Move over store-bought packets of taco seasoning and hello to making your own! Today we are sharing my to-go way of how to make taco seasoning. It’s so simple and delicious!
Have you ever looked at some of the spice mixes in the grocery store? Or some of the spices. Just recently I was trying to buy chili powder and every single one they had in the store had silicone dioxide in it.
Whether it’s the taco seasonings that come in spice jars or packets, they usually have more than just spices. A lot of time they are filled with a ton of salt, preservatives, and added sugar.
Fortunately, making your own taco seasoning couldn’t be easier to make, it’s cheap to make, and I think it tastes way better than the store-bought kinds! I make a batch every couple of months to have on hand for quick meals or recipes. It makes 1/2 cup, so it lasts a long time, although that will depend on how often you eat tacos.
Why we love this homemade taco seasoning mix
- easy to make – just mix and store
- cheaper than store-bought taco seasoning – buying spices from the bulk section is such a money saver!
- no weird added ingredients, preservatives, or added sugar
- so versatile and customizable – adjust depending on your spice preference
Ingredients
- chili powder – for some heat
- garlic powder
- cumin – adds a little bit of earthy taste
- smoked paprika – I like using smoked for a nice smoky flavor, but regular works great too
- cayenne pepper – adjust according to your spice preference
- cinnamon – not in your typical taco seasoning mix, but I love it to add a little sweetness to the blend
- crushed red pepper flakes
- salt
- black pepper
Pro tip – if your grocery store has a bulk spice section, I would suggest stocking up on the spices there to make this homemade taco seasoning recipe. It is one of the cheapest ways to get spices. You can fill up a small bag, which is about the same amount as a regular spice jar, for less than a dollar. You can also get the perfect amount you need without buying a whole bottle!
How to make homemade taco seasoning
- Add all spices to a small bowl or jar and stir well to combine.
- Store in a small glass jar in a cool and dry place.
What to use homemade taco seasoning with
We use this DIY taco seasoning to spice up lots of our meals or add it to different proteins. Here are some of my favorite things to add it to:
- taco meat – about 1 tablespoon of seasoning is good for one pound of ground beef, ground turkey, or ground chicken
- fajita veggies
- in scrambled eggs
- to make a “blackened” fish or shrimp
- in a taco salad
How much seasoning for 1lb ground beef?
Use one tablespoon of taco seasoning per pound of ground meat. Add more to taste if desired.
To make taco meat, heat up a skillet over medium-low heat. Add 1 tablespoon of oil and let it get hot. Then add your ground meat to a skillet, breaking it up with a spoon or meat chopper. Once almost browned, stir in your taco seasoning. Saute until meat is cooked through. You can add a little water or broth if you want a saucier meat sauce.
Storage
Store in a resealable glass jar or airtight container and store it in the pantry. I love these smaller weck jars or even small mason jars will work. It will keep for up to 6 months in the pantry.
Substitutions and additions
Of course, you can make this recipe your own by adjusting the spices to taste. Add less or more of something if desired.
Some additions you can add are:
- onion powder – will give it a little onion flavor with a touch of sweetness. Anywhere from 1/2-1 tablespoon would work.
- dried oregano – will give it a little earthy flavor. I would suggest 1-2 teaspoons.
Recipes using homemade taco seasoning
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How to Make Taco Seasoning
equipment
ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
instructions
- Add all spices to a small bowl or jar and stir well to combine.
- Store in a small glass jar in a cool and dry place. Enjoy any way you would use taco seasoning! Taco seasoning will keep for up to 6 months.
Kerri says
Made this a about a month ago and double the batch!! So so delicious! I will never go back to store bought seasoning! The cinnamon adds such a warmth. I did however, cut down on the amount of cinnamon! We are almost out of the seasoning, time to mix up a new batch!!
Kelly says
So glad you liked it! We always try to have it on hand for easy weeknight meals. Thanks Kerri!
Mindy says
I just made a batch of this and it smells amazing! Approximately how much do you recommend using per lb of meat (ground beef)?
Thanks!
Kelly says
I usually do 1 tablespoon per pound of meat. Hope you enjoy it!
Lisa McCracken says
I made this taco seasoning last night for burrito bowls (inspired by Eat the Gains!) and it was fabulous! I make my own taco seasoning from a different recipe which uses different ingredients so I was a little leery (especially with the cinnamon), but it was so good and it will be my go-to taco seasoning recipe from now on!
Kelly says
So glad you liked it Lisa! I am all about the cinnamon!
Tracy says
I’m trying to find a replacement for the taco seasoning that my husband loves. It contains gluten and makes the meat kind of saucy. Do you have any suggestion for how to replicate that sauciness?
Kelly says
Hi! I sometimes add tomato paste to sautéed ground beef and taco seasoning to give some good flavor and thicken it up some. If you are looking for a flour thickener, tapioca flour is a great gluten free sub. A little goes a long way though! I would suggest 1/2 a tablespoon (depending on how much meat you are cooking) and working up from there.
Jen says
Saw this recipe and needed to try my hand at homemade taco seasoning for cinco de mayo! Easy to make, tastes yummy and the cinnamon gave a great contrast! I omitted the 2 spicy peppers because I was cooking for a toddler and my mom who doesn’t like spice and it was perfect! Everyone enjoyed it! Will never buy store bought again!
Kelly says
Yay! So glad you liked the cinnamon in there – I love adding it to savory dishes. Thanks for trying it Jen!
Krista says
Easy and delicious!
Kelly says
Thanks Krista!!
february says
This is the best recipe for taco ‘meat’ that I’ve ever eaten. I became vegetarian the end of November, 2017. I missed tacos so much. I’ve tried ‘meat alternatives’ and there’s no comparison to this! I LOVE this! Wow, I can’t say enough about it and have told everyone about it (even the grocery cashier, ha). The taco seasoning is also SO, so good! Thank you so much for taking the time to develop this recipe
Stacey Crim says
How long is it good for?
Kelly says
Great question! I would say as long as your spices are good for. I keep mine at least 6 months or so. If it gets a little stuck together, just give it a good shake to loosen it up.