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.
Simply the best. It’s been over two years since I first tried this seasoning mix. No more store bought taco seasoning for me👍🏾
Wonderful! Thanks for the feedback and review, Edna.
I’ve made this recipe as written for at least the past 8 years. This stuff is like pure ambrosia. We have a large family with 5 teenage boys and it never fails to get raves. I usually quadruple it so I can used it another couple of times before having to mix up a new batch.
Oh wow, that’s a huge compliment to know you’ve been making this recipe for so long and for such a big family. Thanks for taking the time to leave a review and feedback, Lois!
Thank you for this recipe! I’ve been making my own for awhile. The recipe i use doesn’t call for salt and it definitely needs salt so i started adding it to the mix. BUT…i can not find my book i had it written in 😭 (don’t have it saved anywhere else) so I’ve been back to buying taco seasoning packets. Not anymore!! Thank you 🥰
You’re welcome! I hope it’s helpful. Sometimes I add a pinch of sugar, too. So if it feels like it’s missing something, you might try that. 😉
the flavor of this seasoning is amazing. but i’ve always ued water. 3/4 c broth with the 2T of mix? and is it beef or chicken broth? assume beef, but didn’t want to assume. Thanks.
Water works, too. I’m tested it that way. Chicken or beef broth just kicks up the flavor a little
I never thought about making my own Taco seasoning mix. I love this idea as I can kick the spice up to my liking or tone it down for the kids.
Can you please clarify me the exact measurement of the chili powder. Is it 1 1/2 tsp or 1/2 tsp as both are mentioned in the recipe. Please do reply as I am new to cooking, I always follow the exact measurements. Thank you
You will use 1 1/2 teaspoons of the chili powder. Enjoy!
I do like how the cornstarch makes the seasoning stick to the meat so I have started using tapioca flour, there’s also another alternative and I can’t think of the name right off the top of my head but it has the same results without adding any grain or corn to the seasoning mix. I usually add just a couple of tablespoons to an entire batch and I usually make an 8 oz mason jar of taco seasoning.
This recipe was great! I omitted the cumin as I’ve never been a fan of it, but it was so great to be able to enjoy tacos with my loved ones without having to set the protein aside so that I could have some. Thank you for this!
That’s awesome. Thanks for the feedback, Sarah.
Oh! And I will mix the seasoning and water together BEFORE adding it to the meat.
Just made another triple batch of this!! I split the chili powder amount with chipotle seasoning, and do the same with the paprika/smoked paprika. I typically use 1-1 1/2 Tbsp per pound of meat, with some water (depending on the fat content of the meat, usually ground turkey)
I even made a HUGE batch to send to our family serving as missionaries in Cambodia (we grew up in Texas with Tex-Mex)
Hi ! This recipe looks awesome… I was just wondering if you needed to use a liquid along with the seasoning. Most of the packets also call to use water as well. Thanks! I am looking forward to trying this. The packet ingredients look really scary
That’s a great question. Oftentimes the packets require water because they include cornstarch as a thickener. I usually play it by ear with this recipe and if my meat looks a bit try, I add a little water. It’s not a fine science and requires a little eye-balling and taste-testing. Good luck and thanks for stopping by our blog!
Hi. I am excited to try this taco seasoning because the packets always give me a stomach ache, but I can’t not eat it because I love tacos. My question is how many teaspoons or tablespoons of the above mix would you add to a pound of ground meat? Thanks.
Since the meat is fully cooked when you add it in, I usually go by taste. My husband and I can use the entire recipe on 1 lb of meat, but that’s too spicy for my kids. So, I think your best bet is to taste as you go.
Thank you!!! Went to make taco salads for dinner tonight…only to find I didn’t have any taco packets!!!! I mean, I always have them, so didn’t bother to check. Ugh! You’ve saved dinner!!!!! And if this tastes as good as I think it will, I won’t bother buying those dumb packets anymore!!!
Great! I used to be a packet junkie but haven’t bought one since I discovered how easy this was. Glad you like it!
Oh! Another question. Does this equal the amount in the store bought packets?
This is a great question. I’ve found that using this entire recipe is very close to an entire packet, but not quite. So I always double the recipe and season according to taste.
Hi! I’ve got another question. My husband likes the store bought taco seasoning with the cheesy flavor. Do you know of anything that can be added to this to add a cheesy flavor? I mean something powdered that can be stored in the pantry mixed right in with the seasonings? Not just adding cheese to what I’m cooking.
Cayla, I don’t think I can answer that one. The cheese flavor is probably a chemical made in a factory, if I had to guess.
Nutritional Yeast. 😉
Would you have any suggestions for something to use instead if cumin? My husband hates that, says it smells like sweaty armpit. Nice, huh? 🙂
That’s hilarious. My husband feels that way about cilantro. Cumin adds a smoky flavor to the seasoning. Maybe in it’s place try adding a bit more chili powder, since it’s a mix of spices. It will add a little more heat and smokiness to the mix.
Try smoked paprika. It’s awesome, and will add the smokey flavor you’re looking for without the cumin. It is a bit spicy so if you’re not into heat only add a little
Thanks for the tip!