The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (2024)

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This Homemade Taco Seasoning is so flavorful and takes less than 5 minutes to make. You will never buy taco seasoning from the store again!

Want to know what to make with this seasoning? Try these Taco Stuffed Peppers, this classic Taco Soup or this Rotel Dipwith this homemadetaco seasoning.

The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (1)

Taco Seasoning Recipe

Isn’t it the worst when you go to cook and don’t have the seasoning that you need for the recipe. That’s where homemade seasonings come in! If you don’t have store bought taco seasoning on hand, this recipe can be made in less that 5 minutes from classic seasonings that we all have in our pantry!

Once you try out this homemade recipe, you will never buy store bought again. These flavors make any taco have more flavor and make them taste SO much better! Try it out with this easy Taco Ring. It takes even the most simple recipe to the next level.

What is Taco Seasoning Mix Made of?

Taco Seasoning is made up of simple spices that, when they are mixed together, make the best flavor. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

  • Chili Powder: This gives it some kick. Add more if you like your seasoning extra spicy!
  • Garlic Powder: The garlic powder complements all of the other flavors without being too overpowering.
  • Onion Powder:This is a subtle onion flavor that really stands out.
  • Dried Oregano: The oregano brings in a spicy but sweet flavoring.
  • Paprika: Paprika has a smokey flavor and helps add color to the taco seasoning.
  • Ground Cumin: This unique flavored seasoning adds lots of flavor with a little spice.
  • Salt andBlack Pepper: These enhance all of the flavors in the recipe.
The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (2)

How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning

You can also change the flavor up to have more or less heat depending on your preference. That’s the beauty of homemade seasonings, you can customize them to be however you want!

  1. Mix spices together: Combine all the seasonings together in a bowl.
  2. Store:Place the mixture in an airtight container.

How much homemade taco seasoning equals one packet?

A standard store-bought packets of taco seasoning holds about 2 tablespoons of seasoning.

The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (3)

How much taco seasoning for 1 pound of meat?

I use about 2 tablespoons in one pound of ground turkey or ground beef. This is such a simple recipe and it all comes together quick and easy for you to make several taco dishes! The recipe can easily be doubled and use more or less to taste.

Tip:I also like to add 1/2 cup of water to the meat and seasonings to make the meat more moist.

How long does taco seasoning last?

This is the best part! When you store your seasoning, make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container and it will last up to 6 months.

The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (4)

Want more taco recipes?! Try these ones!

Who doesn’t love a good taco? I’ve gathered up a few of my favorites for you to try with this seasoning!

Dinner

Easy Shrimp Tacos

30 mins

Dinner

8 Can Chicken Taco Soup

30 mins

Dinner

Taco Stuffed Avocados

10 mins

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The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning

4.67 from 51 votes

By: Alyssa Rivers

This Homemade Taco Seasoning is so flavorful and takes less than 5 minutes to make. You will never buy taco seasoning from the store again!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 Tablespoons

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all of the seasonings in a bowl and stir to combine.

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

  • This recipe can easily be doubled! To use the seasoning, cook 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink. Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning to the ground beef along with 1/2 cup of water.

Video

Notes

Originally Posted on August 27, 2019

Updated on March 12, 2023

Nutrition

Calories: 12kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 616mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 731IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

Read More About Me

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The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between Mexican seasoning and taco seasoning? ›

Ultimately, the difference between these two comes down to the composition of spices. Taco seasoning is usually milder than Mexican seasoning. Mexican seasoning contains ancho powder and chipotle chile pepper, both of which give it a little more of a kick.

What are the ingredients in Mccormick taco seasoning? ›

SPICES (INCLUDING CHILI PEPPER, PAPRIKA, OREGANO), ONION, SALT, POTATO STARCH, SUGAR, GARLIC & NATURAL FLAVOR.

Is homemade taco seasoning cheaper? ›

Making your own taco seasoning is actually much cheaper in the long-run, even if you don't already have all the ingredients on your spice rack. You get a lot more bang for your buck when you're using your own ingredients. DIY taco seasoning allows you to adjust the recipe to suit your taste.

How important is cumin in taco seasoning? ›

Mexican Tacos: For authentic Mexican flavor, use a blend of spices that includes cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder and/or onion powder. These spices will give your tacos a warm, earthy flavor and just a touch of heat.

What kind of seasoning do Mexicans use? ›

Some of the most common spice blends used in Mexican cuisine include chili powder, which typically includes cumin, garlic powder, and paprika, and achiote paste, which is made from annatto seeds and gives dishes a vibrant red color.

Is Tex-Mex the same as taco seasoning? ›

Tex-Mex is not the same as taco seasoning. Tex-Mex covers a whole range of dishes and a dining style while taco seasoning is a mix of herbs and spices. People alter their taco seasoning to their tastes.

What are the ingredients in Old El Paso taco seasoning? ›

Ingredients: Corn Starch, Chili Pepper, Maltodextrin, Salt, Spice, Onion Powder. Contains 2% or less of: Vegetable Oil (high oleic canola and/or soybean oil), Silicon Dioxide (anticaking agent), Natural Flavor, Modified Corn Starch.

What is taco seasoning mix made of? ›

Combine chili powder, paprika, onion powder, sea salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl; mix well. Enjoy!

What is Southwest taco seasoning? ›

Measure and add 2 tablespoons ancho chili powder, 1 tablespoon each cumin, smoked paprika, (regular) paprika, garlic powder, oregano and kosher salt. Then you will also need; 2 teaspoons each of ground coriander, onion powder and turmeric, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper and cayenne pepper into a jar.

Is homemade taco seasoning better than store-bought? ›

it's healthier than store bought, with ingredients you recognize and have on hand. 2. It's so much more flavorful than anything in a packet! So let's ditch the seasoning packets that often have unhealthy fillers and we'll take our Taco Tuesdays to the next level!

Is it better to make your own seasoning? ›

Premade spice mixes and rubs are convenient, but are also usually loaded with extra salt, sugar, and other chemical compounds. Making your own is good for your health and your wallet. You may be surprised at how easy it can be to make your own spice blends and how awesome they taste!

What can I use if I don't have taco seasoning? ›

If I don't have taco seasoning (a rare occurrence!) I use a mixture of chili powder and cumin. If I really want to add a little extra heat, I add some cayenne pepper. For a bit of smokiness, you can add chipotle chili powder.

What do Mexicans call cumin? ›

noun. comino m. Collins English-Spanish Dictionary © by HarperCollins Publishers.

Do Mexicans use cumin? ›

Cumin's origin is in the Mediterranean, but the seed found its way into Mexican cuisine. It offers a strong flavor described by many chefs as pungent, earthy, warm, hearty, bitter, and toasty. Cumin is a popular seasoning for tacos, sweet vegetables, and mild bread.

Is Cajun seasoning the same as Mexican seasoning? ›

Adobo seasoning has many of the same base flavors as Cajun seasoning but definitely have more of a Mexican or Southwestern flavor than Cajun seasoning. Most adobo seasonings include garlic powder, oregano and ground cumin.

Is Southwest seasoning the same as taco seasoning? ›

Is Southwest spice the same as taco seasoning? No, they're similar, but not the same. Taco seasoning involves more spices, often with additions like chili flakes and coriander. Meanwhile, Southwest seasoning is heavier on garlic, with simple ingredients.

What is the difference between authentic Mexican taco and American taco? ›

American tacos use flour tortillas or crispy, hard-shelled corn tortillas. You'll find that authentic Mexican tacos use soft corn tortillas as the wrapper. Next comes the toppings. Tex-Mex tacos are filled with shredded cheese, lettuce, diced tomatoes and sour cream.

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