My family’s all-time favorite meal for dinner is homemade tacos. Back in the winter of 2000 I found a recipe for homemade taco seasoning mix in a book of master mixes I used to have. I had always used the prepackaged envelopes of taco seasoning, but decided to try this recipe instead. The rest is history and I have never turned back.
I use this taco seasoning just as much as my homemade chili seasoning!
Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix
Sure it takes a little longer to measure everything out, but for those who love to cook and really appreciate that fresher taste, making your own taco seasoning is the way to go. In fact, I can pretty much guarantee that the first time you use this homemade taco seasoning will be the last time you buy a seasoning packet from the grocery store.
The instructions in the recipe are for one pound of ground beef, which will feed 3-4 adults. I doubled it for years when everyone was still living at home. Now that my kids are older and a few have moved out, I can go back down to cooking one pound of meat. And yes, you can certainly use this with whatever ground meat you prefer: chicken, turkey, bison, venison, etc.
Making Homemade Taco Seasoning in Bulk
Because it does take a little longer to measure everything out, you can create your own bulk stash of taco seasoning to keep in your pantry. It’s easy to do, just multiply all of the ingredients below by 10 (or 20 if you like, depends on how much you want!). Store it in a jar or other container with a tight-fitting lid. When ready to make tacos, measure out 2 tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning for one pound of ground meat.
Ingredients
Makes 4 servings of seasoning at 2 tablespoons each serving.
- 2 tsp instant minced onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp crushed red peppers
- 1/2 tsp instant minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
For Tacos
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 – 3/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons one full recipe above taco seasoning mix
- 8 taco shells
- Toppings of your choice
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Measuring spoons
- Mason Jars to store seasoning in
- Small mixing bowl
- Labels
See the end of this post for full printable instructions.
Give as a Gift
Get some cute little jars or mini zipper bags to give away as gifts. Great as stocking stuffers, teacher gifts or neighbor gifts. You might also want to check out my homemade chili seasoning too!
I hope you’ll let me know if you try it. This has been our favorite for almost 17 years! Enjoy.
Delicious Taco and Taco Inspired Recipes
- Taco Casserole
- Taco Pasta Salad
- Shrimp Tacos
- Carne Asada
- Taco Chex Mix
- Beef and Bean Oven Tacos
- Chicken Tacos
- Fish Tacos or Salmon Tacos
- Taco Dip
- Taco Empanadas
Homemade Taco Seasoning
IMPORTANT - There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 2 tsp instant minced onion
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cornstarch
- ½ tsp crushed red peppers
- ½ tsp instant minced garlic
- ¼ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp ground cumin
For Tacos:
- 1 lb. ground beef
- ½ - ¾ cup water
- 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning mix 1 full recipe
- 8 taco shells
- toppings of your choice lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, salsa, cilantro, etc
Things You'll Need
Before You Begin
Instructions
- For taco seasoning, mix all ingredients together. Makes enough for ONE pound of ground beef.
For Tacos:
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Add 1/2 cup of the water to the taco seasoning mix and mix together.
- Drain off the fat from the cooked meat, wipe pan with paper towel and return browned beef to pan. Add the wet taco seasoning mixture to the meat and stir to combine. If meat mixture seems too dry, add remaining water. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer on low for 20-30 minutes.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on September 23, 2008
Amanda Davis
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Jennifer says
I printed this recipe in January of 2012 after I was diagnosed with high blood pressure and couldn’t find any low-sodium packets of taco seasoning. I also printed the chili seasoning recipe and both have become standard recipes in our family. I do substitute Mrs. Dash for the salt and add a 1/2 tsp of smoked paprika in both. But otherwise, these are great recipes that use on-hand pantry ingredients and we love them. Had to pass the recipes down to one daughter. Another daughter is vegan and we’ve used the seasoning mixes with Beyond Meat and TVP (which did need some salt). Thank you so much and now that I’ve found you again, I look forward to trying more of your recipes.
Amanda Davis says
Thanks so much Jennifer, your comment made my day!
Legzrwheelz says
“Even though it’s from 2008” lol. Tacos haven’t changed that much since then except that suddenly it’s a cultural icon here in America. Like people didn’t know they existed or something. Lol.
This. Is. A. GREAT recipe! I love experimenting in the kitchen and have a “third-eye” for what flavors come together and work well. Much like a person who can listen to a song and play it on an instrument the first time. I did just that with tacos years ago. Maybe 2004ish. Every single time I’ve made them for the family or a large crowd, it goes quick. After years of making it the same way, I started using Chipotle in adobo sauce and added fresh minced jalapeno with fresh this sliced onion and knorr brand beef bullion. It’s so rich in flavor and impossible to stop eating.
Amanda Formaro says
I’ll have to try those additions, thank you!
Donna Geisinger says
Even though this taco seasoning is from 2008 , I just put it together for tonight’s chicken dinner and this smells wonderful!!! Thanks
Amanda Formaro says
Wish I was at your house for dinner! :)
Kevin says
Homemade salsas are always so fresh and good!
Bridgett says
I really love the fresh salsa. The colors alone make you want to dive right in. I love meals like this!
Amanda says
Thanks everyone, please let me know if you try it! I know that we love it :)
Debbie says
Your salsa looks so fresh and tasty. I will have to use this the next time I make tacos!!!
Lisa says
Great blog! I just found it. All your food looks delicious.
The Blonde Duck says
Next time I make tacos, I’m making them your way! Much better than the pre-packaged taco spice I’m ashamed to say I used.
And I don’t know if Vivi and Wade will be a book yet. I was just struck by inspiration and there it was! :)
Pam says
I LOVE Mexican food. The taco seasoning sounds perfect and the salsa looks really tasty.
Aggie says
I love this salsa! I always prefer a chunky type salsa like this on my tacos! It’s so pretty and healthy! Love your taco seasoning too!
Emily Jennings says
Its not even 11am and just seeing those picks makes my stomach growl! mmmmmmm.
Megan says
I would rather use fresh too! Sometimes I have everything for tacos except the seasoning packet. Now I can make my own. You recipe sounds much better then when I tried to just wing it. Also packaged up pretty, this would be a great addition to a gift basket. Thinking Christmas here. :)
I added you to my side bar too.
BTW- nice title you have there! ;)
Maria says
I love that everything is fresh! Looks so tasty!
Amanda says
Thanks Barb, let me know how she likes it! We love it here. After trying it years ago I have never used a packet again. if she wants to make several of these ahead, they can be wrapped in foil and kept in zipper bags until ready to use :)
Barb, sfo says
I’m giving your taco recipe to my neighbor who wants a better alternative than those packets. Her kids love tacos.
Amanda says
Thanks so much Katherine! I have a neighbor who loves my salsa. We each have a camper in a seasonal campground a couple hours north of here. I usually make it when we are up there and she is always checking to see if it’s ready. LOL!
Katherine Aucoin says
Yum! Nothing better than fresh homemade salsa. Your salsa looks wonderful and seems easy to prepare. Definite keeper for football season!