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The Yummy Bowl » Recipes » Dinner

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

May 3, 2023 · Last updated: Oct 14, 2024 by Julia · 1 Comment · this post may contain affiliate links

Jump to Recipe
homemade taco seasoning mix and taco meat

Make your own homemade Taco seasoning mix in just 5 minutes. Properly stored, this taco spice blend will keep fresh for many months ahead and can be used in multiple Mexican-inspired recipes such as tacos, ground meat, chilis, enchiladas, burritos and nachos.

We love Mexican flavors and this taco seasoning goes well with Shrimp tacos, Vegan tacos (lentil tacos), and Street tacos. You'll love it!

Jump To
  • Ingredients For Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
  • How To Make Taco Seasoning
  • Tips
  • Homemade vs Store-Bought Taco Seasoning
  • Freezing And Storing Instructions
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Easy Mexican-Inspired Recipes
  • Did You Like This Recipe?
  • Recipe Card
  • FAQs
  • Comments
taco meat in skillet

Ingredients For Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

  • Chili powder - For a smoky flavor, you can use a combination of paprika and cayenne pepper or smoked paprika and ground chipotle.
  • Cumin - Ground or dried coriander can be used instead. Some people don’t like its strong overpowering flavor, if that is you, you can reduce the amount and substitute with ground or dried coriander or add more of the other spices instead.
  • Paprika - Smoked, or sweet paprika. 
  • Garlic powder - As we want to store this seasoning for longer, use ground garlic and onion powder. However, if you plan to use all of the homemade version at once, you can go for freshly minced garlic and finely chopped brown onion. Saute these in a skillet before mixing with other spices and taco meat, if using.
  • Salt - Kosher salt, sea salt, or Himalayan salt for the best natural flavor.
  • Black pepper - Black pepper will work better than white pepper, but you can also experiment with flavored peppers.

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How To Make Taco Seasoning

Mix all the taco seasoning ingredients in a bowl and store in an airtight container or mason jar for up to 6 months.

Keep the taco seasoning mix in a cool and dried place.

taco seasoning ingredients on a saucer

This recipe makes about 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning which is enough for 1 pound of ground meat.

taco seasoning in a bowl

Homemade DIY taco mix over store-bought. Grocery store packets often contain various spices high in sodium and sugar, as well as unnecessary additives such as colorants, HVP, and MSG.

While these ingredients give the seasoning its signature flavor and aroma, they are unhealthy and have high salt content.

ground beef tacos

Tips

  • A good rule of thumb is to add less spicy seasonings such as chili powder and red chili flakes until you get the right balance and flavor. You can always add in more later if you feel comfortable with it.
  • Make a large batch - you can make a big batch of taco seasoning and store it in an airtight container in your pantry. This will save you time and effort in the future, and you'll always have taco seasoning on hand when you need it.
  • Add some sweetness - A pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey can balance out the heat and acidity of the seasoning, making it more well-rounded.

Homemade vs Store-Bought Taco Seasoning

Making homemade taco seasoning is a healthier and more affordable option for several reasons:

  • Ingredients - When making homemade taco seasoning, you have control over the spice level and all the ingredients that go into the mix without adding additives such as anti-caking agents, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors.
  • Customization - You can adjust the amounts of spices, heat, and seasonings to create a unique seasoning blend that suits your taste preferences.
  • Cost-effectiveness - It seems a lot but it is more cost-effective than buying pre-made seasoning packets. Buying the seasonings separately and mixing them at home will add more bang for your buck. When properly stored, this seasoning will last you for many months ahead. 
  • Lower sodium and sugar content -  Most store-bought taco seasoning packets contain high salt and sugar. This will not happen if you have complete control of the ingredients.
  • Flavor - Homemade taco seasoning is always fresh, which means it will have the best aroma, flavor, and vibrant color.

Freezing And Storing Instructions

Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

    Serving Suggestions

    The seasoning blend adds a depth of flavor and a kick of heat to any dish it is added to.

    Besides beef tacos, and classical taco meat there are plenty of other dishes that you can spice up with this homemade taco seasoning:

    • Fajitas 
    • Chili
    • Roasted Vegetables
    • Beans
    • Soups and Stews
    • Tacos 
    • Tofu
    • Snack - use it to season for Kale chips, popcorn, nuts and pretzels or snack mixes.
    • Nachos
    • Tostadas
    • Makes a great dry rub or seasoning for meat and poultry or fish

    Easy Mexican-Inspired Recipes

    Use this taco seasoning in multiple Mexican recipes. This mix makes one of the best tacos!

    • one pot chicken fajita pasta skillet.
      Chicken Fajita Pasta
    • mexican chicken with sweet potatoes skillet.
      Mexican Chicken Skillet (with Sweet Potatoes)
    • mexican coleslaw bowl.
      Quick Mexican Coleslaw (with Cilantro Lime Dressing!)
    • Taco Salad With Catalina Dressing
      Taco Salad With Catalina Dressing

    For more inspiration, check out our recipe collection for Cinco De Mayo.

    Did You Like This Recipe?

    Leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below and share it on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest!

    Recipe Card

    Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

    Julia
    Make your own homemade Taco seasoning mix in just 5 minutes. Properly stored, this taco spice blend will keep fresh for many months ahead and can be used in multiple Mexican-inspired recipes such as tacos, ground meat, chili, enchilada, burritos and nachos.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print SaveSaved! Pin
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Main Course, Sauces & Condiments
    Cuisine American, Tex-Mex
    Servings 3 tablespoons
    Calories 19 kcal

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    INGREDIENTS
      

    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon sea or kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano or ground oregano
    • ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    • Mix all the taco seasoning ingredients in a bowl and store them in an airtight container or mason jar for up to 6 months.
    • Keep the taco seasoning mix in a cool and dried place.
    • This seasoning makes about 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning which is enough for 1 pound of ground meat.

    VIDEO

    NOTES

    • Chili powder - you can use a combination of paprika and cayenne pepper or smoked paprika and ground chipotle for a smoky flavor.
    • Cumin - ground or dried coriander can be used instead. Some people don’t like its strong overpowering flavor, if that is you, you can reduce the amount and substitute with ground or dried coriander or add more of the other spices instead.
    • Paprika - smoked, or sweet paprika. 
    • Garlic powder - as we want to store this seasoning for longer, use ground garlic and onion powder. However, if you planning to use all of the homemade version at once, you can go for freshly minced garlic and finely 
    • chopped brown onion. Saute these on a skillet before mixing with other spices and taco meat, if using.
    • Salt -  kosher salt, sea salt, or Himalayan salt for the best natural flavor.
    • Black pepper - black pepper will work better than white pepper, but you can experiment with flavored peppers as well.

    ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES

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    NUTRITION

    Calories: 19kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 823mgPotassium: 109mgFiber: 2gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 1166IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?@theyummy_bowl and tag #theyummy_bowl! Thank you!

    Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.

    Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.

    FAQs

    What seasoning is similar to taco seasoning?

    Typically, taco seasoning has a strong flavor of cumin, chili powder, or cayenne.

    You can mix these ingredients together for a very similar result, or use a combination of cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic, onion powder, and salt.

    What is the purpose of taco seasoning?

    The purpose of taco seasoning is to add flavor and depth to ground meat, such as beef or chicken, used as a filling for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.

    How vital is cumin in taco seasoning?

    Cumin is a main ingredient in many Mexican-inspired dishes. It adds a distinct earthy and warm flavor to any seasoning blend.

    It complements other spices, such as chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder, to create a well-rounded flavor profile.

    What is taco seasoning made of?

    Chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

    « Beef Taco Meat Recipe (With Homemade Taco Seasoning!)
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Julia | The Yummy Bowl

      May 03, 2023 at 4:06 am

      5 stars
      This homemade taco seasoning makes a perfect addition to taco beef, taco salads and tacos!

      Reply
    5 from 2 votes (1 rating without comment)

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    the yummy bowl julia author

    I'm Julia and welcome to The Yummy Bowl. I share easy and healthier recipes for busy people. Whether you're craving something deliciously healthy or a bit indulgent, you'll discover a variety of satisfying and comforting dishes here.

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