In this post: Why buy premade, prepackaged taco seasoning that’s full of who knows what? It’s so easy to make taco seasoning from scratch!
Skip the store-bought spices and make your own taco seasoning at home. You most likely have all the spices on hand, and if not, they’re easy to get! The perfect combination of Mexican flavors for any of your taco needs.
Table of Contents
Why make your own taco spice blend?
I haven’t bought packaged taco seasoning for years. Like years and years. I mean, have you ever read the ingredients on those packages? Ack. For a long time, I used to just mix spices into taco meat as I made it. But then I realized that by mixing up my taco seasoning from scratch ahead of time in larger batches I could save time with meal prep.
Just like having a package in the cupboard. Only I can pronounce each of the ingredients in mine!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It’s super simple to make ahead.
- You can customize it to your own tastes.
- It keeps well in an airtight container for months!
Mild Taco Seasoning Ingredients
- Chili powder – This is a seasoning blend of dried chilis and other spices. Each blend tastes a little different because of this.
- Red pepper flakes – Did you know this is a combination of different types of peppers? It can be quite spicy hot, so use sparingly.
- Cayenne – Made from moderately hot chili peppers and used to flavor dishes.
- Oregano – A member of the mint family, oregano adds flavor to many dishes. It’s also said to have antioxidant and antibacterial properties.
- Paprika – This is a spice made from dried and ground red peppers.
- Cumin – Part of the parsley family, cumin is made from seedlike fruits and used to flavor a variety of foods.
- Sea salt – Sea salt is made from the evaporation of ocean or seawater. It’s processed much less than table salt and retains trace minerals.
- Ground black pepper – Made from a flowering vine, black pepper is dried and used as a spice or seasoning.
Variations
- Add a bit of cornstarch to your meat when using this seasoning for the flavor to really stick to the meat. Gives a great assist in the flavor department.
- You can add garlic and/or onion powder for a little more flavor.
- If you want to add a spicy kick, add an additional ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Like a touch of sweetness? Add a teaspoon of sugar.
- Once you’ve used the seasoning, you can adjust the spices to match your tastes.
- Be aware that chili powders vary depending on the country they originate from. Each one varies in spices and can drastically change the flavor of your seasoning.
How to Make this Taco Seasoning
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl or jar and mix well.
- Scoop into small jars and enjoy!
Tools to Use:
- Spice jars with bamboo lids
- Minimalist spice jar labels
- “Picture Ledge” style shelves
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I adjust the spiciness?
Yes, you can. Simply add more red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicier taco seasoning mix.
What’s the equivalent of an envelope of taco seasoning?
Depending on the brand you use, 3-4 tablespoons usually equals one packet. You can always start with 2 tablespoons and add or reduce for your preferences.
How do I store the taco seasoning?
You can store your taco seasoning mix in an airtight glass jar in a cool, dry place (like one this DIY Spice Rack) out of direct sunlight. It should keep in the pantry for 10-12 months.
How to use taco seasoning?
You can use this taco seasoning in several Mexican-inspired dishes:
- chicken and black bean tacos
- ground beef tacos
- veggie tacos
- taco bowls
- with rotisserie chicken in a taco salad
Taco Seasoning From Scratch
Skip the store-bought spices and make your own taco seasoning at home. You most likely have all the spices on hand, and if not, they’re easy to get! The perfect combination of Mexican flavors for any of your taco needs.
Ingredients
- 7 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 2 tsp oregano
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp cumin
- 3 tsp sea salt
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients in an air tight container.
- Store in a cool dry place.
- Use with chili, meat for tacos and other Mexican dishes.
Notes
- Add a bit of corn starch or tapioca starch to your meat when using this seasoning for the flavor to really stick to the meat. Gives a great assist in the flavor department.
- Like a touch of sweetness? Add a teaspoon of sugar.
- Depending on the brand you use, 3-4 tablespoons of this taco seasoning usually equals one packet. You can always start with 2 tablespoons and add for your preferences.
- Once you’ve used the seasoning, you can adjust the spices to match your tastes.
- Be aware that chili powders vary depending on the country they originate from. Each one varies in spices and can drastically change the flavor of your seasoning.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 15 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 14Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 573mgCarbohydrates: 2gFiber: 2gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily via Nutrifox.
Did you make this taco seasoning recipe? If you did, we’d love to hear about it in the comments below!
