Taco seasoning is super easy to make with spices you probably already have on hand! It’s also incredibly flavorful and super inexpensive. Do your future self a favor and mix up a batch of our favorite Homemade Taco Seasoning.
Why You Should Be Making Your Own Homemade Taco Seasoning
Tacos are one of our favorite weeknight meals. They’re easy, everyone loves them, and they come together fast on busy nights. Plus- I usually have the necessary ingredients on hand. What I DON’T always have on hand? Store-bought taco seasoning. On more than one occasion I have started cooking only to realize that I’m out. (dun dun dun)
Most of the recipes for homemade taco seasoning that I found online made a large batch. Which is great! However, sometimes I just need to know exactly what I need for one meal. A simple substitute for a single packet of taco seasoning. And that is the beauty of this recipe.
I also love that I get to control the ingredients. Less sodium, no preservatives, and a flavor profile that I know we like! Even thought I don’t always have ready made taco packets at home.. I always have the spices to throw this seasoning blend together. Taco Tuesday, here we come.
Ingredients for Homemade Taco Seasoning:
- Chili Powder
- Ground Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper
How To Make Homemade Taco Seasoning:
Combine all of your seasonings in a small bowl and stir to combine. Add to the skillet after browning your taco meat. Use on ground beef, turkey, or shredded chicken. This seasoning blend is enough for 1 pound of meat and will replace one seasoning packet.
Tips & Suggestions
How long does homemade taco seasoning last?
You can store homemade taco seasoning in a tightly sealed jar for up to 6 months. It generally won’t go bad after that, but your seasoning won’t be nearly as flavorful.
How much taco seasoning per pound of meat should I use?
Our homemade taco seasoning blend will yield about 4 tablespoons- enough for one pound of meat.
Optional additions:
This is a great, basic taco seasoning blend. Start from here, and get creative! Other delicious spices to add:
- For heat, add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Replace the regular paprika with smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon beef bouillon powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 teaspoons dried cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon crystallized lime
Can I make a large batch of this homemade taco seasoning?
Absolutely! This is an especially great idea if you can get your seasonings in bulk. Here are the ratios you will need to make a large batch of homemade taco seasoning:
- 1/2 cup chili powder
- 1/3 cup ground cumin
- 3 tablespoons salt
- 4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons onion powder
- 4 teaspoons paprika
- 4 teaspoons black pepper
What else can I use taco seasoning for?
This is super flavorful blend is a great multi-purpose seasoning. Try it on our favorite Ground Turkey Tacos, Seven Layer Dip, Taco Soup, Mexican Pinwheels, or Mexican Meatloaves.
More Mexican Inspired Recipes To Try:
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a small glass mason jar. Stir to combine. Put the lid on the jar and then shake to make sure the spices are all combined. This will stay fresh for about 6 months.
To Use for Taco Meat
- This taco seasoning will season 1 – 1 1/4 pounds of ground meat depending on how flavored you like your meat.
- Heat a skillet to medium-high heat, and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil if using lean ground meat. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon or meat chopper and cook until browned.
- Add taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water to the meat, stir to combine. Turn heat to medium and simmer until most of the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and serve with your favorite taco toppings!
