My go-to homemade taco seasoning recipe is made with only 6 ingredients you already have in your pantry. When it comes to making tacos at home, there’s nothing like making your own spice mix.
Easy Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Next time you’re planning to make tacos, skip the store-bought taco seasoning packets and make your own taco seasoning. This is the best taco seasoning recipe I’ve had for years! I amplified this from my popular turkey taco recipe, and I’ve tried many variations, but I always come back to this combo. It’s great with ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken, or in my taco dip. Plus, it’s easy, economical, and you can tweak the flavors to your liking. The best part is, it’s free of the preservatives and additives that store-bought mixes may contain.
This homemade taco seasoning recipe is perfect for taco lovers and discerning palates. Kids will love it because it’s mild and delicious. I always keep a batch in my pantry ready to use. Here’s what you need:
Ingredients for Homemade Taco Seasoning
This recipe makes 1 cup of dressing, which is great for about 9 servings of about 1 lb of ground meat. Feel free to modify it to your taste.
- 3 tablespoons garlic powder
- 3 tablespoons ground cumin
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt
- 3 tbsp paprika
- 3 tbsp paprika
- 1 1/2 Tbsp dried oregano
Combine all these ingredients in a small bowl and store in a glass spice container.
Storage:
For best flavor, homemade dressing can be stored for up to 6 months, but up to 1 to 2 years if kept in a cool, dry place in an airtight container or glass jar.
What are the main ingredients in taco seasoning?
- Paprika: The backbone of this seasoning, it provides a spicy flavor and deep, rich color to the mix
- Cumin: This spice imparts a characteristic earthy and slightly spicy flavor to the seasoning, reminiscent of many Mexican and Latin American dishes
- Garlic powder: It adds a salty, tangy flavor to the seasoning
- chili: Brings mild sweetness and vibrant color to the mix
- Oregano: Enhances the flavor of other ingredients
- Kosher salt: Enhances the flavor of all other ingredients, making them more pronounced
Other spices you can add:
- onion powder
- Ancho Chili powder substitute paprika
- smoked paprika instead of sweet
- crushed red pepper flakes, chipotle chili powder or paprika, make it spicy
- black pepper, to taste
- Make it low-sodium by using less salt or omitting it entirely
How to make taco meat with this seasoning:
Brown 1 lb ground beef, ground turkey, ground chicken, or ground tofu in a large skillet with 1 Tbsp plus 2 tsp this taco seasoning, 1/4 cup chopped onion, 1/4 cup Add about 1/2 chopped red bell pepper and 3/4 cup water and simmer for 5 minutes.
Spoon onto warm taco shells and top with chopped lettuce, tomatoes, tortillas, cheese, salsa, sour cream, black beans, avocado, guacamole and more.
Another popular seasoning you might like is my Sazon Seasoning recipe.
More Taco Recipes
yield: 32 serving size
Serving Size: 1 1/4 teaspoon for 2 tacos
last step:
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arrive Substitutes 1 package Taco Seasoning (6 servings) Use about 2 tbsp + 1 1/2 tsp spice blend.
Homemade taco seasoning will keep for up to 1 to 2 years if kept in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. However, the flavor of the seasoning will wane over time, usually peaking in the first 6 months.
*Check gluten-free labels.
Serve: 1 1/4 teaspoon for 2 tacos, Calories: 8 kcal, carbohydrate: 1.5 G, sodium: 300 mg, fiber: 0.5 G
