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    Home » Sauces and Seasonings » Homemade Taco Seasoning

    Homemade Taco Seasoning

    Published: Jul 7, 2019 · Modified: Apr 26, 2022 by Kate · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Easy homemade taco seasoning recipe! This simple taco seasoning recipe takes just a few simple pantry spices and less than 5 minutes to make.

    A silver measuring spoon in a glass jar of taco seasoning.

    As convenient as it can be to grab a seasoning packet at the store, there are definiately advantages to making your own!

    It's nice to be able to choose what you put into your seasoning blend. You can customize it to your tastes, and you can leave out all of the additives.

    Also, it's handy to be able to make your own spice blends in case you don't want to run to the store. This recipe uses pantry staples, and it takes just minutes to stir together.

    It's super fast and super easy!

    How to make taco seasoning

    spices for taco seasoning on a wooden cutting board.

    It's super easy to make homemade taco seasoning!

    Step 1: Mix the spices together.

    Step 2: Store in an air-tight container.

    Taco seasoning FAQs

    What is taco seasoning made of?

    Taco seasoning in made of a blend of chile powder, cumin, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and sugar.

    Do I have to use sugar?

    No, the sugar helps to balance the seasoning blend out, but you can omit it if you prefer.

    Can I make the seasoning spicier?

    You can! Simply add more chile powder or add crushed red pepper flakes. If you like things even spicier, add both!

    A glass jar of taco seasoning on a wooden cutting board.

    How to use homemade taco seasoning to make tacos

    • To make tacos, use about 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning to every pound of ground beef.
    • Brown the ground beef, and drain the grease.
    • Return the beef to the pan along with the taco seasoning and ¾ cup water (for every pound of beef).
    • Cook until most of the water has evaporated and the beef is saucy.

    Recipes that use taco seasoning

    • Easy 3 Ingredient Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

    If you’ve tried this taco seasoning recipe, don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave me a comment below. I love to hear from people who've made my recipes!

    You can SUBSCRIBE to receive my latest recipe newsletters or FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST for even more delicious food.

    Homemade Taco Seasoning

    Easy homemade taco seasoning recipe
    5 from 2 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 6 servings
    Calories: 16kcal
    Author: Kate @ I Heart Eating

    Ingredients

    • 2 tablespoons chili powder1
    • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
    • 2 teaspoons fine sea salt2
    • 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
    • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder NOT garlic salt
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder NOT onion salt
    • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
    • ½ teaspoon granulated sugar3

    Instructions

    • In a small bowl, stir all ingredients together until well-combined
    • Store in an air-tight container.

    Notes

    1. Ancho or regular chile powder
    2. Or 1 teaspoon table salt
    3. Can omit the sugar if you prefer.
    4. This recipe makes a mild taco seasoning. If you prefer a hotter blend, add additional chile powder or add crushed red pepper flakes (or both). 
    5. Nutrition values are estimates. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 16kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 821mg | Potassium: 80mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 965IU | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1.1mg
    Tried this recipe? Rate it below. Mention @i_heart_eating on Instagram & tag #ihearteating!

    Originally published 4/10/13. Updated 7/7/19.

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    About Kate

    Kate got her first cookbook when she was five years old, and she hasn't stopped cooking since then! Her delicious recipes have been featured on Food Network, MSN, Better Homes & Gardens, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, and more. When she's not cooking or baking, she can be found on her mini farm with her husband and her five kids.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. doracruz cordua

      July 24, 2019 at 8:54 pm

      like to know for 1 lb of beef how much of the mix?

      Reply
      • Kate

        July 24, 2019 at 10:10 pm

        Hi! About 2 paragraphs above the recipe, there's a section that talks about how to make tacos with this seasoning. It includes the directions and the amounts per pound. Hope that helps!

        Reply
    2. Bonnie

      July 24, 2019 at 1:20 pm

      5 stars
      Your spices are spot on. The ancho chili adds great flavor. I know you you will think me silly, but I have to add a bit of parsley to blend in some Irish heritage!

      Reply
      • Kate

        July 24, 2019 at 1:27 pm

        Thank you! I'm so glad! No, I don't think you're silly at all! It's those little twists that make a recipe perfect. =) Thanks for commenting!

        Reply
    3. Allie

      July 09, 2019 at 9:47 am

      5 stars
      Great recipe! Very easy to make.

      Reply
      • Kate

        July 09, 2019 at 9:50 am

        Good! I'm so glad that you liked it. Thanks for commenting! =)

        Reply

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    I’m Kate Dean- mom to five young kids, recipe developer, and photographer. Here at I Heart Eating®, I share my family’s favorite tried-and-true recipes.

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