Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

Skip the store-bought and make your own with my homemade taco seasoning recipe! It's so easy to make with spices you already have on hand.

This recipe covers a pound of meat and can be used in any recipe that calls for a packet of taco seasoning.

Course ingredient

Cuisine American, Mexican

Prep Time 2

Cook Time 0

Total Time 2

Servings servings (yields 3 ½ Tbsp)

Calories 47kcal

Author Sam Merritt

Equipment

Mixing bowls

Ingredients

4 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika (may substitute sweet paprika)
1 teaspoon table salt reduce to ½ teaspoon for “reduced sodium” but note it won’t be as flavorful.
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ teaspoon oregano
⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

In a small dish, whisk together all ingredients until combined.
4 teaspoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon table salt, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, ¼ teaspoon oregano, ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Use as directed in recipe. This recipe yields enough for one pound of ground meat and can be substituted anywhere that calls for a packet of taco seasoning.
How to use for a pound of ground meat (chicken, turkey, or beef) for tacos: Heat a teaspoon of oil over a medium-sized skillet until shimmering. Add ground meat and cook, crumbling, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess grease if/as needed. Add (all) taco seasoning, sprinkling evenly over the meat and add ⅔ cup (158ml) water. Stir, bring to a simmer, and cook until sauce is thickened and no longer liquidy (several minutes longer).

Video

Notes

Storing

How long you can store depends on the freshness of the spices that you use. If using fresh spices, this taco seasoning will keep in an airtight container in a dark place (like a pantry or cabinet) away from humidity for 6 months to a year.

Discard the taco seasoning if the color has faded, the smell is weak, or any clumps have formed.

Nutrition