Homemade Taco Seasoning
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!
Nutrition
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Natalie Monson
I'm a registered dietitian, mom of 4, avid lover of food and strong promoter of healthy habits. Here you will find lots of delicious recipes full of fruits and veggies, tips for getting your kids to eat better and become intuitive eaters and lots of resources for feeding your family.
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Love it!!! Will have to try these. I would love to make my own taco seasoning.
How long do the spices generally last in mason/spice jars?
3 months to be safe – especially for the Ranch. For the others I would say up to 6 months.
Thank you so much, I’m sure will used this recipes.
The buttermilk powder I buy should be refrigerated after opening.
How long do you suppose these cold be frozen for?
I have never used a packet to make marinara. Do I just add tomato sauce to the seasoning? Ratio? I am excited to try these! Thanks so much!
I am going to try these. I will be storing my Ranch Mix in the fridge because the dry buttermilk that I use needs to stay refrigerated. I would recommend that you read your dry buttermilk label.
Looks good! What do you mix with the ranch mixture to make salad dressing?
For the marinara mix you have Italian Seasoning. My jar has all of the remaining ingredients you have listed. So why not just use that instead of adding more of the same, including more salt?
1 Tbsp ranch mix, 1/2 cup mayo or Greek yogurt, and 1/2 cup milk
Probably up to a year.
Three 8 ounce cans of tomato sauce, one 6 ounce can of tomato paste, 2 3/4 cups of tomato juice or water, 1/3 cup mix, and if you like it chunky a can of diced tomatoes without the juice, or a few fresh tomatoes diced. Simmer for 30 minutes.
You could certainly do that!
Thanks so much!
the taco seasoning is disgusting. I tried it today and had to make something else because I almost puked trying the meat with the ‘taco seasoning’. So disappointing. what a waste.
Is there something specific you didn’t like about it? This is very similar to traditional taco seasoning, do you not like that flavor? We do test our recipes and want to make sure they are the best they can be 🙂
For the Ranch have you ever tried using plain yogurt? I am guessing it would taste pretty similar. I am excited to make these, thank you for sharing!
can i use regular powdered milk, i don’t have powdered buttermilk?
Should work fine 🙂
Yes, I actually usually use plain yogurt. Tastes great!
I would like to try the Ranch Dip, have you suggestion for a dairy-free option for the buttermilk? My daughter has a dairy-allergy.
I would like to try the Ranch Dip, have you suggestion for a dairy-free option for the buttermilk? My daughter has a dairy-allergy.
When your recipes call for one packet of Ranch, how much of this homemade recipe would that be?
I always use 2 tablespoons.
I don’t have anything Kim, but we do have a dairy free ranch dip here: https://www.superhealthykids.com/recipes-blog/garden-party-dairy-free-ranch-dip-recipe.php
We tried the ranch and thought it was very good, but for some reason it didn’t get thick. Did we do something wrong?
I prefer to use fresh buttermilk in my ranch. If I made this mix workout the dried buttermilk, do you know how much fresh buttermilk I should use instead? I’d also omit the milk. If you omit the dried buttermilk would the dry mix last longer? Thanks!
I have a dairy free daughter. All you need to do is omit the buttermilk. then the seasoning is just fine. Add what ever dairy free alternative you use. I personally use coconut milk and plain coconut yogurt mixed with mayo. You can add a little bit of apple cider vinegar to the milk and let it sit for a minute to give it a buttermilk flavor. 🙂
Thanks for posting these to help moms save money and learn that there are options other than msg packets. I feel that not everyone will like these nor will they work for everyone but blatant insults and rudeness should not be on this forum. I think that simple opinions are necessary to make things better but hurtful comments should be avoided.
Thinking the spices might last longer if stored in jars in the freezer or vacuumed sealed.
Hmmm – not sure on that. Next time you make it possibly add less liquid.
Definitely!
I’m not sure how the substitution ratio would work out because I have only tried it using the specific ratios in this recipe. I would assume you could just add more fresh buttermilk when you are making it, but I could be wrong. If you try it, let us know!
I am making the marinara spice mix and ranch mix for gifts this year. I think adding garlic powder to the marinara sauce mix would be good, but I don’t want to over do it. Do you think 1 tsp per jar would be a good amount? Thanks for these recipes!
Hi! Do you have these on another page, maybe the recipes on a plain background . I just can’t read them. I know it’s my eyes, not your site, but some other sites I visit have a link to a “print” button somewhere on their page that leads to the recipe on a clean white page.
I am very interested in trying making these spice mixes for myself and husband, but I just can’t read them.
Love love your recipes. How do you make your Italian seasoning?
Thanks for making me a better cook.
I know this is an old post, but has anyone tried these without salt?
Was wondering if you have a chili mix seasoning recipe. Thank you’
Hi Bridget, I don’t think we’ve got one, but I found this promising recipe for homemade chili powder: https://www.spendwithpennies.com/homemade-chili-powder/
Wow, these recipes are so good! I will prepare at least some of these blends. Absolutely love it!
I know one great recipe for Italian seasoning, which I recommend as well!