This is my go-to taco seasoning recipe whenever I cook Mexican recipes! I’ve replaced the bulk McCormick taco seasoning with this mix, and it makes enough for all of my taco needs!
Taco seasoning is used in so many of our favorite Mexican recipes! We use it generously in our delicious Beef Enchiladas Recipe, Taco Bell Cheesy Potato Burrito, and this amazing Taco Salad with Homemade Catalina Dressing!
Taco Seasoning Recipe
This homemade taco seasoning recipe came from my Mennonite friend many years ago. Mennonites are great cooks and love simple recipes. This spice mix is one of the many kitchen staples they replenish.
She mentioned how this taco seasoning mix recipe was taped to her cupboard, which I thought was so clever to make a DIY taco seasoning!
Watch How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix!
Taco Seasoning Ingredients:
Making taco seasoning at home is frugal and easy, using only a handful of staple spices.
- Chili powder- or dark chili powder can be used interchangeably. Dark chili powder is smokier and richer in flavor.
- Paprika—When buying paprika, look for a vibrant, bright red color. This indicates freshness and ensures optimal flavor.
- Cumin- is one of the prominent flavors of a taco seasoning mix, so don’t skimp on it.
- Salt- Redmond real salt is what I used for this dry mix.
- Onion Powder- gives a savory onion flavor without the texture of fresh onions. It’s another reason to make it from scratch (easy)!
- Garlic Powder- adds a garlicky flavor. You should use less of it than onion powder so that it isn’t too strong.
- Cayenne pepper—This is a mild taco seasoning. To make it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or chipotle chili powder.
Pro Tip: Mexican dried Oregano has a pungent and earthy flavor. Add it to taco seasoning for a slightly smokier flavor.
Taco Seasoning Variations:
This taco seasoning recipe is gluten-free. Making it at home is cheaper and doesn’t have any filler ingredients.
- Chicken Taco seasoning: Add dried tomato powder and dry lime powder for a zesty flavor that enhances meat like chicken.
- Fajita: Seasoning packets contain citric acid, which imparts a tart flavor. If you make cheese at home, you probably have this powder in your freezer. I have the food-grade citric acid for making seasoning mixes when needed.
- Ground Beef Taco Meat Seasoning: uses regular spices.
- Shrimp: Shrimp pairs well with seasonings like Old Bay or Creole seasoning. Add these to seafood along with taco seasoning for Mexican flavor.
How To Make Taco Seasoning:
Once you have your spices gathered, it’s time to make your own taco seasoning! Remove the mixing bowl and wire whisk! The process takes seconds to complete. I like to double the recipe to fit perfectly in a bulk spice container.
- Measure all the ingredients and place them into a small to medium mixing bowl.
- Whisk to combine.
- Store: Place a spice funnel (or insert paper rolled together into the mouth of a container) and transfer the dry mix into the spice container. Shut the container airtight and keep it in your pantry.
How Much Taco Seasoning Is In a Packet?
Taco meat seasoning comes in 1-oz paper packets. One ounce is equivalent to 3 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning. I weighed it on my kitchen scale.
How To Store Taco Seasoning:
I like to keep taco seasoning mix in a bulk spice container with a label. It makes shaking it over food easier with its tiny holes for easy pouring. Keep your spices in a cool, dry, dark place, like in your spice drawer or pantry.
Best Taco Seasoning Tips:
- When buying dry spices, look at their color. They should appear vibrant, dry, and free-flowing. Avoid dull or pale spices.
- Taco seasoning isn’t just for taco recipes. You can stir it into ranch dressing for dips or tasty sauces.
- Use three tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of ground beef.
- One ounce of taco seasoning packet is equivalent to three tablespoons. Add less for a milder taco flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Much Taco Seasoning Is In a Packet?
A single packet contains one ounce of taco seasoning mix. We measured and weighed this recipe; about three tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning equals one ounce.
How Much Taco Seasoning Per Pound of Ground Beef?
One ounce of taco seasoning packet is equivalent to three tablespoons. Add less for a milder taco flavor.
How Long Can Homemade Taco Seasoning Last For?
The shelf-life of most homemade spice mixes like taco seasoning can stay well for up to 6 months if stored in an airtight container. Avoid exposing the spice mix to moisture (like sprinkling directly over steaming-hot food), so it doesn’t cake up.
Taco Seasoning Recipe
Equipment
- Bulk spice container (24-32 ounces)
- 1 Small to Medium mixing bowl
- 1 Wire Whisk
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
Instructions
Directions:
Add all the taco seasoning ingredients to a small to medium bowl. Using a wire whisk, combine the spices until no lumps remain.- Transfer the homemade taco seasoning into a bulk spice container and store it for up to 6 months.
Notes
- This recipe makes 1 3/4 cups of dry taco seasoning mix. When storing, use a 24 to 32-ounce container.
- A one-ounce taco seasoning packet is equivalent to three tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning. Add less for a milder taco flavor.
- When buying dry spices, look at their color. They should appear vibrant, dry, and free-flowing. Avoid dull or pale spices.
Nutrition per serving
