We've all been there: it's Tuesday, and the people demand taco night. Your beef is browning and you reach into the pantry, only to realize that you're all out of taco seasoning. I've been there, and this is my solution.
I developed this recipe to be the equivalent of a packet of taco seasoning, suitable for a pound of ground beef, turkey, or chicken, and certain to rescue your taco night in minutes.
The bonus to making your own taco seasoning is that you skip the unnecessary fillers like cornstarch, anti-caking agents, and excessive sodium. You just need simple ground spices that you likely already have on hand, plus you have more control over the spice level if you want to play with that a little. Win-win!
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Taco Seasoning Ingredients
- chili powder
- cumin
- paprika (sweet preferred)
- crushed red pepper
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- oregano (Mexican preferred)
- salt + black pepper
- optional: sugar
How to Make Taco Seasoning from Scratch
Step 1: Measure. Measure all the spices into a cup or small bowl.
Step 2: Mix. Use a whisk, spoon, or fork to stir the spices, breaking up any clumps as you go.
Step 3: Cook. Brown the meat in a skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Break up the meat as it cooks to form a nice crumble. If there is too much grease, push the meat to one side, crumple a paper towel and use a tongs to dab the towel into the grease to soak it up.
Step 4: Season & Simmer: Sprinkle the entire cup of spice blend over the browned meat. Add â…“ cup of water and mix well. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the water reduces, leaving behind only the flavor. 😋
Is This Homemade Seasoning Equal to a Store-Bought Packet?
Yes! The store-bought stuff you buy look larger because of the extra fillers, thickeners, and anti-caking chemicals. Because this homemade blend uses just spices, it replaces a standard 1.25 ounce store packet perfectly without diluting the final flavor. It makes just under 3 tablespoons of mix and will season one pound of meat.
Variations for Homemade Taco Seasoning
One of the biggest benefits of making your own spice blend is having the ability to make it your own. You can easily adjust the flavors according to your own preference. Here are a few ideas:
- Sugar - this is listed as optional because most store-bought packets do include it, so if you're trying to replicate that taste you might want to add it. I make mine without because I try to avoid unnecessary sugar.
- Spice - if you like things a little more spicy, increase the crushed red pepper and/or add a little cayenne to your mix.
- Smoky - if you'd like a smoky quality, used smoked paprika instead of sweet. I like to use sweet since I don't add sugar, but you do you!
How to Store Homemade Spice Blends
If you decide to double or triple this recipe to save it for later, store the mixed spices in an airtight jar. Keep it in a cool, dark place like your pantry or a cabinet away from the stove.It will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
Ways to Use This Taco Blend
This blend isn't just for tacos! Its a great way to add flavor to many easy weeknight dishes. Use it to season the meat in an easy weeknight taco casserole, stir it directly into a crock pot of taco chili to add instant warmth, or shake it over low carb beef mixtures for an easy taco bowl night.
📖 Recipe
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Homemade Taco Seasoning (1 Packet Equivalent)
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Sweet paprika
- ¼ teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes
- ¾ teaspoon Salt
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon Oregano Mexican oregano is best if you have it
- ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
- pinch of sugar - optional
Instructions
- Measure all spices into a small cup or bowl and whisk together to combine.1 tablespoon Chili powder, 1 teaspoon Ground cumin, 1 teaspoon Sweet paprika, ¼ teaspoon Crushed red pepper flakes, ¾ teaspoon Salt, ½ teaspoon Garlic powder, ½ teaspoon Onion powder, ¼ teaspoon Oregano, ¼ teaspoon Black pepper, pinch of sugar - optional
- To keep for later, place in a covered airtight container. A small jar works great. Store in a cool dark area for up to 6 months.
- To flavor taco meat, brown the meat first and remove any excess grease by blotting with a paper towel. Add seasoning and â…“ cup water. mix well, reduce heat to low and simmer 2 to 3 minutes to reduce liquid. This recipe will season one pound of ground beef, chicken, or turkey and is the equivalent of one store bought packet of taco seasoning.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition values are estimates only, using online calculators. Please verify using your own data.
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