor, less if you have sensitive palates. You can always season the meat with more salt at the end, if you’d like, as well.
According to Food Network, “Ground spices…typically don’t last past 6 months. The best freshness test for ground spices is to give them a whiff — if they smell like nothing, then it’s time to say goodbye.”
I will say this though…my homemade taco seasoning seems to pass the “whiff” test and stay flavorful for longer than 6 months. Use your own discretion after the 6 month mark.
This Taco Seasoning Mix makes about 3 tablespoons or enough to season 1 pound of Taco Meat. But, I recommend quadrupling (4x) the recipe and storing the rest in the pantry in a mason jar to use in any Mexican recipes.
I just know you’ll love this taco seasoning recipe as much as our family does!
Did you make this? Snap a photo and tag us on Instagram at @thrivinghome so we can see your creations and cheer you on!
Taco Seasoning Mix
Skip the additives and artificial ingredients and whip up a big batch of this FABULOUS all-natural taco seasoning mix. I’ll never go back to buying those expensive little packets again!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- a pinch of red pepper flakes (or more if you like things spicy)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon sugar
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Instructions
To Make the Seasoning:
- Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container.
- Double or even triple this recipe to have on hand for all of your favorite Mexican meals!
To Use the Seasoning on Ground Meat: Use 2-3 tablespoons of taco seasoning plus 1/2 cup broth or water per pound of browned meat. Taste and season with more of the mixture or more salt, as needed. Or follow this delicious Taco Meat recipe.
Notes/Tips
- Storage Tips for Taco Seasoning:
- Opt for a glass jar or a sealable plastic container to keep your homemade taco seasoning fresh.
- Place the container in a pantry away from direct sunlight and heat to preserve the flavor and potency of the spices. For longer storage, store in the fridge or freezer.
- Clearly mark the container with the date you prepped it and the contents.
- While homemade taco seasoning can last longer, for optimal flavor, aim to use it within 6 months of preparation. For sure throw it out after a year.
- Before adding the seasoning to your recipes, give the container a good shake to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
The best recipe for homemade taco seasoning I’ve ever made. It’s so easy and healthy. I’m going to keep it in a jar with my spices.
Love to hear this Janine! I keep a jar of it in my pantry as well. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review!
My go to recipe for a quick taco seasoning with real ingredients!
Same here Laura. I can’t remember the last time I bought a packet of taco seasoning! Thanks for taking the time to leave a review.
Great option over the packaged stuff. I will use this often.
Glad you liked this. Thanks for leaving a review.
Love that I can make it myself and it’s so much better than store bought. I will never run out of it either.
So glad you love it Iris! Me too! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.