Making homemade Taco Seasoning Mix is a quick and easy way to add authentic flavor while avoiding preservatives and additives found in store-bought versions. Double the recipe to have it on hand for taco night!
If you're a fan of Mexican cuisine, then I bet tacos are a favorite meal in your family. But have you ever wondered what gives those tacos their delicious and authentic flavor? In order to make great tacos, you need a great taco seasoning mix.
While store-bought taco seasoning mixes are widely available, they often contain preservatives and additives that can be unhealthy. Fortunately, making your own homemade taco seasoning mix is easy and allows you to control the ingredients you use and ultimately eat.
In this recipe post, I will show you how to make a homemade taco seasoning mix that's healthier and more flavorful than the store-bought version. We will explore the different spices that go into the mix and how to customize it to your taste preferences. I'll also provide tips on how to use your homemade seasoning mix in various dishes, from classic tacos to fajitas and more. So let's get started and discover the delicious world of homemade taco seasoning mix!
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Why make Your Own Taco Seasoning?
- There are fewer additives in a homemade seasoning mix.
- It's fast and easy to make.
- Less expensive than purchasing seasoning mix.
- You can easily customize it to your family's tastes.
- You control the amount of salt in the mix, making it healthier.
- The quality is superior to the purchased seasoning mix.
Spice Mix Ingredients
Taco seasoning mix requires typical Mexican spices. If you enjoy making tacos, fajitas, and other Mexican foods, you probably already have the spices you need to make your own homemade taco seasoning blend.
See the recipe card for a full list of ingredients with quantities.
- Chili powder is the main ingredient in the taco seasoning mix. Look for chili powder that does not contain salt on the ingredient label.
- Cumin provides delicious flavor.
- Paprika -look for smoked paprika to add a smokey flavor. Paprika also adds color. If you can't find smoked paprika, sweet paprika works well too.
- Kosher salt adds flavor. You can adjust how much salt you wish to add. This recipe is for a lower sodium seasoning mix.
- Garlic powder adds delicious flavor.
- Onion powder provides flavor.
- Oregano leaves-be sure to use oregano leaves, not ground oregano.
- Coursly ground black pepper adds flavor.
- Red pepper flakes-give the seasoning blend a bit of heat. Adjust the amount to your liking. If you don't like heat or children will be eating the tacos, you can leave the pepper flakes out of the mix.
How to Make Taco Spice Mix
Measure all the spices and put them in a small bowl.
Stir to combine the spices.
Substitutions
If you don't have chili powder or prefer a milder spice mix, substitute paprika for the chili powder. Paprika is made from mild red pepper. You can also substitute equal amounts of oregano leaves, paprika, garlic powder, and ground cumin for chili powder.
How to Use Taco Seasoning Mix
Taco seasoning can be used in a variety of ways to add delicious flavor to your Mexican dishes. It's commonly used to season ground beef, turkey, or chicken for tacos, burritos, or enchiladas. Simply cook the meat, add the seasoning mix and a little water, and let it simmer until the liquid evaporates.
You can also use taco seasoning to flavor vegetables, such as roasted corn or sautéed bell peppers and onions. Add a sprinkle of the seasoning to your favorite chili recipe or mix it into your guacamole for an extra kick of flavor.
Beyond Mexican cuisine, taco seasoning can be used in a variety of dishes to add spice. Try using it to season roasted potatoes or sprinkle it on popcorn for a tasty snack.
This seasoning would be delicious on Grilled Chicken and served with Easy Sheet Pan Chicken.
The possibilities are endless, so get creative and experiment with different ways to use your homemade taco seasoning mix!
Equipment
- Small bowl
- Spoon to mix the seasoning
- Measuring spoons
Storage
Homemade taco seasoning can be stored in an airtight container such as a mason jar or a reused jar. Place the container in a cool, dry dark place for up to six months. It's best to store the spice mix away from direct sunlight and heat sources to keep the spices fresh.
Alternatively, you can store the seasoning mix in the freezer for an even longer shelf life. Simply place the mixture in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and freeze for up to a year.
When you're ready to use your stored taco seasoning, give it a quick shake or stir to make sure the spices are evenly distributed before measuring out the desired amount.
Don't Miss These Tips
- Check the expiration dates on spices. They should be less than 6 months old otherwise the spice mix will not have as much flavor.
- To save money, purchase spices from the bulk section of your grocery store.
- Use a funnel to put the seasoning in your storage container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically a packet of taco seasoning contains 2 tablespoons.
Typically 2-3 tablespoons season one pound of ground meat.
Cook the ground beef in 1 tablespoon of oil until it is no longer pink. Add 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning and ⅓ cup water. Cook until the water has evaporated.
Serve the seasoned meat in flour or corn tortillas for tacos or on chopped romaine lettuce for a taco salad. Garnish with your favorite toppings such as cheese, pica de gallo, hot sauce, sour cream, or guacamole.
I hope you try this recipe! Please rate it and comment below. I love hearing from you! ❤️
Print📋 Recipe
How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 tablespoons
Description
Make this easy taco seasoning mix, and keep extra on hand for taco nights. It is so much better than store-bought seasoning blends.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- Dash red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until fully combined.
- Store in a sealed container or small zip-seal bag.
Notes
Nutrition Note-When using 2 tablespoons of seasoning mix per 1 pound of ground beef or turkey, the spice mix contributes 83 mg of sodium per taco. This does not include any sodium in the meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoons
- Calories: 11
- Sugar: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 375.2 mg
- Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.9 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
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For your convenience, I have included links to Amazon for equipment that I use to make this recipe. “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.” If you purchase the equipment, I'll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please read my policy.
Cindy