Homemade taco seasoning is such a delicious alternative to anything you could get from a packaged mix. This recipe is super easy – you probably have everything you need in your cupboards already! Plus, you can guarantee that it’s free from artificial chemicals and preservatives and you can keep the salt content down.
If you want, you can double, triple, or even more times this recipe and store it in a small mason jar in your spice cupboard so you can easily grab it when you need it. No need to waste a $1 at the store for a mix ever again!
Recipe: Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (more if you like it spicier)
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix together all ingredients.
- Brown your ground meat and drain the fat. (As a side note, I also like to include fresh onions and green pepper in my meat to get some more veggies in the meal. You might want to cook the veggies first and add the meat after they have softened a bit).
- Mix together about 2 Tablespoons of the seasoning with 1/3 cup of water. You can use more or less seasoning as you like. It will depend entirely on how much spice and flavour you like in your tacos.
- Add the mixture to the ground beef and cook until the water is absorbed.
- Store any leftover seasoning in an airtight container.
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Did I mention it’s also amazingly delicious? The first time I made tacos from this seasoning, my husband said they were the best tacos he’s ever had! I’m not sure I could ever go back to store bought seasoning packages again after this! It even beats the homemade tacos my mom used to make and that’s a tough challenge!
For years I used the Old El Paso taco seasoning packages from the supermarket, but I always cringed when I saw the salt content – in fact, I would throw away half of the mix and double the water just to keep the salt down. And have you noticed that the ingredients of the packaged mix include MSG and several preserving chemicals that are hard to pronounce?
You can make this seasoning exactly to your tastes. Want it spicier? Go for it! Want it loaded with flavour? Add more seasoning! I’m so much happier with the spices that are fresh from my cupboard… Well, as fresh as spices in the cupboard ever get (how long has that garlic powder been in there???), but you know what I mean! It’s way fresher than a packaged mix and definitely healthier!
This homemade taco seasoning takes less than 5 minutes to put together, and it tastes so much better than the packaged mixes! Use it for tacos, nachos, seven layer dip, burritos, chili cheese fries or one of your other favourite tex-mex dishes. It’s a super healthy option that is easy on the wallet and also happens to taste amazing! You’ll never want to go back to the packaged mix again!
Joanne T Ferguson says
G’day! Always best from scratch! Yum and well done!
Thanks for sharing!
Cheers! Joanne
Viewed as part of the Foodie Friends Friday Recipes that tell a Story
Akadesigndotca says
I’ve been making taco seasoning from scratch for three years!!! I’ve got a gallbladder issue and can’t do garlic powder though so I add real garlic when I cook the meat! Great recipe! Thanks for linking to the Weekend re-Treat Link Party! xo, S.
Debbie @ One Little Project says
Adding garlic to the meat sounds delicious! It’s crazy that we (or at least I) just consider the packaged seasoning as normal. Homemade tastes so much better!
Miz Helen says
Hi Debbie,
I really prefer using homemade seasons whenever possible. Your Homemade Taco Season looks awesome. Thank you so much for helping us celebrate Three Years at Full Plate Thursday. Have a great week and come back soon!
Miz Helen
Debbie @ One Little Project says
Thanks Miz Helen! And congrats for three years of Full Plate Thursday! 🙂
AlesheaDominique says
Nom. nom, nom looks soo good. And thanks for linking up with us at TFF
Kristin Baird says
I use the store bought version ALL THE TIME!!! I have been wanting a homemade version for a few months now. So glad you shared this at the Foodies & Crafties Soiree!
marla3206 says
Finally a taco seasoning that looks really good. Thanks.
reesa l says
Thanks! I love using homemade taco seasoning and usually wing it. I’ve been wanting to find something with exact measurements. Pinned this so I can make it ASAP!
Stephanie Griffith says
This is pretty much identical to what I make at home, only without the red pepper because my daughter won’t eat it. I never thought to use oregano. I’ll have to add that next time!
Tracy says
Was scouring the internet for taco recipes and came across this – guess what I am using in my mince for tea tonight!
Joyce Martin says
I told family we were having Tacos this evening before I discovered I didn’t have any store bought seasoning in the pantry. Found your recipe for Taco Seasoning. Will never buy store bought again. Tacos were delicious!!! Thank you!