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Homemade Taco Seasoning – skip the store bought packet and make your own taco seasoning at home. Just a few simple ingredients and no added chemicals or anything strange.
If you have been around here for long, you know that Mexican Recipes are some of my all time favorite. There are so many recipes that call for taco seasoning on the blog, that I figured it was high time to share a homemade version of the store bought packets.
With store bought packets, they always have lots of salt and sometimes added sugar that it just not necessary. I am partial to McCormick’s taco seasoning though, it is what I grew up on and still buy. So this is pretty much as close to that as I can get!
Taco Seasoning
Not only is this recipe great if you just want to make your own, but if you go to have taco night and realize you are out of taco seasoning. This comes together in about 2 minutes, so it is perfect to make last minute. And if you have a well stock spice drawer, this is will use what you already have on hand.
You will notice in the recipe card that I have 2 different versions of the recipe. The first is if you just need enough for 1 pound of ground beef, or 1 packet of taco seasoning. The second is if you want to make a large batch. It stores in the pantry for months, so you can make a big batch and always have it on hand.
What You’ll Need
- Cornmeal
- Chili Powder
- Ground Cumin
- Ground Oregano
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Cayenne Pepper
Why Cornmeal?
I know the cornmeal seems strange, but if you look at your packet of taco seasoning, most likely it is the first ingredient. When you add water to the meat, this helps thicken it and gives it the texture you are used to with taco meat. It also gives it just a little bit of flavor.
Store bought taco seasoning uses either cornstarch or cornmeal for the thickening purpose. I like cornmeal better, because it also adds some flavor. Can you make it without? Yes, I just wouldn’t add the full amount of water, because you don’t have much to thicken.
How To Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
- Measure all of the ingredients into a bowl
- Mix
That’s it! If you know how to use a teaspoon and measure, you can make taco seasoning. Just store it in an air tight container until you are ready to use.
If you like homemade spice mixes, don’t miss these
Storage
Taco seasoning will last for at least 6 months, but usually up to a year in an air tight container. You want to make sure to use spices that are not expired. The mix will not go bad if it sits for longer, it will just lose flavor. So if you notice your tacos don’t have quite the same flavor as they used to, it is because your spices are old. They aren’t “bad” just past their prime and it is time to get new spices.
Just like you would with a normal taco seasoning packet. Measure 3 1/2 Tablespoons of spice mixture into the drained and cooked ground beef, and add 2/3 cup of water. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes and serve.
This has 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper in it, that is not enough to make it spicy. This is the equivalent of the medium heat level at the store. If you need it mild, just omit. You can also add more if you like it hot. Chili Powder also can differ in heat level. If you notice the chili powder you have tends to lead to spicier dishes, you can adjust the cayenne as necessary.
Yes, they are slightly different things. They do contain a lot of the same ingredients, just different amounts. That being said, you can use this if you want to make fajitas, and they will still taste great. Or you can see these Easy Chicken Fajitas if you want that mix.
Uses For Taco Seasoning
Aside from just the basic taco night there are lots of ways you can use taco seasoning to make a delicious meal.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
- Chili Relleno Casserole
- Air Fryer Quesadillas
- Chicken Caesar Salad
- Buffalo Chicken Sliders
- Pork Green Chili
- Margarita Chicken
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
Small Batch
- 1 Tablespoon cornmeal
- 1/2 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1/2 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Large Batch
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1/4 cup ground cumin
- 2 Tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 2 Tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 Tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 Tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons cayenne pepper
Instructions
- 1. Mix together spices until they are evenly blended.
- 2. If making the small batch, add entire batch to 1 pound of ground meat that is cooked and drained. Add 2/3 cup of water and simmer for a few minutes before serving.
- 3. If making the large batch, store in an air tight container. Use 3 1/2 Tablespoons of the large batch per pound of ground meat.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I can’t wait to use this mix. Making your own taco mix is a great way to get all the flavor and control the salt.
So easy, exactly what I was looking for!
I love how easy it is to make taco seasoning at home and know exactly what goes into it!
So good and amazing! A new staple seasoning at my kitchen!
I use taco seasoning in a lot of dishes. It’s our favorite flavor!
What type of oregano do you use? For this, I use Mexican.
Mexican oregano is perfect!