There’s nothing like homemade taco seasoning to take your dishes to the next level! Forget the store-bought packets filled with preservatives—this DIY blend is packed with bold flavors, perfectly balanced spice, and just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re making tacos, burritos, or even seasoning veggies, this mix will become your go-to. Trust me, once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your taste.
- Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry spices, so no need to buy expensive pre-mixed packets.
- No Additives: Free from preservatives and unnecessary fillers.
- Multi-Purpose: Perfect for tacos, fajitas, chili, roasted veggies, and even soups.
- Quick & Easy: Takes just a minute to mix together!
Ingredients in Taco Seasoning
This seasoning blend is all about bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors:
Chili Powder: The foundation of any great taco seasoning, providing warmth and a slight kick.
Cumin: Adds an earthy, smoky depth that defines classic taco flavor.
Paprika: Gives a mild sweetness and a beautiful color.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the seasoning with savory depth.
Onion Powder: Complements the garlic and boosts overall flavor.
Oregano: Brings in a subtle herbal note to balance the spices.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for rounding out all the flavors.
Cayenne Pepper (Optional): For those who like an extra spicy kick.
Instructions
Let’s mix up this amazing taco seasoning:
Measure Your Spices: Gather all the ingredients in a small bowl.
Mix Well: Stir everything together until well combined.
Store Properly: Transfer to an airtight container or spice jar to keep it fresh.
Use as Needed: Sprinkle over meats, beans, veggies, or anything that needs a taco-inspired boost.
How to Use Taco Seasoning
- For Ground Meat: Use about 1-2 tablespoons per pound of meat.
- For Roasted Veggies: Toss with olive oil and sprinkle on before roasting.
- For Marinades: Mix with a little lime juice and oil for a flavorful marinade.
- For Soups & Chili: Add to taste for an instant flavor upgrade.
- For Snack Seasoning: Sprinkle on popcorn or roasted nuts for a spicy twist.
Additional Tips
- Make a Big Batch: Double or triple the recipe to have it on hand anytime.
- Control the Heat: Reduce or increase cayenne to suit your spice preference.
- Keep It Fresh: Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
- Sugar-Free Option: Skip the sugar if you prefer a pure spice blend.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use smoked paprika instead of regular?
A1: Yes! Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that’s fantastic.
Q2: How much seasoning should I use per pound of meat?
A2: About 1-2 tablespoons, depending on how bold you like the flavor.
Q3: Can I make this without salt?
A3: Absolutely! Just leave out the salt and add it separately to taste.
Q4: How do I make this milder for kids?
A4: Reduce the chili powder and skip the cayenne for a milder blend.
Q5: Can I use this seasoning for chicken?
A5: Yes! It works great on chicken, shrimp, and even tofu.
Q6: What’s the best way to store this seasoning?
A6: Keep it in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for maximum freshness.
Q7: Can I add cornstarch to make it a thickening agent?
A7: Yes! Adding a teaspoon of cornstarch can help thicken taco fillings when cooked with water.
Q8: Is this seasoning gluten-free?
A8: Yes! Just ensure all your spices are labeled gluten-free.
Q9: Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
A9: Not recommended for dry seasoning, but you can add fresh garlic when cooking.
Q10: What’s the difference between this and fajita seasoning?
A10: Fajita seasoning usually has more citrus and sometimes a hint of sugar, while taco seasoning is spicier and smokier.
Final Thoughts
Homemade taco seasoning is a game-changer—it’s fresher, more flavorful, and completely customizable. Whether you’re making tacos, seasoning meats, or adding a little kick to your veggies, this blend will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try and let me know how you use it!
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Taco Seasoning
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 1 cup taco seasoning
- Category: Seasoning
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This DIY taco seasoning is packed with bold flavors and is perfect for seasoning ground beef, chicken, or even vegetables! Ditch the store-bought packets and make this easy, preservative-free mix at home.
Ingredients
For the Dry Spice Mix:
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6 tablespoons cornmeal
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2 tablespoons chili powder*
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1 tablespoon ancho chili powder
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1 tablespoon chipotle chili powder
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2 tablespoons cumin
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2 tablespoons oregano
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2 tablespoons dried minced onion
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4 teaspoons garlic powder
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4 teaspoons sea salt or kosher salt
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2 teaspoons paprika
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2 teaspoons smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon cocoa powder
For Taco Meat (Per 1 lb Ground Beef):
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1 pound 80/20 ground beef
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1/4 cup homemade taco seasoning
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1 1/4 cups water
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1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Beef Base (optional, but adds rich flavor)
Instructions
Make the Taco Seasoning:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together all dry ingredients until evenly combined.
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Store the mixture in an airtight container like a mason jar or Tupperware.
Use the Taco Seasoning:
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½ pound ground beef → Use 2 tablespoons seasoning
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1 pound ground beef → Use ¼ cup seasoning
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2 pounds ground beef → Use ½ cup seasoning
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3 pounds ground beef → Use ¾ cup seasoning
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4 pounds ground beef → Use 1 cup seasoning (entire batch)
Make Taco Meat:
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In a pan over medium heat, cook and crumble the ground beef. Drain excess grease if desired.
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Stir in ¼ cup taco seasoning and 1 ¼ cups water.
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For extra beefy flavor, add 1 teaspoon Better Than Bouillon Beef Base (optional).
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Simmer for a few minutes until the liquid thickens into a saucy consistency. Don’t overcook—juicy tacos are the goal!
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Serve with your favorite taco shells, tortillas, or salad.
Notes
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Chili powder in the U.S. is a blend of spices and is mild. If using a pure chili powder, start with a smaller amount and adjust for spice level.
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No time to make homemade seasoning? Use a 1 oz store-bought taco seasoning packet and mix in 1 ½ tablespoons cornmeal for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 20
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg