Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe – Spend With Pennies

October 30, 2023

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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.

Homemade Taco Seasoning ingredients in metal cups

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.

Ingredients for Homemade Taco Seasoning on a wooden plate

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 make Dorito taco salad and slow cooker chicken tacos.

mixed Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix with a spoon

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!

Ways to Use Taco Seasoning

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Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

This Taco Seasoning recipe is easy to make and it’s just for tacos! Use it as a seasoning for meats and veggies or to add a little zip to soups and casseroles.

Prep Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

In a small bowl, add all ingredients and mix well to combine.
Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for 6 months.

To Use:

To prepare ground beef tacos, add 2 tablespoons (or more to taste) of seasoning mix to 1 pound of cooked ground meat (optional, add diced onions) in a large pan or skillet.
Add ½ cup water, mix, and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.

2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning is equal to one packed of store-bought 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.

Tuck the taco meat into taco shells or tortillas and top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes and cheese.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Pantry, Seasonings

Cuisine American

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