How To Make Homemade Taco Seasoning

Taco seasoning is easy to make with ordinary ingredients you already have. However, making it yourself is easy, saves you money, and lets you customize your flavors to your preferences. To find out how to check this out!

Taco seasoning is a versatile spice blend staple in many kitchens. However, it is a blend of spices that can add flavor to many homecooked meals, not just tacos.

What Is Taco Seasoning?

So what exactly is taco seasoning? It's a blend of spices that can season meat for tacos and other Mexican dishes like burritos or enchiladas. It usually contains chili powder (which gives the spice), paprika, cumin, garlic powder (or fresh garlic), onion powder (or fresh onions), and sometimes oregano too!  

Why make your own Taco Seasoning? 

Making your own taco seasoning has several benefits. First, you control the ingredients' quality and adjust them to your taste. Many store-bought taco seasoning blends contain additives, preservatives, and artificial flavors that may not be desirable for some individuals. Homemade taco seasoning is also customizable to personal preferences and dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free, low-sodium, or vegan.

This spice blend is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. You most likely have everything in your pantry. It's great or added to some diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and avocado in a tortilla shell (or crunchy romaine lettuce leaves).

What Is In Taco Seasoning?

The most common ingredients in taco seasoning include chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, oregano, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes. However, the ratios of these ingredients can vary depending on personal preferences and recipe requirements.

Basic Ingredients

The basic recipe calls for one tablespoon each of chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, half a tablespoon of onion powder and garden powder, and a teaspoon of salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.

Shopping Tips

Buying spices in bulk works out well when you use them frequently. The more often you use a spice, the more economical buying in bulk is. Some spices last for years, while others last for a month or two.

Finally, it's best to read labels carefully and avoid expensive products with many added ingredients because those can be more expensive than the basic ingredients.

Substitutes

Variations of the basic recipe can include additional spices or herbs, such as cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or dried cilantro. 

How To Make Homemade Taco Seasoning

Coming everything in a small bowl, and keep it in an airtight container (like a mason jar) until you're ready to use it. After that, it's easy to make a larger batch. Just double your quantities accordingly. 

When you are ready to make tacos (or use it in general), Add ½ cup of water to get the right consistency—you want it to be fairly thick but not clumpy or pasty.  

How Much Taco Seasoning to Make Taco Meat?

Swapping in your spice blend for a store-bought packet is easy. Add two tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning with ½ cup of water for a pound of ground beef. 

How to Use this Spice Blend

Whether you're cooking meat or vegetables, adding some taco seasoning to your dish will give it an extra punch of flavor. 

Tacos are the most obvious choice, but also one that doesn't need any explanation. Taco shells are delicious and easy to make at home using either wheat flour or corn tortillas. 

You can fill your tacos (or a taco salad)with whatever type of protein you want—ground beef, ground turkey, chopped chicken breast, or even beans and rice if you're feeling adventurous—but don't skimp on the fresh toppings like lettuce and tomato!

It also goes well with cauliflower, roasted potatoes, refried beans, or black beans; if you want a vegetarian option. 

Storage

Once you've made your DIY taco seasoning, store it in an airtight container (like a mason jar) for up to 6 months