How to Make Taco Seasoning for Beef
This easy Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is the perfect way to spice up your chicken or beef!
Making your own taco seasoning mix allows you to control what ingredients go into it (and control the salt and spice levels). It takes just minutes to make and you likely have all of the ingredients you need on hand!
A Homemade Seasoning (for More Than Just Tacos)!
- Store-bought seasoning is easy and tastes delicious, but it can be loaded with additives and can be too salty (and the flavor can't compare to homemade taco mix)!
- It is easily customizable to suit your family's tastes. Reduced the salt or add extra heat if you'd like.
- This homemade taco seasoning recipe is really fast to make and can be doubled or tripled.
Ingredients in Taco Seasoning
So, exactly what is in taco seasoning? It's a blend of spices, most of which you likely have in your pantry.
Chili Powdermakes up the largest portion and adds a southwestern flavor. It's great in the mixture but also for soups and of course chili recipes.
Ground cumin adds a slightly nutty warm flavor while onion and garlic powder are the aromatics in this recipe. A pinch of cayenne pepper adds heat.
Dried oregano, salt, and black pepper are included in this taco seasoning. I sometimes add a little sweet paprika or smoked paprika (1/2 teaspoon) if I have it on hand.
Variations
- Add less salt (or no salt) based on your dietary needs.
- To make mild taco seasoning, leave out the cayenne pepper and/or chili flakes.
- To make it spicy, double the cayenne or add other dried chili peppers to your liking.
Since this is made from spices, it's naturally gluten free (just make sure your chili powder and all spices are GF).
How Much Taco Seasoning to Use
Once you make it, you will never want to go back to store-bought taco seasoning.
- 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning is equal to one packet of taco seasoning.
- Use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef. Add 1/2 cup of water with the seasoning and let it simmer.
- Options: Add 1/2 diced onion to the meat while browning. Once browned, stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste or a diced tomato if you'd like.
Other Way to Use Taco Seasoning Mix
This spice blend is perfect for your Mexican-inspired dishes (like tacos) but it can be used for so many other dishes in the kitchen. Whether it's weeknight chicken tacos, or fajita Friday, skip the seasoning packet and make your own.
Use it on any of the following:
- 1 pound of ground meat: ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey
- Pork or chicken cutlets. Try it on shrimp before grilling.
- Stir it into sauteed veggies.
- Add it to creamy pasta sauces
- Use it as popcorn seasoning for a delicious treat!
I love using this recipe to make Dorito Taco Salad and Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos.
Storage
Homemade taco seasoning will last 6 months stored in a cool, dry place like your spice cupboard! I use cute little spice jars found on Amazon to keep my spices, but check the dollar store or use a small mason jar.
I usually make a triple batch so it's ready to go whenever I need a little taco mix!
Favorite Recipes made with Taco Seasoning!
- Dorito Taco Salad
- Crockpot Chicken Tacos
- 5 Minute Taco Dip
- Taco Quinoa Bowl
Did you enjoy this Homemade Taco Seasoning? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2
I love Taco Seasoning! It's not JUST for Tacos! I use this DIY Taco Seasoning Recipe to add a little zip to items like soups and casseroles.
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- ½ tablespoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- pinch cayenne pepper optional
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Mix all ingredients together.
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Store in an airtight container. for up to 6 months in a cool dry place.
To Use:
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For tacos add 2 tablespoons (or more taste) to 1 pound of cooked ground meat (optional, add diced onions) in a large pan or skillet
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Add ½ cup water and simmer until most of the water has evaporated.
- 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning is equal to one packet of taco seasoning.
- Use 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef. Add 1/2 cup of water with the seasoning and let it simmer.
- Options: Add 1/2 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.
Serving: 2.25 tablespoons , Calories: 24 , Carbohydrates: 4 g , Protein: 1 g , Fat: 1 g , Saturated Fat: 1 g , Polyunsaturated Fat: 1 g , Monounsaturated Fat: 1 g , Sodium: 655 mg , Potassium: 139 mg , Fiber: 2 g , Sugar: 1 g , Vitamin A: 1293 IU , Vitamin C: 1 mg , Calcium: 43 mg , Iron: 2 mg
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
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