Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (2024)

I love homemade seasoning mixes so I can adjust the salt and spice levels.

This easy Taco Seasoning recipe is the perfect way to spice up your chicken or beef with ingredients you likely have in your pantry.

I keep a large batch of this taco seasoning at all times to quickly cook up tasty tacos.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (1)

For More Than Just Tacos

  • Store-bought seasoning is convenient but contains additives and lots of salt. Making your own taco seasoning at home means you can reduce the salt or add extra heat if you’d like.
  • It’s quick to make and can be doubled or tripled and stored in the pantry.

Ingredients in Taco Seasoning

It’s a blend of spices, most of which you likely have in your pantry. It’s the perfect way to season meat for tacos and beyond.

  • Chili Powder: It’s not just for chili, it adds depth, warmth, and heat. You can use mild or hot chili powder.
  • Ground Cumin: Adds a slightly nutty warm flavor
  • Garlic Powder: Adds color, sweetness, and classic taco flavor.
  • Onion Powder and Dried Oregano: Adds savory depth of flavor.
  • Seasoning: Salt & pepper can be adjusted to taste.
  • Options: A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes add heat. A pinch of smoked paprika adds a nice smoky flavor.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (2)

Variations

  • To make a low sodium verison, add less salt (or no salt) based on your dietary needs.
  • To make mild taco seasoning, leave out the cayenne pepper and/or chili flakes.
  • To make it spicy, double the cayenne or add other dried chili peppers to your liking.
  • Since this is made from spices, it’s naturally gluten-free, double check that your chili powder and other spices are gluten-free.
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How Much Taco Seasoning to Use

Once you try it homemade, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought packets of taco seasoning.

  • To replace a store-bought packet, use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning.
  • Use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef. Add 1/2 cup of water with the seasoning and let it simmer.
  • Options: Add 1/2 diced onion to the meat while browning. Once browned, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a diced tomato if you’d like.

Other Way to Use Taco Seasoning Mix

Of course, it’s great for ground beef tacos, but this DIY taco seasoning recipe can also be used for other types of tacos or as a seasoning for meat and vegetables.

  • 1 pound of ground meat: ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey
  • Sprinkle it on shrimp or chicken before grilling.

I love using this recipe to makeDorito taco saladandslow cooker chicken tacos.

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Storage

Store this taco seasoning recipe in a spice jar in a cool dry place. It will last at least 6 months. I usually prepare a triple batch so it’s ready to go whenever I need a little taco mix!

Ways to Use Taco Seasoning

5 Minute Taco Dip

Dips and Dressings

Shrimp Tacos

Seafood

Taco Ring

Ground Beef

Easy Taco Salad

Salads

Did you enjoy this Homemade Taco Seasoning? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (9)

4.91 from 282 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

This Taco Seasoning recipe is easy to make and it's just for tacos! Use it as a seasoning for meats and veggies or to add a little zip to soups and casseroles.

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Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (11)

Servings 2 tablespoons

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (12)

Author Holly Nilsson

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ½ tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • pinch cayenne pepper optional

Instructions

  • In a small bowl, add all ingredients and mix well to combine.

  • Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for 6 months.

To Use:

  • To prepare ground beef tacos, add 2 tablespoons (or more to taste) of seasoning mix to 1 pound of cooked ground meat (optional, add diced onions) in a large pan or skillet.

  • Add ½ cup water, mix, and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.

Notes

  • 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning is equal to one packed of store-bought seasoning.
  • Use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef. Add 1/2 cup of water with the seasoning and let it simmer.
  • Options: Add 1/2 diced onion to the meat while browning. Once browned, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a diced tomato if you’d like.

Tuck the taco meat into taco shells or tortillas and top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes and cheese.

4.91 from 282 votes

Nutrition Information

Serving: 2.25tablespoons | Calories: 24 | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 655mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1293IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (13) Course Pantry, Seasonings

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (14) Cuisine American

© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.

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Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I use if I don't have taco seasoning? ›

Packet Taco Seasoning replacement: if you only want to make enough taco seasoning to replace 1 packet, use the following amounts:
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder.
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder.
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano.
  • ½ teaspoon paprika.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin.
  • 1 teaspoon salt.
Mar 16, 2021

What is taco seasoning mix made of? ›

Most taco seasoning mixes contain salt, warming spices (such as paprika, oregano, and chili), onion powder, and garlic powder. This top-rated recipe is made with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.

What are the ingredients in Old El Paso Taco seasoning? ›

Ingredients: Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Salt, Chili Pepper, Spice, Sugar, Garlic Powder. Contains 2% or less of: Sea Salt (potassium magnesium chloride, salt), Citric Acid, Onion Powder, Vegetable Oil (canola and/or soybean oil), Silicon Dioxide (anticaking agent), Natural Flavor.

How much taco seasoning for 1 pound of meat? ›

To use: Use about 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning for every 1 pound of meat. Use more or less depending on your preference. Brown meat and drain the fat. Add your taco seasoning along with about 1/2 cup of water.

What if I don't have cumin for taco seasoning? ›

Cumin is an earthy, aromatic spice that brings citrusy notes to a dish. If you're in a pinch, there are many great alternatives you might already have in your pantry. Caraway seeds and ground coriander most closely mimic cumin's flavor, while curry and chili powders contain cumin.

What can I use instead of Mexican spices? ›

Substitute for Mexican spice
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder (add more if you like)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder (or 2 teaspoons crushed dried fried onions)
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano.
  • 2 teaspoons paprika.
  • 1½ teaspoons ground cumin.
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt.
Sep 24, 2020

What is McCormick taco seasoning made of? ›

SPICES (INCLUDING CHILI PEPPER, PAPRIKA, OREGANO), ONION, SALT, POTATO STARCH, SUGAR, GARLIC & NATURAL FLAVOR.

What's the difference between Mexican seasoning and taco seasoning? ›

What's The Difference Between Mexican Seasoning And Taco Seasoning? Taco seasoning is a milder seasoning compared to Mexican seasoning. Mexican seasoning has some spicier things added, such as chipotle chile pepper and ancho powder. It's a spicier mix, even if the overall combination of spices is roughly the same.

Does taco seasoning mix have sugar in it? ›

Ingredients. Yellow Corn Flour, Salt, Maltodextrin, Paprika, Spices, Modified Corn Starch, Sugar, Citric Acid, Yeast Extract, Natural Flavors, Rosemary and Green Tea Extract, Silicon Dioxide.

What are the ingredients in Ortega taco seasoning? ›

Yellow Corn Flour, Spices, Salt, Maltodextrin, Paprika, Modified Corn Starch, Onion Powder, Sugar, Garlic Powder, Citric Acid, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Natural Flavors, Caramel Color. Product formulation and packaging may change. Please refer to the product label for the most accurate information.

What does Taco Bell use for taco seasoning? ›

Taco Bell Seasoning is a classic blend seasoned with onion powder, garlic salt, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and chili powder. The next time you want take out, you can make your very own copycat version of the Taco Bell original taco seasoning mix.

Does taco seasoning have tomatoes in it? ›

What is Taco Seasoning? Taco Seasoning has masa harina, salt, chiles, tomato powder, garlic, cumin, California paprika, onion, white sugar, Mexican oregano, allspice. All of the spices are pretty finely ground with no large chunks.

How many tacos will 2 lbs of meat make? ›

How much ground beef per taco? Each taco shell or small soft taco-size tortilla fits about 2 ounces or 1/4 cup of meat. If you add diced onions, you could stretch a pound of ground beef to make about a dozen tacos. With just the meat and spices, you can make about 8 tacos from a pound of meat.

How do you fix too much taco seasoning in meat? ›

The next time your dish tastes too spicy, try adding lemon, lime or orange juice, or any style of vinegar that suits the dish and your taste preferences. Remember, a little goes a long way, so taste as you go (it's always easier to add more than to backtrack after adding too much).

Is fajita seasoning the same as taco seasoning? ›

Fajita seasoning and taco seasoning are very similar, but not identical. The ratios of each individual spice tend to differ. Fajita seasoning often contains more cumin, while taco seasoning contains more chili powder. Our taco seasoning recipe includes coriander and does not contain paprika or chipotle.

What can I use if I don't have all purpose seasoning? ›

Mix together garlic powder, basil, parsley, savory, thyme, mace, onion powder, black pepper, sage, and cayenne pepper in a bowl. Store in a sealed jar.

What can you replace taco meat with? ›

Meatless Tacos: 10 Options to Consider Instead of Meat
  1. Black beans.
  2. Chickpeas.
  3. Mushrooms.
  4. Butternut squash.
  5. Quinoa.
  6. Tofu.
  7. Lentils.
  8. Cauliflower.
May 18, 2022

How do you season without seasoning? ›

Jams, preserves, honey, and maple syrup can be used for glazing meats or roasted vegetables. Brown sugar can be mixed with savory spices as a rub for dry meat. All types of vinegar (cider, wine vinegar, Balsamic, rice, or flavored) can be used as marinades or to drizzle on veggies or fruit.

Can you use chili seasoning mix instead of taco seasoning mix? ›

If you're sitting at home staring at your packet of taco seasoning and wondering if it can be used for the chili recipe you're preparing tonight, then save yourself a trip to the grocery store. That taco seasoning will work out just fine. Vice versa is true as well. Go ahead and use chili seasoning on your taco beef.

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