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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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