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    The Yummy Bowl » Recipes » Dinner

    Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

    May 3, 2023 · Modified: Feb 15, 2024 by Julia | The Yummy Bowl · 1 Comment

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    Jump to Recipe
    homemade taco seasoning mix and taco meat

    Make your own homemade Taco seasoning mix in just 5 minutes. Properly stored, this taco spice blend will keep fresh for many months ahead and can be used in multiple Mexican-inspired recipes such as tacos, ground meat, chilis, enchiladas, burritos and nachos.

    ⭐ We like to use this seasoning in taco fillings! Try Shrimp tacos, Vegan tacos, and Street tacos.

    Jump To
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Tips
    • Homemade VS Store Bought Taco Seasoning
    • Freezing And Storing Instructions
    • Serving Suggestions
    • FAQs
    • Easy Mexican-Inspired Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Comments
    taco meat in skillet

    Ingredients

    The full recipe and ingredients can be found in the recipe card below this post.

    • Chili powder - you can use a combination of paprika and cayenne pepper or smoked paprika and ground chipotle for a smoky flavor.
    • Cumin - ground or dried coriander can be used instead. Some people don’t like its strong overpowering flavor, if that is you, you can reduce the amount and substitute with ground or dried coriander or add more of the other spices instead.
    • Paprika - smoked, or sweet paprika. 
    • Garlic powder - as we want to store this seasoning for longer, use ground garlic and onion powder. However, if you planning to use all of the homemade version at once, you can go for freshly minced garlic and finely chopped brown onion. Saute these on a skillet before mixing with other spices and taco meat, if using.
    • Salt -  kosher salt, sea salt, or Himalayan salt for the best natural flavor.
    • Black pepper - black pepper will work better than white pepper, but you can experiment with flavored peppers as well.

    Instructions

    Mix all the taco seasoning ingredients in a bowl and store in an airtight container or mason jar for up to 6 months.

    Keep the taco seasoning mix in a cool and dried place.

    taco seasoning ingredients on a saucer

    This recipe makes about 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning which is enough for 1 pound of ground meat.

    taco seasoning in a bowl

    📋 Homemade diy taco mix over store-bought. Grocery store packets often contain a mix of various spices, are high in sodium, sugar, and unnecessary additives such as colorants and HVP, MSG. While these ingredients give the seasoning its signature flavor and aroma, they are simply unhealthy and have high salt content.

    ground beef tacos

    Tips

    • A good rule of thumb is to add less spicy seasonings such as chili powder and red chili flakes until you get the right balance and flavor. You can always add in more later if you feel comfortable with it.
    • Make a large batch - you can make a big batch of taco seasoning and store it in an airtight container in your pantry. This will save you time and effort in the future, and you'll always have taco seasoning on hand when you need it.
    • Add some sweetness - A pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey can balance out the heat and acidity of the seasoning, making it more well-rounded.

    Homemade VS Store Bought Taco Seasoning

    Making homemade taco seasoning is a healthier and more affordable option for several reasons:

    • Ingredients - When making homemade taco seasoning, you have control over the spice level and all the ingredients that go into the mix without adding additives such as anti-caking agents, preservatives, and artificial colors and flavors.
    • Customization - You can adjust the amounts of spices, heat, and seasonings to create a unique seasoning blend that suits your taste preferences.
    • Cost-effectiveness - It seems a lot but it is more cost-effective than buying pre-made seasoning packets. Buying the seasonings separately and mixing them at home will add more bang for your buck. When properly stored, this seasoning will last you for many months ahead. 
    • Lower sodium and sugar content -  Most store-bought taco seasoning packets contain high amounts of salt and sugar. This will not happen if you have the entire control of the ingredients.
    • Flavor - Homemade taco seasoning is always fresh, which means your seasoning will have the best aroma, flavor, and vibrant color.

    Freezing And Storing Instructions

    • To Store. Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

    Serving Suggestions

    The seasoning blend adds a depth of flavor and a kick of heat to any dish it is added to. Besides beef tacos, and classical taco meat there are plenty of other dishes that you can spice up with this homemade taco seasoning:

    • Fajitas 
    • Chili
    • Roasted Vegetables
    • Beans
    • Soups and Stews
    • Tacos 
    • Tofu
    • Snack - use it to season for Kale chips, popcorn, nuts and pretzels or snack mixes.
    • Nachos
    • Quesadillas
    • Makes a great dry rub or seasoning for meat and poultry or fish

    FAQs

    What seasoning is similar to taco seasoning?

    Typically in taco seasoning you’ll feel strong flavor of cumin and chili powder or cayenne. You can mix these ingredients together for a very similar result. Or a combination of cumin, paprika, chili powder garlic and onion powder and salt.

    What is the purpose of taco seasoning?

    The purpose of taco seasoning is to add flavor and depth to ground meat, such as beef or chicken, that is used as a filling for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.

    How important is cumin in taco seasoning?

    It is a main ingredient in many Mexican-inspired dishes. Cumin adds a distinct earthy and warm flavor to any seasoning blend. It complements the other spices such as chili powder, paprika, and garlic powder, to create a well-rounded flavor profile.

    What is taco seasoning made of?

    Chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper.

    Easy Mexican-Inspired Recipes

    Use this taco seasoning in multiple Mexican recipes. This mix makes one of the best tacos!

    • one pot chicken fajita pasta skillet.
      Chicken Fajita Pasta
    • mexican chicken with sweet potatoes skillet.
      Mexican Chicken Skillet (With Sweet Potatoes)
    • mexican coleslaw bowl.
      Mexican Coleslaw
    • Taco Salad With Catalina Dressing
      Taco Salad With Catalina Dressing

    For more inspiration check out our collection of recipes for Cinco De Mayo.

    I would appreciate it so much if you left a comment about this recipe below! Subscribe to join the TYB newsletter and receive free recipes straight to your inbox! Let's connect via Facebook, IG & Pinterest!

    Recipe

    Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix

    Julia | The Yummy Bowl
    Make your own homemade Taco seasoning mix in just 5 minutes. Properly stored, this taco spice blend will keep fresh for many months ahead and can be used in multiple Mexican-inspired recipes such as tacos, ground meat, chili, enchilada, burritos and nachos.
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 5 minutes mins
    Course Main Course, Sauces & Condiments
    Cuisine American, Tex-Mex
    Servings 3 tablespoons
    Calories 19 kcal

    INGREDIENTS
      

    • 1 tablespoon chili powder
    • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • 1 teaspoon sea or kosher salt
    • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano or ground oregano
    • ⅛ teaspoon red chili flakes

    INSTRUCTIONS
     

    • Mix all the taco seasoning ingredients in a bowl and store them in an airtight container or mason jar for up to 6 months.
    • Keep the taco seasoning mix in a cool and dried place.
    • This seasoning makes about 3 tablespoons of taco seasoning which is enough for 1 pound of ground meat.

    VIDEO

    NOTES

    • Chili powder - you can use a combination of paprika and cayenne pepper or smoked paprika and ground chipotle for a smoky flavor.
    • Cumin - ground or dried coriander can be used instead. Some people don’t like its strong overpowering flavor, if that is you, you can reduce the amount and substitute with ground or dried coriander or add more of the other spices instead.
    • Paprika - smoked, or sweet paprika. 
    • Garlic powder - as we want to store this seasoning for longer, use ground garlic and onion powder. However, if you planning to use all of the homemade version at once, you can go for freshly minced garlic and finely 
    • chopped brown onion. Saute these on a skillet before mixing with other spices and taco meat, if using.
    • Salt -  kosher salt, sea salt, or Himalayan salt for the best natural flavor.
    • Black pepper - black pepper will work better than white pepper, but you can experiment with flavored peppers as well.

    ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES

    Click here to add your own private notes.

    NUTRITION

    Calories: 19kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 823mgPotassium: 109mgFiber: 2gSugar: 0.3gVitamin A: 1166IUVitamin C: 0.2mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?@theyummy_bowl and tag #theyummy_bowl! Thank you!

    Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.

    Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.

    « Best Taco Meat Recipe With Homemade Taco Seasoning
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    Comments

    1. Julia | The Yummy Bowl

      May 03, 2023 at 4:06 am

      5 stars
      This homemade taco seasoning makes a perfect addition to taco beef, taco salads and tacos!

      Reply

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    I'm Julia and welcome to The Yummy Bowl. I share easy and healthier recipes for the whole family. Hope you enjoy! Love, Julia

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    the yummy bowl julia author

    I'm Julia and welcome to The Yummy Bowl. I share easy and healthier recipes for the whole family. Hope you enjoy! Love, Julia

    More about me →

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