Homemade Taco Seasoning

Once you make your own Homemade Taco Seasoning, you won’t go back. DIY Taco Seasoning is not only is it cheaper AND healthier (no artificial ingredients or preservatives), but it also tastes better!

This mix makes 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup), but I almost always double it and store my mix in a mason jar in my pantry.

This house LOVES Mexican food. Even my 2-year-old will scarf down a whole bowl of spicy Mexican Soup without any protest. It seems like we are making a Taco Bar at least once every few weeks.

Why Make Your Own Taco Seasoning Mix

Up until this point, I simply bought the expensive little packets of taco seasoning without batting an eye. However, as I am growing increasingly aware of what is actually in pre-packaged foods, I realized that my little bundles of taco-joy were filled with some questionable ingredients.

Check out the ingredients in the packet that I usually buy:

• Maltodextrin
• salt
• chili pepper
• onion powder
• spice
• monosodium glutamate
• corn starch
• yellow corn flour
• partially hydrogenated soybean oil
• silicon dioxide (anticaking agent)
• natural flavor
• ethoxyquin (preservative)

I also hated that I was paying $1-$2 for a single serving. I used taco seasoning so much that I finally realized it’d be worth it to make my own batch and triple it for future use. Turns out I had every ingredient I needed in order to make a big batch of this yummy taco seasoning mix! Isn’t it pretty?!

What Ingredients Do I Need?

You’ll need the following ingredients in order to make your own taco seasoning:

• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Dried oregano
• Paprika
• Ground cumin
• Salt & pepper

How to Make Taco Seasoning

Skip the store-bought packets, because making your own seasoning is much cheaper and easier. All you do is place the pantry spices in the recipe below in a mason jar or container with lid. Then, store it in your pantry until ready to use. That’s it!

How Much Taco Seasoning Do I Use Per Pound of Meat?

We typically use 2-3 tablespoons per pound of ground beef. 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.

Here’s how I use the seasoning to make ground beef for tacos.

1. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Saute 1 cup diced onion, stirring frequently, until softened, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in 3-4 cloves of garlic and cook for 30 to 60 seconds more.
2. Increase the heat to medium-high. Add 2 pounds lean ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until no longer pink, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon as it browns. Drain off excess grease.
3. Sprinkle 4-6 tablespoons of taco spice mixture over the meat and stir until coated. Add in 1 cup of chicken/beef/vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer, uncovered, until the mixture has reduced some, about 5 minutes.

How Many Tablespoons Are in a Packet of Taco Seasoning?

If you’re used to using a 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. So that means, you’ll want to use about 3 tablespoons of our homemade taco seasoning in place of a packet.

Recipes that Use Homemade Taco Seasoning

This homemade taco seasoning mix can be used in so many other recipes.

• Cheesy Chicken and Black Bean Enchiladas
• Mexican Soup
• Quesadillas
• 7 Layer Taco Dip
• Easy Taco Salad with Southwest Ranch Dressing
• Anything Goes Tortilla Soup
• Shredded Beef Tacos

Or, use this seasoning to make taco meat for our Totally Tasty Taco Bar! It’s a great option for serving large groups, a family, or even to freeze and take on vacation…seriously.

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