Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe with a Surprise Ingredient
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Once you make this easy Homemade Taco Seasoning, you’ll never go back to buying those overpriced packets again! It’s healthier and cheaper, plus it has none of the fillers. It’s also great for more than just tacos, it tastes great on veggies, meats, and more.
And there’s a surprise ingredient sure to make your tacos extra special. Read on for that information.
This Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe fits in perfectly with how I run my life–and my kitchen.
I just love making my own pantry staples, from non-dairy milks (like Easiest Almond Milk and this Easiest Coconut Milk) to Powdered Egg Replacer, Easy Homemade Ketchup, Homemade Salad Dressings, and more.
But one thing that I really get a kick out of (yes, I really get into this) is making my own homemade seasonings. Over the years, we’ve found or developed quite a few of them including chili powder, celery salt, this all-purpose seasoning and this Dorito® seasoning, but today I’m sharing a new one with you — a Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe.
Making your own homemade seasonings (like this DIY Taco Seasoning) ensures you will almost never be out of the seasoning you need for something you’re cooking, and that means time and money saving.
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Why Make Your Own Seasoning Blends?
Why indeed? Isn’t it easier to just buy those pre-made blends at the store?
It can be, but here is why I love making my own spice blends.
- Control Over the Ingredients (no icky MSG type stuff or allergenic ingredients. For those of you with milk allergies, did you know that many taco seasonings have lactose (milk sugar) in them?)
- Save Money (individual seasonings are cheaper than blends)
- Have Fun with Kids – making seasoning blends is an easy way to involve your kids in the kitchen 🙂
- Save Even MORE Money (have you seen the prices of those packaged “Taco Seasoning” mixes at the grocery store? Ugh!
- Save Money and Time (no last-minute trips to the store to get something that you can easily make yourself)
- Freshness – making your own seasoning blends ensures you use up your spices more quickly so spices will get old less frequently
More Homemade Spice Mixes
Here are some more homemade spice blends to try.
How to Use this Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe:
There are so many ways to use taco seasoning, including:
Tacos (of course) – you will LOVE these Grain-Free Taco Shells (AIP)
Tortillas (here’s a great recipe for Paleo Tortillas)
Taco Salad
Veggies
Salad
Popcorn
Chicken
Beef
Fish
Sides (like rice, potatoes, etc.)
Veggies
Soups (like this Creamy Root Vegetable Soup)
even Ice Cream!
Seriously, try this homemade taco seasoning on this Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream or this Chocolate Avocado Ice Cream. It’s amazing!
We even use this DIY Taco Seasoning as a standby seasoning on our table. It tastes great on veggies and loads of dishes!
Oh, and if you have a loved one or friend on the AIP (Autoimmune Protocol or Autoimmune Paleo) Diet who still loves taco seasoning, here is my tasty AIP version. You will love it whether or not you are on a special diet. Oh, and if you aren’t familiar with the AIP Diet, this Simple Guide to the AIP Diet is a great introduction!)
So now on to the homemade taco seasoning recipe that tastes great on so many things…..
Spice Tips
I would strongly recommend purchasing organic spices. Many non-organic spices are irradiated, and so aren’t the best choice.
Taco Seasoning, like any seasoning that is, or is made up of peppers, should be stored in the fridge to prevent oxidation.
I also recommend storing your spices in glass spice jars instead of in plastic. I love some of the following for their compact shape as well as appearance (it’s nice to have nice-looking things in your kitchen :)!)
- Traditional Spice Jars
- Small Glass Mason Jars
- Simply Organic Spice Jars
- Hexagon Spice Jars
- Glass Jars with Hinged Lids
Really the possibilities are endless.
Substitutions for Special Diets
- Spice Brands: For my spice shopping, I really like Frontier Brand. I’ve done taste tests, and the Frontier Brands have won out every time. Their prices are great too! Starwest Botanicals, has good options too.
- Homemade Chili Powder: If you would like to make your own chili powder, here’s my recipe for The “Best” Basic Chili Powder.
- Use approximately 2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix for each pound of ground meat (or to taste, of course. Some people may prefer 1 tablespoon, others up to 4 tablespoons).
As with other taco seasonings, either use the mixture as is, or add approximately ¾ cup water to the beef and seasoning mixture to make a more “saucy” beef. - You can also flavor beans, like lentils, with this mixture. About 2 cups of cooked beans will be the equivalent of one pound of ground beef.
- Multiple Batches: And as I said in my “Saving Time in the Kitchen by Baking in Bulk” post, I recommend making more of this in homemade taco seasoning in advance so that you have it on hand when you need it. Cook once, use two three four times or more!
Recipe Notes
- Aleppo Peppers: For red pepper flakes, Aleppo peppers would add a wonderful depth of flavor, but red chilis are fine.
- Add More “Heft”: For a DIY Taco Seasoning with a bit more “heft” to it, add about 1 teaspoon flour or starch of choice to the mix. Of course, if you use a whole grain flour, you will want to store the resulting mixture in the refrigerator ’cause whole grains will spoil at room temperature.
- Salt: We love salt. The amount in this recipe is perfect for us and for many of my readers. However, some readers have said that it’s way too much. I suspect some are adding it to a dish that already has salt, which we are not. Regardless, please adjust the recipe to your taste.
- Special Addition—Cocoa!: Yes, that’s right. Add 2 teaspoons of cocoa to this mix to make it extra special. No, you’re tacos won’t taste like a dessert. This small amount of cocoa added to taco seasoning gives just that little extra bit of “yum” to your spice blend, and your tacos!
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 1/2 teaspoons salt (or to taste–see Recipe Notes)
- 2 teaspoons pepper
- 2 teaspoons cocoa optional but recommended
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
- Mix well.
- Store in a tightly closed container.
- 2 tablespoons is the standard amount to use for 1 pound of meat, but you can of course use this seasoning to taste.
Notes
-
- Aleppo Peppers: For red pepper flakes, aleppo peppers would add a wonderful depth of flavor but red chilis are fine.
-
- Add More “Heft”: For a DIY Taco Seasoning with a bit more “heft” to it, add about 1 teaspoon flour or starch of choice to the mix. Of course, if you use a whole grain flour, you will want to store the resulting mixture in the refrigerator ’cause whole grains will spoil at room temp.
-
- Salt: We love salt. The amount in this recipe is perfect for us and for many of my readers. However, some readers have said that it’s way too much. I suspect some are adding it to a dish that already has salt, which we are not. Regardless, please adjust the recipe to your taste.
- Special Addition – Cocoa!: Yes, that’s right. Add 2 teaspoons of cocoa to this mix to make it extra special. No, you’re tacos won’t taste like a dessert. This small amount of cocoa added to taco seasoning gives just that little extra bit of “yum” to your spice blend, and your tacos!
Nutrition
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is merely an approximation. Optional ingredients are not included and when there is an alternative, the primary ingredient is typically used. We cannot guarantee the accuracy of the nutritional information given for any recipe on this site. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts since they have been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
I’d love to hear what you think about this recipe (or if there’s another spice blend you’d like me to try to make a homemade version of.)
Let me know in the comments!
I cut almost half the salt out and still found it a little salty. I also cut out about half the pepper flakes and found it a little spicy for the little ones. When cooking with 1 lb ground meat, I added about 1/4 tsp white vinegar for a little acidity. This turned out very nice. Thanks.
Glad it worked for you. Sorry about the salt. We like it here and since we use a natural one I don’t worry about it.
Looking for a new taco seasoning recipe, so thanks for this! It sounds delicious!
Jenna
http://www.puresthome.com/blogs/thoughts
Great!!
This was really, really good. I tried a different homemade taco seasoning recipe before that was supposedly for kids, but that one ended up being too spicy and strong for my kiddos. I only put in a little of the red pepper flakes, and it turned out the perfect heat. I used about 4 tbs of the seasoning for 1lb of ground beef, but my family may just like it stronger. This is definitely a keeper.
So glad you like it!! Hope to see you around again :).
Hi, I need an answer quick. I’m making this taco mix for Christmas presents. i am wondering if you met tsp measurement for the cumin rather than Tlbsp because all the measurements surrounding this are written for tsp. Usually Tablespoons and teaspoon measurements are grouped together. Please let me know.
Thanks.
Rebecca
Hello Rebecca. I have made this recipe over and over and it’s been great so go with the 1 Tbsp. Hope you and the recipients enjoy it. We love cumin. Good point on the grouping. I will change that :)!
Love this recipe
Thanks!!
Just made this. So good. The right amount of zip!
Yea!
i will never buy seasoning in a packet again love it
So glad to hear that! Thanks!
I made this up weeks ago, but had yet to cook with it. I made the most banging fajitas with it!! Seriously – I usually cook ahead, but I just ate the entire recipe of fajitas for all three meals in one day. (I’m not proud, but am deliciously full.)
I substituted a small amount of cayenne for the red pepper flakes, and I *think* I reduced the salt. (It’s been a while, sorry.) I just mixed that up with some cornstarch, about 1TBSP for 2TBSP taco seasoning, I think.
Yea!!! So glad!
Very tasty! I almost had enough chili powder and used 1/4 cayenne pepper to supplement. Whew! Gave it a big ol’ kick! Next time I’ll have enough chili powder. Very good!
Whoa – that’s a kick for sure!
Made this for the first time last week and LOOOOOVED IT!! I’ll never ever ever buy taco seasoning again. This is so easy and absolutely delicious. Thanks for sharing! :o)
Yea! Great to hear :)!
What do you mean by more “heft” to the seasoning? Sorry if this is obvious- I’m new to chili spices and taco meat
Make it a little more “thick” when adding to the meat. No problem!
The Taco seasoning recipe, will it be good when I do not add the salt. My husband is on a very low-sodium diet and we are having trouble finding anything low sodium that does not cost a arm and leg..
Any suggestions for recipes using ground beef and chicken would be greatly appreciated.
This is new to us and we are burnt out on everything..
Hmmm…I wouldn’t like it that way but you could try it. I can’t medically advise, but may I ask why he is on that diet? Many say that using real salt or sea salt instead of table salt can actually be fine for many who have been told they can’t have salt, but of course, please contact your physician about that. What are you hoping for re: beef and chicken? I have some recipes on this page that you might like: https://wholenewmom.com/recipes/
Specifically the Kima and Chili Mac and Hamburger Helper might be of interest. Blessings!
Thanks for the recipe- we love it, the kids love it too. We found that 1 tsp of salt was plenty for this recipe, I didn’t have red pepper flakes on hand, but it was very tasty without!
Great to hear!
Chili powder is made of paprika, oregano, powdered red pepper, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. This taco seasoning recipe just adds more of the same! The only difference is the black pepper. So, to translate, taco seasoning would be chili powder and black pepper, no?
I think it’s whatever you want it to be really :).
Don’t forget the cumin! And the ratios used for the taco seasoning aren’t the same as chili powder.
This sounds like a great taco mix! I don’t like reading the back of a seasoning packet and there are more ingredients I have never heard of than there are spices! If you are interested in sharing this further, I have a link-up party that just started.
Been doing this recipe now for several months and am just thrilled with it! (well, we leave out the red pepper flakes because of our wee tots, but look forward to adding that in the future) Thanks!
Thanks! We LOVE it!
Finally got around to making this seasoning. Been on my to do list forever. And I miss tacos. Plan on making the soft wraps with chickpea flour. 🙂 haven’t had tacos for a loooong time.
Did you like it? My family just went through a HUGE bottle and they want more!
I’ll be making the whole thing tonight for dinner. But I did taste test the mix and it’s awesome. Better than the packaged stuff that I remember. I added more garlic powder and some cayenne to mine. Yummy. Can’t wait for dinner. 🙂
Sounds great!!!!
My kids and I love this recipe and use it all the time for tacos, burritos, etc. Thank-you!
Great to hear!
This is a great spice mix and I would love to have you share this on Thursdays at Tasty Traditions: https://myculturedpalate.com/
Homemade Taco Seasoning…heck yeah! We’d love for you to share this at our party!