Once you know, you know: the BEST taco seasoning is homemade! Make this earthy, spicy, smoky homemade taco seasoning mix in less than 2 minutes. No sugar, fillers, or preservatives!
Tacos are king in my house.
I make them nearly every week because the possibilities and flavors are endless.
Yet, we all know that, when it comes to tacos, the flavor lies in the seasoning. You can have the best salsa and toppings, but if the taco meat isn’t flavored with the quintessential taco essence, can we even call it a taco?
Taco seasoning is truly essential if you’re trying to achieve that deep, earthy, spicy flavor that makes our taste buds so happy.
Sadly, store-bought taco seasoning is full of ingredients such as maltodextrin, silicon dioxide, high oleic soybean oil, sugar and about ten pounds of sodium (okay, maybe nine).
If you’re anything like me, one day you woke up to the fact that there has got to be a better way. Let’s face it, pretty much anything in the store was inspired by something someone made at home once, right?
Yes!!! You can make your own homemade taco seasoning… with spices you most likely already have in your spice cabinet.
It was life changing making my own version of taco seasoning mix at home. Just pure and simple spices that don’t need any additives.
The nicest part is that you’re entirely in charge of what goes into them and can change it however you wish.
Once you learn this quick and simple recipe, you’ll never go back to using taco seasoning from a packet! It is the perfect complement to these 25+ Easy, Healthy Ground Beef Recipes.
How to make homemade taco seasoning?
This is a seriously simple recipe that takes a mere two minutes. You need a few spices that are probably already in your pantry.
The classic version requires cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano, onion and garlic powder as well as salt, pepper and cayenne pepper if you’re looking for some heat.
If you’re making taco seasoning yourself, you can really control the salt and heat! Use as much or as little as you prefer.
More Spices To Consider Adding
Want to get creative with your taco seasoning mix? Here are some ideas…
Add 1/8 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the mix for a smoky flavor that isn’t overpowering. Experiment with more if you really love the smoky flavor!
Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of chipotle chili powder to the mix. This will intensify the flavor of the taco seasoning and give you a deep richness that works particularly well in hearty chili recipes.
To change things up further, add 1/2 teaspoon of ground coriander for a nice earthy taste.
If you like your taco seasoning on the spicy side, add 1/4 teaspoon of red chili flakes to the mix for a nice kick. And if you really want to up the ante, 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
Whichever variation you choose, you can tailor this homemade taco seasoning recipe to your liking!
How much does this recipe make?
This recipe yields about 6 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning, or enough to season about 3 pounds of meat. Feel free to double or triple it for a big batch!
Once you mix the spices well, you can always divide the mixture and add any alternative ingredients to a portion of it.
How long will the spices stay fresh?
If you store your seasoning mix in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 6 months to 1 year. Mine has never lasted beyond a few months as I use it up!
What To Make With Your Taco Seasoning Mix
This is where the fun begins — putting your taco seasoning mix to use in a great recipe.
Take advantage of this amazing spice mix with any of these dishes: beef tacos, chicken tacos, chipotle-lime taco “meat”, taco salad, taco soup, chicken enchiladas, pumpkin chili, green lentil chili, black bean chili, tortilla soup, fajitas, quesadillas, white bean chicken soup, and refried beans… just to name a few!
I like to use about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per pound of meat, adjusting to taste as needed.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Once you know, you know: the BEST taco seasoning is homemade! Make this earthy, spicy, smoky homemade taco seasoning mix in less than 2 minutes. No sugar, fillers, or preservatives!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoon paprika powder
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper optional
Instructions
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Combine all ingredients.
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Mix well.
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Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
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Use about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per pound of ground beef, ground turkey, or other meat, adjusting to taste as needed.
Recipe Notes
Experiment with adding different spices to the mix, too, such as...
- 1/8 teaspoon smoked paprika (smoky flavor)
- 1/2 to 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder (extra heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander (earthy flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes or red chili flakes (extra kick)
What will you make with your homemade taco seasoning?
Looking for more spice blend recipes? Try these!
- Traditional Chinese Five Spice Powder
- Homemade Za’atar Seasoning (Middle Eastern Spice Blend)
- Homemade Herb Seasoning Salt (Similar To Herbamare)
- Avoid Additives with 45 Homemade Dressings, Sauces, and Seasonings
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Buna Daniela. Ce bucurie si binecuvantare sa vad co-nationalii mei, dar mai ales sa fie printre cei care sunt pe cooking blogs. … nu stiu Ce sa mai zic dar imi plac retetele tale. Keep in touch. Eu locuiesc in Vancouver BC
Wonderful post