Ditch the grocery store taco seasoning packets and make your own homemade taco seasoning mix exactly the way you like it!
Why this recipe works
I’ve been using this homemade taco seasoning mix for close to 20 years now, it’s really that good. It’s surprising how much more flavor you get out of this mix compared to a store-bought packet. I appreciate the fresher taste and the ability to customize homemade seasoning mixes. This and my chili seasoning blend are two recipes I’ll probably never stop making. Plus, it’s actually cheaper this way in the long run if you already have the ingredients on hand, and you can control the sodium levels yourself.
While sure, it may take extra time to measure out the ingredients as opposed to ripping open a packet and dumping it in, you can very easily batch prep this seasoning and store it in a jar or in individual packets to grab and go whenever. Trust me when I say it’s entirely worth the extra 2 minutes you’ll spend measuring out the spices.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
The instructions and ingredients in the recipe card below are for one pound of ground beef, which will feed 3-4 adults. Easily double or triple the recipe to make extra to store for later, or if you have more mouths to feed.
MINCED ONION – We use instant minced onion. This is essentially chopped dehydrated onion that rehydrates once it’s mixed into the taco meat. You may have also seen it called minced onion in stores. You can substitute with onion powder, though I would reduce the amount by half (1 teaspoon instead of 2) if you are substituting.
CHILI POWDER – The holy grail of taco seasoning. It’s a must!
RED PEPPER FLAKES – Don’t worry, this won’t make your blend spicy, but it will give it a subtle kick. Feel free to up the amount to 1 teaspoon if you prefer more heat.
MINCED GARLIC – This is the same as instant minced onion, whereas it’s chopped dehydrated garlic. You’ll typically see it in stores named granulated garlic or minced garlic (in the seasoning section). You can easily substitute with garlic powder.
OTHER – Salt, oregano, and cumin are also mixed in for additional flavor. I used to incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch into my mix, but it’s not entirely necessary. Feel free to add it for extra thickening if desired.
How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- To make the taco seasoning, mix all ingredients together. Makes enough for ONE pound of ground beef.
To Make 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 the remaining water. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat and simmer on low for 20-30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
This blend is awesome for ground beef, venison, chicken, or turkey, but it can also be added to any dish that calls for taco seasoning, like taco soup or taco dip.
The recipe below provides enough for 1 pound of ground beef (or other meat), but it can be doubled or tripled easily depending on how much you need. As is, the recipe yields a total of 2 Tablespoons.
Absolutely, 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.
If stored properly, this mix should stay fresh for up to 1 year. Homemade seasonings will do just fine even longer than that, though the freshness may degrade the longer it sits.
Store the seasoning in an airtight container such as a jar fitted with a lid or a sealed ziptop bag. Keep it in a cool, dark place away from moisture.
Serving Suggestions
Taco seasoning isn’t limited to JUST tacos. Use it in any recipe that calls for taco seasoning! You can blitz it in a food processor or blender for a finer crumb, if needed.
If you make a large batch of the seasoning, you can place 1 pound of beef portions (2 Tablespoons) inside small zipper bags so it’s easy to grab and dump. I also think it makes a nice housewarming or edible gift for the holidays placed in a jar!
More Homemade Seasoning Recipes
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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 Pin It Rate ItIngredients
- 2 teaspoons instant minced onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon instant minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch optional for thickening
For Tacos:
- 1 pound 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
- Nutritional information is only calculated on the seasoning mix. Taco shells, meat, and toppings not included.
- We use instant minced onion. This is essentially chopped dehydrated onion that rehydrates once it’s mixed into the taco meat. You may have also seen it called minced onion in stores. You can substitute with onion powder, though I would reduce the amount by half (1 teaspoon instead of 2) if you are substituting.
- This is the same as instant minced onion, whereas it’s chopped dehydrated garlic. You’ll typically see it in stores named granulated garlic or minced garlic (in the seasoning section). You can easily substitute with garlic powder.
- You can optionally incorporate 1/2 teaspoon of cornstarch into the mix for extra thickening if desired.
Instructions
- For taco seasoning, mix all ingredients together. Makes enough for ONE pound of ground beef.2 teaspoons instant minced onion, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, 1/2 teaspoon instant minced garlic, 1/4 teaspoon oregano, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch
To Make 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.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Store the seasoning in an airtight container such as a jar fitted with a lid or a sealed ziptop bag. Keep it in a cool, dark place away from moisture.
- If stored properly, this mix should stay fresh for up to 1 year. Homemade seasonings will do just fine even longer than that, though the freshness may degrade the longer it sits.
- 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.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
This post was originally published on September 23, 2008
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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!
Jenn says
Too bad your “third-eye” doesn’t help you see how full of yourself and obnoxious you are. Your comment, as with mine, is totally pointless and a waste of time.
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! :)
Eillean says
going to make taco seasoning today. Spaghetti taco for tonight supper. looks and sounds yummy. By the way – I have made many of your recipes and all have been a star in this home. Thank you for sharing.
Amanda Davis says
Thank you so much Eillean! That’s wonderful to hear! ☺️
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!