Save Money and Eat Better with This Simple Taco Seasoning
Tacos are always a crowd-pleaser, but what really sets a good taco apart from the rest is the seasoning. Store-bought taco seasoning is convenient, but making your own blend at home gives you complete control over the flavors. Plus, it’s fresher, free of preservatives, and you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
In this post, I’ll show you how to whip up a quick and easy Homemade Taco Seasoning with a few simple spices you probably already have in your pantry. This recipe is perfect for beef, chicken, or even veggie tacos. Let’s get started!
Why Make Your Own Taco Seasoning?
1. Control the Ingredients
You get to control what goes into your seasoning. No added fillers, preservatives, or mystery ingredients. Plus, you can easily adjust the salt, heat, or any of the spices to your liking.
2. Budget-Friendly
Making taco seasoning from scratch is way cheaper than buying pre-made packets. You can make a big batch and store it for future taco nights!
3. Better Flavor
Homemade taco seasoning is more vibrant and flavorful than the store-bought versions. The spices are fresh, and the mix can be tailored exactly to your taste.
Ingredients for Homemade Taco Seasoning
Here’s a simple yet delicious blend of spices for homemade taco seasoning:
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1 ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
This recipe makes enough seasoning for about 1 pound of ground beef or chicken. If you’re cooking for a larger group or want to have extra on hand, you can easily double or triple the recipe.
How to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
Step 1: Measure Your Spices
Start by measuring out all of your spices. The beauty of this recipe is that you can mix everything in one bowl, and it takes just a minute or two.
Step 2: Mix the Spices Together
In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
Step 3: Store for Later or Use Right Away
Once your seasoning is mixed, it’s ready to go! You can use it right away or store it in an airtight container for up to 6 months. Just be sure to keep it in a cool, dark place to preserve its flavor.
How to Use Taco Seasoning
This taco seasoning works great with beef, chicken, turkey, or even vegetables. Here’s how to use it for tacos:
For Ground Beef:
- Brown 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.
- Sprinkle the homemade taco seasoning over the meat, then add ½ cup of water to the pan.
- Stir the meat and seasoning together, letting it simmer until the water has mostly evaporated and the meat is coated in the flavorful mixture.
- Serve your seasoned meat in taco shells or tortillas with your favorite toppings.
For Chicken or Turkey:
Follow the same steps as with ground beef, but swap in ground turkey or chicken breasts (diced or shredded).
For Vegetables:
If you’re making veggie tacos, sauté your favorite veggies (like bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms) in a bit of oil, then sprinkle on the seasoning. Add a splash of water to help the seasoning coat the veggies.
Customizing Your Taco Seasoning
One of the best things about making taco seasoning at home is that you can easily adjust it to your preference. Here are a few ideas for customization:
1. Add Some Heat
If you like your tacos with a bit more kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder. Start with a small amount and adjust to your heat tolerance.
2. Make It Smoky
For a smoky flavor, swap the regular paprika for smoked paprika. This adds a deep, rich flavor that pairs especially well with beef.
3. Lower the Salt
If you’re watching your sodium intake, feel free to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe. You can always add more to taste later on.
4. Sweeten It Up
Some people like a hint of sweetness in their taco seasoning. You can add a pinch of sugar or brown sugar to balance out the heat and spice.
Tips for the Best Taco Seasoning
1. Use Fresh Spices
The fresher your spices, the better the flavor. Spices can lose their potency over time, so make sure your ingredients are fresh for the best-tasting seasoning.
2. Store in an Airtight Container
Once mixed, store your taco seasoning in an airtight jar or container to keep it fresh. Label the container with the date, so you know when you made it!
3. Double or Triple the Batch
Taco seasoning is so versatile, you’ll want to use it for more than just tacos! It’s great for seasoning chicken, roasted vegetables, or even adding to soups and stews. Make a big batch and store it for later use.
Other Ways to Use Taco Seasoning
Taco seasoning isn’t just for tacos! Here are a few other delicious ways to use it:
1. Fajitas
Use the seasoning to spice up chicken or steak for fajitas. Just sprinkle it over your protein and veggies before cooking.
2. Chili
Add a couple of teaspoons of this homemade taco seasoning to your next batch of chili for an extra boost of flavor.
3. Nachos
Sprinkle taco seasoning over ground beef or chicken before topping your nachos with cheese and all your favorite fixings.
4. Seasoned Fries
Mix a teaspoon of taco seasoning into a batch of fries for a tasty, Mexican-inspired side dish.
5. Taco Salad
Use this seasoning to flavor your ground meat or veggies, and toss it into a taco salad. Top with avocado, salsa, and a dollop of sour cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I store homemade taco seasoning?
Homemade taco seasoning will last for up to 6 months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
Can I make this taco seasoning without salt?
Absolutely! If you’re trying to reduce your sodium intake, just omit the salt from the recipe. You can always add salt to taste once your dish is finished.
Is this taco seasoning gluten-free?
Yes! This homemade taco seasoning is naturally gluten-free as long as all your spices are pure and free from additives.
Can I use this seasoning for more than tacos?
Definitely! This seasoning is great on just about anything—chicken, beef, pork, vegetables, you name it. Try it on roasted potatoes or mix it into a marinade for grilling.
Final Thoughts
Once you try making your own Homemade Taco Seasoning, you’ll never go back to the store-bought packets. It’s quick, easy, and full of flavor, making it the perfect way to spice up your taco night. Plus, you can adjust it to fit your taste exactly, whether you like it mild, smoky, or spicy.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to keep some extra taco seasoning on hand for all your other Mexican-inspired dishes. Happy cooking!
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Once your seasoning is mixed, it’s ready to go! You can use it right away or store it in an airtight container for up to 6 months.