If your family looks forward to Taco Tuesday as much as mine, knowing how to make homemade taco seasoning is a game-changer.
Once I started mixing together my own taco spice blend, I’ve never returned to those little packets of pre-mixed seasonings. The flavor is so much better!
I mainly use my homemade taco seasoning to season ground beef for tacos. I honestly don’t know of an easier dinner, packed with flavor that the whole family enjoys.
This taco seasoning is also delicious with chicken and it’s how I add lots of spicy Mexican flavor to tortilla soup.
Did you know taco seasoning and chili seasoning have many of the same spices in common? Here’s how to make homemade chili seasoning.
Why DIY Taco Seasoning is Best
Never worry about running out of taco seasoning packets again! I used to rely on store-bought seasoning packets, like Old El Paso, for making tacos. But too many times in the middle of making dinner, I realized I was out. When you keep a supply of staple spices for Mexican and Tex-Mex recipes on-hand, you can mix together your own blend at a moment’s notice.
No preservatives, additives or fillers. Seasoning packets from the store often have preservatives, sugar, coloring, anti-caking agents, and thickening agents like cornstarch or wheat starch. This homemade version is 100% spices, and in my opinion, just tastes better! It’s also gluten-free.
Tweak it to your preference. One of the benefits of making your own spice blends is that you can customize it to your specific flavor profile. If you like things spicier, add in some cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes. Watching your sodium intake? Reduce the amount of salt.
Big bottles of individual spices don’t go to waste. How many times have you bought a bottle of spice, only to use it for a single recipe? I’m definitely guilty! Making your own seasoning mixtures is a great way to actually use up spices you’ve already purchased.
Easy Food Gift! Homemade taco seasoning and chili seasoning are perfect in Mexican-themed food gift baskets.
Looking for more mason jar food gift ideas? My Friendship Soup Mix in a Jar is always popular around Christmas. You can also try my mason jar gift recipes for chocolate chip cookie mix, cowboy cookie mix and hot cocoa mix in a jar.
Taco Seasoning Ingredients
- chili powder
- cumin
- paprika (sub with smoked paprika for a more smoky flavor)
- garlic powder
- onion powder (can eliminate if you typically make your taco meat with fresh, chopped onion)
- oregano
- salt & pepper
- cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes (optional, add a pinch of each to make it extra spicy)
Love tacos? Meal prep my easy mason jar taco salad. It makes four meal-size salads for lunch or dinner.
How to Make Taco Seasoning
This recipe makes enough taco spice mix to fill a spice jar and season 4-5 pounds of taco meat.
- Combine all the spices in a small bowl and stir together until combined.
- Funnel the taco seasoning into an airtight jar. Store it in a cool, dark place with other spices.
- When making tacos, use 1 1/2-2 tablespoons of seasoning to one pound of meat. Water isn’t necessary, but for a saucier taco meat, add in 1/4 cup water and let it cook down, or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it up a bit.
Detailed recipe and instructions are in recipe card at bottom of post.
How to Use Homemade Taco Seasoning
This recipe makes enough taco seasoning (8 tablespoons total) to season 4-5 pounds of meat.
How much seasoning do I use to make tacos? Use 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons per 1 pound of taco meat.
Do I need to add water like the directions on a seasoning packet say to do? Store-bought taco seasoning packets often contain a thickening agent like cornstarch which is why water is added.
This homemade spice mix is 100% spices and water is not necessary. If you prefer the taco meat to be a little saucy, add in 1/4 cup water and let it cook down, or make a cornstarch or masa harina slurry with water and stir it into the meat to thicken it up a bit.
How do I use homemade taco seasoning for other recipes? If your recipe calls for a packet of taco seasoning, use 2 tablespoons of the homemade blend. A general rule of thumb is to use that amount per pound of meat.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Homemade taco seasoning is a simple blend of spices that adds amazing flavor to your Mexican meals. Use it to season beef or chicken tacos, burritos, tortilla soup, and more!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 4 teaspoons cumin
- 4 teaspoons fine sea salt
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Combine all the spices in a small bowl and stir together until combined.
- Funnel the taco seasoning into an airtight jar. Store it in a cool, dark place with other spices.
- When making tacos, use 1 1/2-2 tablespoons of seasoning to one pound of meat. Water isn't necessary, but for a saucier taco meat, add in 1/4 cup water and let it cook down, or use a cornstarch slurry to thicken it up a bit.
Notes
Onion Powder: You may eliminate if you add fresh, diced onion to your taco meat mixture.
Kosher Salt: Double the amount of salt in the recipe if you make it with kosher salt instead of table salt.
How much seasoning does this recipe make? This homemade seasoning mix makes about 8 tablespoons total, which is enough to season 4 pounds of meat. Since you likely won't use it all at once, store it in a glass spice jar in a cool dark place.
How much seasoning to use for taco meat? Use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning per 1 pound of taco meat.
Do I need to add water? Store-bought taco seasoning packets often contain a thickening agent like cornstarch which is why water is added. This homemade spice mix is 100% spices and water is not necessary. If you prefer the taco meat to be a little saucy, add in 1/4 cup water and let it cook down, or make a cornstarch or masa harina slurry with water and stir it into the meat to thicken it up a bit.
How do I use homemade taco seasoning for other recipes? If your recipe calls for a packet of taco seasoning, use 2 tablespoons of the homemade blend. A general rule of thumb is to use that amount per pound of meat.