Skip the packet—this simple home made taco seasoning recipe is prepared in minutes with pantry staples you most likely have already got. It’s flavorful, and manner higher than store-bought. I make a batch to maintain available for taco nights!

Straightforward Home made Taco Seasoning
Skip the store-bought packets—this home made taco seasoning has been my go-to for years! I initially scaled it up from my widespread turkey taco recipe, and after attempting numerous variations, I all the time come again to this flavorful mix. It’s gentle sufficient for teenagers however nonetheless full of taste, and works completely with floor beef, floor turkey, hen, and even in taco dip. The very best half? It’s simple, economical, and free from the preservatives and components present in store-bought mixes. Plus, you’ll be able to modify it precisely to your style.
Why This Works!
I’ve been making my very own home made taco seasoning for years as a result of I don’t like utilizing taco packets loaded with preservatives. I first shared my recipe years in the past once I posted my turkey taco lettuce wraps, however determined to share it on it’s personal so you need to use it for any taco recipe that requires a taco spice packet.
- More healthy: Because you’re making it from scratch you might have management of what goes into this. I exploit natural spices to maintain it free from pesticides. No added filler or synthetic elements.
- Child-Pleasant: The gentle spice combine makes this excellent for all palates.
- Make-Forward: Straightforward to make a batch and preserve in in your spice drawer, prepared anytime you might have some floor beef, floor turkey, and many others to whip up tacos.
- Funds Pleasant: Cheaper than shopping for particular person packets every time you make tacos.
Elements You Will Want
This home made taco seasoning recipe is made with simply 6 elements, excellent for taco lovers and choosy palates. The youngsters will adore it as a result of it’s gentle and flavorful. I all the time preserve a batch in my pantry prepared to make use of. Right here’s what you want:
- Chili Powder: The spine of this seasoning, it gives a spicy kick and a deep, wealthy coloration to the combination
- Cumin: This spice provides the seasoning its attribute earthy, barely spicy taste, harking back to many Mexican and Latin American dishes
- Garlic Powder: It provides a savory, sturdy taste to the seasoning
- Candy Paprika: Provides a gentle sweetness and vibrant coloration to the combination
- Dried Oregano: Improve the flavors of the opposite elements
- Kosher Salt: enhances the flavors of all the opposite elements, making them extra pronounced
- (Elective) to make it spicy, add cayenne pepper, to style
This recipe makes about 1 cup of seasoning, sufficient for 8 full batches utilizing 1 lb of meat every (about 32 particular person servings complete).
Variations
- Onion powder
- Ancho chili powder rather than chili powder, for warmth
- Smoked paprika rather than candy paprika, for smoky warmth
- Crushed pink pepper flakes, chipotle chili powder or cayenne pepper, to make it spicy
- Black pepper, to style
- Make it low-sodium through the use of much less salt or omitting altogether
How To Make Home made Taco Seasoning
Combine the entire spice elements collectively in a small bowl, and retailer in a glass spice container.

Storage
For one of the best taste, this taco seasoning recipe is greatest saved for as much as 6 months, however might be saved for as much as 1 to 2 years if it’s stored in a cool, dry place and in a tightly sealed container or mason jar.
The best way to Make Taco Meat with This Seasoning
Brown 1 pound of floor beef, turkey, hen, pork, and even tofu in a big skillet. Add 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons of this home made taco seasoning, together with ¼ cup minced onion, ¼ cup minced pink bell pepper, and ½ to ¾ cup water. Stir effectively, then simmer coated for five minutes, till the flavors are absorbed.
Serve the seasoned meat in heat taco shells and prime along with your favourite fixings—lettuce, tomato, pico de gallo, cheese, salsa, bitter cream, black beans, avocado, or guacamole.

Extra Taco Recipes
One other widespread seasoning it’s possible you’ll like is my recipe for Sazon seasoning, or attempt these 5 taco recipes to make use of this taco seasoning spice combine.
Yield: 32 servings
Serving Dimension: 1 1/4 teaspoons for two tacos
Final Step:
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This combine comprises roughly ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt per serving. I exploit Diamond Crystal kosher salt, which has coarser grains and fewer sodium by quantity in comparison with desk salt. If substituting with high quality desk salt, scale back the quantity to keep away from over-salting.
Low-Sodium Choice: To make this a low-sodium taco seasoning, merely reduce the salt in half or omit it fully for a salt-free model.
Tip: At all times verify particular person spice labels in the event you’re cooking gluten-free.Serving: 1 1/4 teaspoons for two tacos, Energy: 8 kcal, Carbohydrates: 1.5 g, Sodium: 300 mg, Fiber: 0.5 g