Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (Secret Family Favorite) (2024)

I can get my kids to eat almost anything with ketchup orhomemade ranch dressingon top… or if I season it with taco seasoning! In fact, I know many moms who keep taco seasoning packets on hand to use in the thousands of kid-friendly ways suggested by Pinterest.

I lived in Texas for much of my life and I fell in love with the flavors of both Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican cuisine. This tacoseasoning mix is a family favorite recipe we’ve carefully perfected over many years.

Ground beef, chicken, eggs, or even a veggie scramble… it’s all better with this taco seasoning on top!

Why Make HomemadeTaco Seasoning?

Why go through the trouble of making your own seasoning mix when you can buy it at the store? Here are a few reasons I like doing it:

  • Perk #1: You get more for your money.If you’ve ever bought taco seasoning packets from the grocerystore, this is a simple and cost-effective switch you can make right away. Store-bought taco seasoning is crazy overpriced for the two tablespoons of actual spices it contains. It also often contains things like MSG, anti-caking agents, and artificial colors or flavors. Buying spices in bulk saves money and skips the cheap fillers and harmful additives.
  • Perk #2: It’s easy.This homemade version is so easy to make with almost no prep time!The total time to make up a big batch is about 5 minutes. Store in an airtight container (I love my mason jars for this) and store away from heat and lightto have it on hand for months to come. No more running to the store because you’re out of taco seasoning!
  • Perk #3:You can control the spice level.Add cayenne pepper for heat or double down on the cumin for a more smoky and savory approach. The gentle blend of flavors is great with much more than just tacos though. Add it to scrambled eggs, mayo, stir-frys, soups, and even salad dressings! Since kids usually don’t love spicy foods, I make this a mild taco seasoning and give the adults a grinder with red pepper flakes or bottle of hot sauce at the table.

How to Make Your Own TacoSeasoning Recipe

When you make taco mix yourself, you’ll find it is incredibly easy! You only need a few basic spices:

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (Secret Family Favorite) (1)

  • chili powder(here’s how to make your own)
  • cumin
  • garlic powder
  • onion powder(here’s how to make your own)
  • oregano leaf
  • paprika
  • Himalayan salt or sea salt(optional)
  • black pepper

Measure in the ratios below, mix in a small bowl or mason jar, and store for use! It’s that easy. This recipe should give you a starting point but feel free to adapt it to your family’s tastes and make your own “secret” recipe.

Taco-Inspired Recipes to Try

I use the spices above in many other recipes, so it’s great to have the option of using them on their own or combining them into various homemade seasonings (see the whole list of my favorite spice mixes below).

We use our DIY taco seasoning the most in:

  • taco meat (obviously) – because we love tacos!
  • as a sub for fajita seasoning
  • sprinkled over eggs
  • with ground turkey or beef in a meat and veggie scramble
  • in an easy taco soup (taco meat + leftover veggies + broth + squeeze of lime)
  • to season chili
  • with ground chicken and veggies in a lettuce wrap
  • as a tasty addition to this Crock Potchicken recipe
  • to season fish tacos

I’m sure the options are endless (not all of them good… I’ve seen someof the kitchen experiments my kids come up with!). If you have other ideas, please drop a comment and let me know!

How to Substitute Homemade Taco Seasoning for Packets

Use 2-3 tablespoons of this spice + ¼ cup of water per pound of meat. Add the spice and water while the meat is browning and cook on medium-high heat until the water has evaporated and the meat is fully cooked.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (Secret Family Favorite) (2)

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Homemade taco seasoning is simple and cost effective to make and easily takes the place of store bought seasoning packets for quick meals.

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Calories 8kcal

Author Katie Wells

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Servings

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all the spices in a jar and shake well.

  • Store in an airtight jar for up to six months.

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Amount Per Serving (1 tsp)

Calories 8Calories from Fat 3

% Daily Value*

Fat 0.3g0%

Sodium 42mg2%

Carbohydrates 1.4g0%

Fiber 0.3g1%

Sugar 0.5g1%

Protein 0.3g1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

Use 2-3tablespoons of this spice + ¼ cup of water per pound of meat. Add the spice and water while the meat is browning and cook on medium high heat until the water has evaporated and the meat is fully cooked.

Like this recipe? Check out my new cookbook, or get all my recipes (over 500!) in a personalized weekly meal planner here!

Want to make other spices too?

Check out my full list of spices you can make at home with basic ingredients tooverhaul your spice cabinet today! You’ll love it because the flavor of fresh, homemade spice blends is incredible and you’ll save money too!

What are your favorite seasonings?

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (Secret Family Favorite) (3)

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (Secret Family Favorite) (2024)

FAQs

How much taco seasoning should I use for 1 pound of beef? ›

To use: Use about 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning for every 1 pound of meat. Use more or less depending on your preference. Brown meat and drain the fat. Add your taco seasoning along with about 1/2 cup of water.

What's the difference between Mexican seasoning and taco seasoning? ›

Ultimately, the difference between these two comes down to the composition of spices. Taco seasoning is usually milder than Mexican seasoning. Mexican seasoning contains ancho powder and chipotle chile pepper, both of which give it a little more of a kick.

What can I use if I don't have any taco seasoning? ›

Packet Taco Seasoning replacement: if you only want to make enough taco seasoning to replace 1 packet, use the following amounts:
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder.
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder.
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano.
  • ½ teaspoon paprika.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin.
  • 1 teaspoon salt.
Mar 16, 2021

How important is cumin in taco seasoning? ›

Ground cumin – Next to chili powder, cumin is the most important ingredient in taco seasoning. It adds an earthy flavor and aroma.

How much taco seasoning for 2 pounds of meat? ›

Plan for about 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of meat. To season ground meat tacos, first sauté the meat until it loses its pinkish color. Then sprinkle with taco seasoning and stir to combine. Add one cup of vegetable, chicken or beef stock per pound of meat and stir to combine.

How many tacos will 2 pounds of ground beef make? ›

Each taco shell or small soft taco-size tortilla fits about 2 ounces or 1/4 cup of meat. If you add diced onions, you could stretch a pound of ground beef to make about a dozen tacos. With just the meat and spices, you can make about 8 tacos from a pound of meat.

What seasoning do Mexicans use? ›

With garlic and onions as the savory cornerstone, the most common Mexican spices and herbs are coriander, allspice, cloves, thyme, Mexican oregano, Mexican cinnamon (ceylon), cumin and cacao which showcase the breadth of Mexican food.

What spices does taco seasoning contain? ›

Most taco seasoning mixes contain salt, warming spices (such as paprika, oregano, and chili), onion powder, and garlic powder. This top-rated recipe is made with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.

Which is hotter original or mild taco seasoning? ›

Our Original Taco Seasoning Mix is spicier than our Mild Taco Seasoning Mix. ~Cara" / X.

What are the ingredients in Old El Paso taco seasoning? ›

Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Salt, Chili Pepper, Onion Powder, Sugar. Contains 2% or less of: Spice, Vegetable Oil (canola, high oleic soybean and/or sunflower oil), Silicon Dioxide (anticaking agent), Natural Flavor, Modified Corn Starch.

Can I use fajita seasoning in place of taco seasoning? ›

Fajita seasoning and taco seasoning are very similar, but they are not the same. Taco seasoning typically has more oregano and chili powder than fajita seasoning. With that being said, however, you can use fajita seasoning and taco seasoning interchangeably in recipes, it may just warrant a slightly different flavor.

How do you spice up bland taco meat? ›

Ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder and dried oregano: Pretty straight-forward. Paprika: I prefer to use smoked paprika, but you could also use standard or sweet paprika if you prefer.

Do Mexicans use cumin in tacos? ›

You will find cumin in many Tex Mex and Southwestern dishes. It's a must have spice in my chili and I don't spare its use in my taco meat, but it's uncommon in real Mexican dishes.

Do Mexicans use cumin in food? ›

Cumin's origin is in the Mediterranean, but the seed found its way into Mexican cuisine. It offers a strong flavor described by many chefs as pungent, earthy, warm, hearty, bitter, and toasty. Cumin is a popular seasoning for tacos, sweet vegetables, and mild bread.

What's in Lawry's taco seasoning? ›

Ingredients. Spices (Including Paprika, Cumin, Oregano, Chili Pepper), Onion, Salt, Lactose (Milk), Sugar, Garlic, Enriched Wheat Flour (Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Cocoa Powder Processed with Alkali and Natural Flavor.

How many packets of taco seasoning per pound of meat? ›

Each packet comes with enough powder to use with 1 lb of steak, ground beef and more.

How many packets of taco seasoning should I use? ›

There's typically 3 tablespoons (sometimes 4 tablespoons depending in the brand) in a store-bought packet of taco seasoning. How much do I use per pound of meat? We typically use 2-3 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of ground meat. Add more if you like the flavor, less if you have sensitive palates.

How much does 1lb of taco meat feed? ›

How many people can 1 lb of taco meat feed? You can feed between 2.5 to 3 people with one pound of meat.

Do you add taco seasoning before or after cooking ground beef? ›

Once the beef is cooked, you want to cook it with the seasoning and liquid on medium low and just until the sauce starts to thicken. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't dry out. Heat up the tortillas before adding the ground beef on top. You can heat them up in the microwave, oven or on a skillet for 1-2 minutes per side.

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