Taco Seasoning Recipe
With this simple recipe, you'll be making your own Taco Seasoning right at home. Your homemade version of grocery store Taco Seasoning will have all the makings of traditional taco seasoning, but with ingredients that you feel comfortable using. It'll save you money in the long run as well!
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Taco Seasoning is a super versatile seasoning. It can be used in its traditional sense, by being mixed with ground beef to make delicious taco meat. You can also use this to replace a packet of taco seasoning for sour cream-based taco dip, seasoning for chicken fajitas, taco soup, or taco salad.
All it takes for you to make your own homemade taco seasoning with so much flavor are a handful of spices, most of which you'll already have in the spice cabinet. You can swap out any unwanted ingredient that you typically find in the store-bought stuff and replace it with anything you'd like. This helps you control the spice levels and makes it your own spice blends. Make it a spicy taco seasoning with red pepper flakes!
This Taco Seasoning Recipe doesn't just go great with ground beef. Mix this in with ground turkey for a leaner option than ground beef tacos. Using this with a leaner meat and using organic ingredients makes this so much healthier for you than store-bought packets.
Why You'll Love This Recipe:
Super simple: Just mix and store, ready in minutes.
Cleaner ingredients: No fillers, anti-caking agents, or added sugar like many store-bought packets.
Bold flavor: Perfect balance of smoky, savory, and earthy spices.
Versatile: Great for tacos, nachos, soups, casseroles, roasted veggies, and marinades.
Cost-effective: Makes multiple batches for the price of one store packet.
Ingredients to Make Taco Seasoning Recipe:
- chili powder. The main flavor base, use a mild or medium blend depending on heat preference.
- ground cumin. Adds warm, earthy depth and classic taco flavor.
- garlic powder. Provides savory richness and enhances every other spice.
- oregano. Adds a subtle herbal note that rounds out the blend.
- paprika. Gives a mild smokiness and color, use smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- salt. Boosts all the spices; adjust to taste or omit if you prefer to salt dishes separately.
- black pepper. Adds a mild bite and balances the warmth of the chili.
- onion powder. Adds sweetness and savory depth, helping the mix taste more complete.
How to Make Taco Seasoning Recipe:
- Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder to a small bowl.
- Whisk until fully combined and evenly mixed.
- Transfer to an airtight jar or spice container. Store for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Balance the flavor: This blend is mild-medium as written. For a bolder taco flavor, add an extra teaspoon of cumin or a dash of cayenne.
- Enhance aroma: Warm the seasoning in a hot skillet with a splash of oil or water before adding meat, this "blooms" the spices and deepens the flavor significantly.
- Salt flexibility: If you prefer to control salt levels in individual recipes, reduce the salt to ½ teaspoon or omit it entirely.
- Customize the smoky note: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a rich, smoky finish that's excellent with beef, beans, or roasted vegetables.
- Perfect for thickening: Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or broth after seasoning your meat to help the spices coat evenly and form a flavorful sauce.
- Meal prep friendly: This seasoning stores well for months, make a double or triple batch and keep it in a tightly sealed jar for quick weeknight meals.
- Use beyond tacos: Sprinkle on roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, fajitas, ground turkey, taco casseroles, tortilla soups, and even popcorn for a savory kick.
Serving Suggestions:
How to Store:
Airtight container: Transfer the spice mix to a small jar with a tight-fitting lid to keep it fresh.
Shelf life: Best used within 6 months, though it may last longer if your spices are very fresh.
FAQs:
Use 2-3 tablespoons of this mix to replace a standard 1-ounce taco seasoning packet.
Yes, add cayenne pepper, extra chili powder, or crushed red pepper flakes to increase the heat.
Absolutely! It's great on roasted vegetables, fajitas, enchiladas, chili, casseroles, and even eggs or popcorn.
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Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Instructions
- Add the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder to a small bowl.
- Whisk until fully combined and evenly mixed.
- Transfer to an airtight jar or spice container. Store for up to 6 months in a cool, dry place.
Nutrition
Notes
- Balance the flavor: This blend is mild-medium as written. For a bolder taco flavor, add an extra teaspoon of cumin or a dash of cayenne.
- Enhance aroma: Warm the seasoning in a hot skillet with a splash of oil or water before adding meat, this "blooms" the spices and deepens the flavor significantly.
- Salt flexibility: If you prefer to control salt levels in individual recipes, reduce the salt to ½ teaspoon or omit it entirely.
- Customize the smoky note: Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a rich, smoky finish that's excellent with beef, beans, or roasted vegetables.
- Perfect for thickening: Add 2-3 tablespoons of water or broth after seasoning your meat to help the spices coat evenly and form a flavorful sauce.
- Meal prep friendly: This seasoning stores well for months, make a double or triple batch and keep it in a tightly sealed jar for quick weeknight meals.
- Use beyond tacos: Sprinkle on roasted potatoes, grilled veggies, fajitas, ground turkey, taco casseroles, tortilla soups, and even popcorn for a savory kick.
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Delicious! My go to spice for cooking mexican meals at home
can it be used for chili and tacos
Hi Beverly - yes, this mix is perfect for chili or tacos. It’s what we use ourselves:)
Yum