I can entice my kids to eat nearly anything by adding ketchup, homemade ranch dressing, or seasoning it with taco spices. Many moms, like myself, keep taco seasoning packets on hand for the countless family-friendly recipes they find on Pinterest.
Having lived in Texas for a significant part of my life, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for the flavors found in both Tex-Mex and authentic Mexican cooking. Our family has polished this taco seasoning recipe over many years, making it a household favorite.
Whether it’s ground beef, chicken, eggs, or even a veggie scramble, everything tastes better with this taco seasoning blend!
Why Make Your Own Taco Seasoning?
Why bother making your own taco seasoning mix when you can easily buy it from the store? Here are some reasons I prefer making it myself:
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Benefit #1: Cost-effectiveness. Store-bought taco seasoning packets are surprisingly expensive given the small amount of spice they contain. Making your own mix helps avoid the high price and unwanted ingredients like MSG, anti-caking agents, preservatives, and artificial additives. It’s especially beneficial for those with dietary sensitivities or allergies, as homemade seasoning excludes additives like cornstarch and is gluten-free. Buying spices in bulk is more economical and eliminates unnecessary fillers.
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Benefit #2: Simplicity. This homemade taco seasoning is incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort. You can whip up a large batch in just about 5 minutes. Store it in an airtight container, such as a mason jar, away from heat and light, ensuring you have it ready for months. No more last-minute grocery trips when you run out of taco seasoning!
- Benefit #3: Customizable spice levels. You have control over the heat by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Boosting cumin can give a smokier, savory twist. This blend pairs well with more than just tacos—try it in scrambled eggs, mayonnaise, stir-fries, soups, and even salad dressings! As children usually prefer milder flavors, I make a gentler version and provide adults with red pepper flakes or hot sauce at the table for additional heat.
How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning Recipe
You’ll be surprised by how simple it is to create your own taco mix. You’ll need just a few basic spices:
- chili powder
- ground cumin
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- dried oregano
- paprika (or smoked paprika)
- Himalayan or sea salt (optional)
- black pepper
Measure the ingredients in the ratios listed below, mix them in a bowl or a jar, and store until needed! This recipe serves as a great starting point, but feel free to modify it to suit your family’s taste preferences and craft your unique blend.
Taco-Inspired Recipes to Try
I incorporate the spices listed above into many of my other recipes, giving me the flexibility to use them individually or blend them into various homemade seasonings. Below is a list of my favorite spice mixes:
Our DIY taco seasoning is primarily used for:
There are numerous possibilities (though not all attempt by my kids are successful!). Try incorporating this seasoning into your next taco night.
How to Substitute Homemade Taco Seasoning for Packets
Use 2-3 tablespoons of this seasoning mix and ¼ cup of water for each pound of ground meat. Add the mixture and water to the meat as it cooks, continuing to simmer until the water evaporates and the meat is thoroughly cooked. Feel free to use ground beef, turkey, or even shredded chicken.
Homemade taco seasoning is both simple and economical to make, serving as an excellent replacement for store-bought packets when preparing quick meals.
Nutrition Facts
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Amount Per Serving (1 tsp)
Calories: 4 (Calories from Fat 2)
% Daily Value*
Fat: 0.2g (0%)
Saturated Fat: 0.02g (0%)
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g
Sodium: 67mg (3%)
Potassium: 21mg (1%)
Carbohydrates: 1g (0%)
Fiber: 0.3g (1%)
Sugar: 0.1g
Protein: 0.2g
Vitamin A: 161IU (3%)
Vitamin C: 0.1mg (0%)
Calcium: 7mg (1%)
Iron: 0.4mg (2%)
- Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Notes:
- Use 2-3 tablespoons of this seasoning and ¼ cup of water per pound of meat. Add to browning meat and cook on medium-high heat until the water evaporates and the meat is fully cooked.
- This recipe yields approximately 3 cups in total.
Want to Explore Making Other Spices?
Explore my comprehensive list of spices you can easily make at home with basic ingredients, helping you revamp your spice collection. Fresh, homemade spice blends offer incredible flavors and save you money!
What are your preferred dishes to use taco seasoning in? Feel free to leave a comment and share your thoughts!
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