How to Make Taco Seasoning at Home

Making taco seasoning at home is easy, healthier, and affordable. Plus, you can adjust the flavors to your liking!

Are you tired of store-bought taco seasoning loaded with additives and preservatives? In this post, I’ll show you how to create the perfect homemade spice blend for tacos using the pantry staples you likely already have.

Why Make Taco Seasoning at Home?

Homemade taco seasoning is customizable and free from artificial ingredients. When you make it yourself, you can control the amount of salt and spice and even eliminate unwanted sugars or fillers. It’s a simple way to flavor your tacos, burritos, and other Mexican-inspired dishes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe makes two tablespoons of taco seasoning for 1 lb ground beef. Here is what you need:

• Chili Powder: ½ tablespoon
• Ground Cumin: 1 ¼ teaspoon
• Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon
• Onion Powder: ½ teaspoon
• Smoked Paprika: ½ teaspoon
• Mexican Oregano: ¼ teaspoon
• Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (optional, for heat)
• Salt: 1 teaspoon
• Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon

These spices can be easily stored in mason jars for convenience, and you’ll likely already have most of them in your pantry.

How to Make Taco Seasoning at Home

1. Measure the Spices: Start by measuring all the spices listed above. Combine them in a small bowl.
2. Mix Well: Stir the spices together. Make sure there are no clumps.
3. Store Properly: Transfer the taco seasoning to an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and store it in a cool, dark place. This blend will stay fresh for up to 6 months.
4. Use as Needed: For each pound of meat, use two tablespoons of the seasoning mix. Adjust to taste depending on how flavorful you want your dish.

Tips for Customizing Your Taco Seasoning

• Adjust the Heat: If you love spicy food, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add some cayenne pepper.
• Add Smokiness: Smoked paprika adds depth to the seasoning. If you prefer a smokier flavor, increase this.
• Lower the Sodium: If you’re watching your salt intake, reduce the salt or use a salt substitute.

FAQs

Q: How much taco seasoning per pound of ground beef?
A: Typically, you should use about two tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of ground beef. Adjust the amount to taste depending on how flavorful or spicy you want your dish to be.

Q: How do you store homemade taco seasoning?
A: Store in an airtight container, such as a mason jar or a spice jar, in a cool, dark place like a pantry.

Uses for Taco Seasoning

While taco seasoning is perfect for taco night, it can also be used in various dishes. Sprinkle it on roasted vegetables, mix it into ground beef for burgers, or even add it to soups and stews for a flavor boost.

Making taco seasoning at home is so easy. I love cooking from scratch and making a batch of flavorful seasoning free from artificial ingredients with just a few simple spices. Try it out, and you’ll never return to the store-bought version!