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This Homemade Taco Seasoning is so flavorful and takes less than 5 minutes to make. You will never buy taco seasoning from the store again!
Want to know what to make with this seasoning? Try these Taco Stuffed Peppers, this classic Taco Soup or this Rotel Dip with this homemade taco seasoning.
Taco Seasoning Recipe
Isn’t it the worst when you go to cook and don’t have the seasoning that you need for the recipe. That’s where homemade seasonings come in! If you don’t have store bought taco seasoning on hand, this recipe can be made in less that 5 minutes from classic seasonings that we all have in our pantry!
Once you try out this homemade recipe, you will never buy store bought again. These flavors make any taco have more flavor and make them taste SO much better! Try it out with this easy Taco Ring. It takes even the most simple recipe to the next level.
What is Taco Seasoning Mix Made of?
Taco Seasoning is made up of simple spices that, when they are mixed together, make the best flavor. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.
- Chili Powder: This gives it some kick. Add more if you like your seasoning extra spicy!
- Garlic Powder: The garlic powder complements all of the other flavors without being too overpowering.
- Onion Powder: This is a subtle onion flavor that really stands out.
- Dried Oregano: The oregano brings in a spicy but sweet flavoring.
- Paprika: Paprika has a smokey flavor and helps add color to the taco seasoning.
- Ground Cumin: This unique flavored seasoning adds lots of flavor with a little spice.
- Salt and Black Pepper: These enhance all of the flavors in the recipe.
How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning
You can also change the flavor up to have more or less heat depending on your preference. That’s the beauty of homemade seasonings, you can customize them to be however you want!
- Mix spices together: Combine all the seasonings together in a bowl.
- Store: Place the mixture in an airtight container.
How much homemade taco seasoning equals one packet?
A standard store-bought packets of taco seasoning holds about 2 tablespoons of seasoning.
How much taco seasoning for 1 pound of meat?
I use about 2 tablespoons in one pound of ground turkey or ground beef. This is such a simple recipe and it all comes together quick and easy for you to make several taco dishes! The recipe can easily be doubled and use more or less to taste.
Tip: I also like to add 1/2 cup of water to the meat and seasonings to make the meat more moist.
How long does taco seasoning last?
This is the best part! When you store your seasoning, make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container and it will last up to 6 months.
Want more taco recipes?! Try these ones!
Who doesn’t love a good taco? I’ve gathered up a few of my favorites for you to try with this seasoning!
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The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine all of the seasonings in a bowl and stir to combine.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
- This recipe can easily be doubled! To use the seasoning, cook 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink. Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning to the ground beef along with 1/2 cup of water.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This is the best taco seasoning — and no hard-to-pronounce chemical ingredients! Thank you!
Thanks for another great recipe for seasonings! I started making my own 11+ years ago, when I needed to control the sodium 🧂for my husband’s health. Then I realized how much better tasting they are, and fresher. Plus if you are making a recipe and realize you are out of a seasoning, you can make it yourself with ingredients you probably already have. I was making meatloaf one day years ago, and found out I was out of the onion soup mix. So I looked it up, and found one that used more spices than salt. Never bought the store brand again! I do that with all my seasoning mixes now.
I’ve made this several times and I love it! It’s my fav taco seasoning, and it’s WAY better than the store bought stuff!
Thanks Jen! I agree!
I have used this recipe for years. I don’t buy the packaged stuff anymore. This has the best taste and I know exactly what is in it! I even used it to season my chicken fajitas! ❤️
Great recipe! Won’t be buying pkts anymore . 😋
Thabk you. Appreciate these money-saving mix recipes.
It’s good but it’s lacking in heat. So, this second time we added 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Excellent.
when you say Chili Powder. is that already a blend or do ya mean just powdered chilis like dark. powder. Ancho. or red chili powder ????
It’s the stuff in the spice aisle, nothing fancy.
This recipe is really really REALLY good! I crushed Mexican oregano and used smoked paprika. Added s little corn starch about 1.2 grams. Doesn’t change the flavor. I used less then what the standard package called for so add to taste.
Thanks!
This is my go to taco seasoning. I have adjusted amounts to our liking but I thinks it’s because I use all to 1lb of ground beef! After meat is cooked I turn on low and cover for 20-30 minutes (depending on what needs to be done around the house!)
Good basic taco seasoning recipe but what I have noticed is that most of these recipes leave out turmeric……
Great recipe…if you are watching your salt, use less….if you like it hotter a dash or 2 of ceyanne. You can use this in eggs, I make popcorn and use this with some garlic powder…or use to season taco meat or taco soup…love your site!
Great recipe !! Just reduced salt due to high blood pressure.
I’ve used this recipe for ages and just noticed that you don’t use the entirety for a pound of meat. I do, and it’s a family favorite. funny how people’s tastes are different… weird that someone would rate it low because two tablespoons is too flavorful for their taste… The recipe makes a fabulous taco seasoning!
I haven’t tried this yet, but I’m looking forward to trying it. I was wondering if I’m understanding correctly. This entire recipe is to be used for one pound of ground meat? Thanks
I use 2 tablespoons per 1 lb of meat. You can use more or less depending on the intensity of the flavor that you like.