This homemade taco seasoning is a blend of spices and herbs that can be used to season ground beef or any shredded meat for Tex-Mex dishes. It’s a versatile seasoning mix that adds a distinctive and savory flavor profile commonly associated with tacos.
I bought taco seasoning in the packet for a long time, even though I knew it would be easy to make it at home. It was simply habit. It wasn’t until I couldn’t find a packet once that I decided to make it at home. A single packet now costs between $1.50-$2. If you can get your spices in bulk, you can save a lot of money by making your own.
I always have some mixed up at home, ready to add to ground beef when ever the mood for tacos or burritos strikes. And at our house, that’s often. We love tacos in just about any form: taco pizza, taco lasagna, taco-stuffed shells. You name it.
Angela Lussier says: 
This spice blend was really good. It gave the meat a nice spicy color and very spicy flavor. I added the cornstarch and it made a big difference. This will be going into my recipe collection that I will use as again.
» Want more great homemade seasonings? Try this Homemade Cajun Seasoning and our Perfectly-Balanced Homemade Dry Rub.
Ingredients You Need
- Chili Powder (mild to hot)
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt & Pepper
- Brown Sugar
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder
- Oregano
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- Cornstarch
I’d recommend buying these spices in bulk at the grocery. I buy big bags of spices at Whole Foods to fill a container with this taco seasoning, so I don’t have to mix it up very often.
How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
Mixing this seasoning is as easy as combining all the ingredients into a bowl and mixing. Super simple.
The addition of cornstarch to the mix is what gives the seasoning the ability to thicken and coat the ground beef properly. It’s not necessary to add it, if you’d rather not, but it’s what makes this seasoning similar to the store packet.
This recipe makes enough seasoning for 1 pound of ground meat. I almost always make double or triple the amount so I can store the taco seasoning in an air-tight sealed container that I keep in the cabinet. Then I can use however much I need for the purpose at hand and then store it away again.
In case you’re wondering how this compares to a packet, a standard packet of commercially produced taco seasoning typically contains about 1.25 to 1.5 ounces (35 to 42 grams) of seasoning mix, which is just over 1 tablespoon worth.
How to Use It
When you’re ready to use the seasoning, just brown the meat and drain any excess oil. Then add all of seasoning and 1/4 cup water. Stir it well. Then let it simmer for about 5 minutes before serving.
How To Store Taco Seasoning
- Transfer the taco seasoning to an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a tight-sealing lid.
- Label the container with the contents (“Taco Seasoning”) and include the date you made it to keep track of its freshness.
- Keep the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. A pantry or cupboard is an ideal location.
- Avoid storing the seasoning near the stove, oven, or any other heat source. Also, keep it away from areas with high humidity, such as near the sink or dishwasher.
- While taco seasoning can last for a considerable amount of time if stored properly, it’s best used within a year or so to ensure optimal flavor.
DIY Taco Seasoning vs Store-Bought Seasoning
I personally think there are many benefits to homemade seasoning, but it’s obviously slightly easier to buy a packet. So here’s my personal overview:
- You can control the ingredients and adjust the spice levels, salt content, and other flavors to suit your preferences.
- You can use fresh, high-quality spices, leading to a more vibrant and flavorful seasoning.
- You can avoid any artificial additives, preservatives, or anti-caking agents that may be present in some store-bought seasoning mixes.
- You can tailor the mix to be free of common allergens like gluten, dairy, or specific spices you may be sensitive to.
- Buying individual spices in bulk can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially if you frequently use these spices in your cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is taco seasoning mix made of?
While recipes may vary, a typical taco seasoning mix often includes the following ingredients: Chili Powder (mild), Cumin, Paprika, Salt and pepper, Brown Sugar, Garlic, Powder, Onion Powder, Oregano, and Red Pepper Flakes (optional).
What can I use if I don’t have taco seasoning?
If you don’t have taco seasoning on hand, you can create a makeshift version using individual spices and herbs. See our recipe below for the ingredients. Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl until well combined. Use the homemade taco seasoning to replace the store-bought version in your recipes.
How do you use taco seasoning mix?
Use taco seasoning mix when cooking meat ( beef, chicken, and turkey). Sprinkle the taco seasoning mix over the cooked meat. You can also use taco seasoning mix in chili, fajitas, bean dishes, dips and spreads, roasted vegetables, and in marinades.
Is There a Keto Version?
When it comes to healthy recipes, a homemade taco with this seasoning is pretty darn good. Because you can choose the ingredients, you know that the salt level is low and that there aren’t any additives.
It’s a keto friendly seasoning as well. This homemade version doesn’t have any carbs in it if you leave out the brown sugar, which does add some carbs from sugar.
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Homemade Taco Seasoning for Ground Beef
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon (8 g) chili powder
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon (3 g) salt
- 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon (2 g) brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.75 g) garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) crushed red pepper flakes optional
- 1 teaspoon (2 g) cornstarch optional
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together all of the spices. Use immediately or store for later use.
When Ready to Use
- The recipe makes enough seasoning for 1 pound of ground beef. When ready to use, mix seasoning into 1 lb cooked ground beef along with 1/4 cup water. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes until the water has evaporated.
Notes
- If you don’t like spicy food, don’t add the red pepper flakes.
- Cornstarch acts as a thickener and will help the seasoning adhere to the meat and form a more saucy consistency. It’s not necessary.
- You can mix this seasoning in a much larger batch and store for regular use. Just double or triple the ingredients.
Nutrition
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Laura is a home cook, with 25 years experience behind the stove, who spends an extraordinary amount of time in the kitchen cooking. She loves making new recipes and finding wonderful new things to eat, both at home or abroad. She spends a lot of time researching, crafting, and perfecting her recipes.
Love that I can make my own seasoning. Thank you for the recipe!
I love making my own seasoning blends. This one sounds great!
This will be very perfect for our Taco Sunday!
Love how easy this recipe is to make. We use it all the time!
Thanks for the recipe! I just went to the store and they want $2 for essentially the same taco spice mix. I’ll try tonight and will report back tomorrow. All the best!
I was going to respond a few days ago after making this for the first time but got distracted This is a very good recipe. I made it and it is as good or better than store bought varieties. I really like my tacos a little spicier and the addition of pepper flakes is very good. Also be sure to add the corn starch for adherence of the sauce to the meat. This one is a keeper! Thanks!!
Thanks for the review, Joe. I agree the corn starch is necessary for helping it coat the meat.
I know! If you can get bulk spices, it’s definitely way more economical to make your own.
This spice blend was really good. It gave the meat a nice spicy color and very spicy flavor. I added the cornstarch and it made a big difference. This will be going into my recipe collection that I will use as again.
Glad to hear you liked it Angela.
Best online taco seasoning mix and I’ve tried a lot!