Skip the store-bought packet; homemade taco seasoning is quick to make and packed with flavor! A bold, zesty spice mix that’s perfect for tacos, burritos, and beyond.
- Versatile: It tastes great in almost any recipe and pairs well with chicken, beef, fish, or shrimp.
- Why I Love It: It doesn’t contain additives, and you can control the salt and heat levels.
- Budget Tip: Make your own taco seasoning in large batches; it costs less than buying packets.
Ingredient Tips
This taco seasoning recipe uses a blend of spices, many of which you likely have in your pantry.
- To make a low-sodium version, add less salt (or no salt) based on your dietary needs.
- To make mild taco seasoning, skip the cayenne pepper and/or chili flakes.
- To make it spicy, double the cayenne or add other dried chili peppers to taste.
- To replace a store-bought taco seasoning packet, use 2½ tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning.
- For 1 pound of ground beef, use 2½ tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning. Add ½ cup of water to the seasoning and let it simmer.
Storing Made Simple
Store this DIY taco seasoning recipe in a spice jar in a cool, dry place. It will last at least 6 months. I usually prepare a triple batch so it’s ready to use whenever I need taco mix.
Tasty Taco Twists
Did you make this Homemade Taco Seasoning? Leave a rating and comment below.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
This homemade taco seasoning is an easy way to add bold, zesty flavor to tacos, burritos, and all your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes.
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In a small bowl, add chili powder, cumin, black pepper, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper. Mix with a whisk to combine.
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Store in an airtight container in a cool dry place for 6 months.
To Prepare Tacos
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Add 1 pound of lean ground beef or turkey to a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, breaking up with a spoon, for 5 to 7 minutes or until no pink remains. Drain any fat.
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Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning to the meat and cook for 1 minute more.
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Stir in ½ cup water and, if desired, 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. Simmer uncovered until most of the water has evaporated.
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Serve in taco shells or tortillas.
- To replace a packet: 2 ½ tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning will replace one packet of store-bought seasoning.
- Use 2 to 2 ½ tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef. Add ½ cup of water with the seasoning and let it simmer.
- Optional: Add ½ diced onion to the meat while browning. Once browned, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a diced tomato if you’d like.
- Tuck the taco meat into taco shells or tortillas and top with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese.
Calories: 24 | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.4g | Sodium: 655mg | Potassium: 139mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 0.4g | Vitamin A: 1293IU | Vitamin C: 0.3mg | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 2mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Pantry, Seasonings
Cuisine American, Mexican, Tex Mex© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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