Taco Seasoning Recipe – Packets of taco seasoning use ingredients I can’t pronounce plus ingredients I’d rather not consume. So, instead of complaining about taco seasoning packets, I made my own taco seasoning recipe that is better tasting and much more accessible. From homemade stovetop chili to spicy shrimp and 7 layered dip. We use it a lot around here!
Why Homemade Taco Seasoning over Store Bought Packets
Let’s be real for a minute and talk about the ingredients in a pack of taco seasoning found at the local grocer. This one below is the ingredient list from Old El Paso…
Ingredients in Old El Paso Taco Seasoning Packet: Chili Pepper, Maltodextrin, Salt, Onion Powder, Spice, Corn Starch, Sea Salt (Potassium Magnesium Chloride, Salt). Contains 2% Or Less Of: Vegetable Oil (Canola, High Oleic Soybean And/Or Sunflower Oil), Corn Flour, Silicon Dioxide (Anticaking Agent), Citric Acid, Sugar, Natural Flavor.
To be honest, this list of ingredients does not sound appealing at all. Yes, it may be a quick option — but making my homemade taco seasoning recipe and storing it in a small mason jar does the trick.
What is Taco Seasoning Mix?
Taco seasoning mix is a beautiful blend of flavors that can be added to tacos, taco dip, refried beans, chilis, soups and so much more. The benefit to a homemade taco seasoning recipe is that you can add as much or as little as you want to your recipe.
- Chili powder – a little heat
- Whole or ground cumin – lots of traditional flavor
- Smoked paprika – a distinct smoky flavor
- Crushed red pepper – a different kind of heat!
- Garlic powder – brings balance and a beautiful flavor
- Onion powder – offsets the heat
- Dried oregano – a little bit of sweetness
- Sea salt – adds just enough saltiness
- Black pepper – because adding a dash adds depth
How to Make Taco Seasoning Mix
In just a few minutes, these spices mix together into a very simple and versatile recipe. For one pound of ground turkey or ground beef, I typically use 1-2 tablespoons of my homemade taco seasoning recipe plus about 1/2 a cup of filtered water.
Just combine the list of ingredients below into a bowl and store in an airtight container. I store my container in my spice cabinet so it’s easy to grab when I need it.
A few FAQ!
What is the best way to store taco seasoning?
My favorite way to store taco seasoning is this Italian Bormioli Rocco Quattro glass jars with a screw top lid. Although Mason jars do work, I prefer the solid screw top lid instead of the 2-part.
You can make more of this recipe too – just click on the 2x or 3x on the recipe card below to increase the size you want to make!
How long does taco seasoning last?
My homemade taco seasoning recipe should last up to 6 months. Just be sure to keep your taco seasoning jar in an airtight container for best use.
How much homemade taco seasoning equals one packet?
Regular processed taco seasoning packets typically uses about 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat. With this homemade taco seasoning recipe, you can easily make several rounds of tacos without having to make more seasoning!
Add as much or as little to your recipe.
Other Make Ahead Seasonings:
Pumpkin Pie Spice – This Recipe for Pumpkin Pie Spice is a perfect blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice and cloves. Pumpkin Pie Spice is a perfect substitute for recipes that call for just cinnamon.
Kitchen Favorites
Taco Seasoning Recipe
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe using basic spices already in your cupboard: chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin…
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 1x
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground or whole cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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Combine all seasonings together and store in an airtight container like this one from Rocco Quattro.
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For recipes using 1 pound of ground turkey or ground beef – add 1 tablespoon of seasoning along with 1/2 a cup of filtered water. Adjust the seasoning based on your personal preference.
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