Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (2024)

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I have made my own taco seasoning for years and I know that once you start making your own you will be hooked as well. One of the main reasons I make my own is that so many of the prepacked seasoning is fairly expensive + there are TONS of preservatives in them! A extra plus is this recipe is gluten – free.

If you’d like a quick, off-the-shelf, gluten-free option with no added chemicals, check out the spice blends at the Bearded Butchers!

What You Need

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

What To Do

Mix all ingredients together. Use 2 FULL Tablespoons of seasoning for 1 pound of beef.

Enjoy

Homemade Taco Seasoning

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: Sara @ Budget Savvy Diva

: Seasoning

Simple and Easy Taco Seasoning.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ÂĽ teaspoon onion powder
  • ÂĽ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ÂĽ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Categorized:

  • Gluten Free
  • Recipes

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Comments

  • Robin

    My family loves taco salad and I like to mix taco seasoning in cream cheese to go with it or for dipping taco chips in. My girlies love it! So thanks much for a home made recipe. I was just thinking about finding a recipe for it, so perfect timing. I imagine will be cheaper than buying the packaged stuff. Magic bullet gives a nice homemade guacamole recipe in their booklet to go with tacos too.
    I like to be frugal and resourceful when I can so thanks much :).

  • Bethany Foster

    I want to make quite a bit at a time and store for future use. Does this recipe double well? (I’m still new to the cooking world! :] )

    • Budget Savvy Diva

      I actually make this recipe up to 10 times at a time and it works great. I keep it stored in a airtight container.

  • Joyce W

    I’ve been making my own for over 20 years as I cook. I just add the ingredients directly. This is fantastic for fajitas or tacos. …..store bought has such a nasty after taste.

  • Catherine

    Do you add water to this one like you would to the packets?

    • Budget Savvy Diva

      nope

    • Brian

      The only reason you add water to the packets is because they include corn starch. The water is used to create a kind of thickened sauce. I happen to like that, so I added about 1/2 tablespoon of corn starch and added water. Perfect.

  • denise

    this will be a money saver, thanks for the recipe

  • Taco Casserole Recipe | Budget Savvy Diva

    […] lb ground beef 1 package taco seasoning or 2 Tablespoons of Homemade Taco Seasoning –> HERE is the recipe takes only 1 minute to make 1 (15 ounce) can refried beans or Black Beans 2 cups […]

  • karma

    I went straight out and bought all the ingredients right away after seeing your recipe! My husband made some this week and he and I both loved it! thanks for sharing!

  • Sam j.

    Lol. Just had to let you know I love the pictures you put up with the burn mark on your cutting board that your hubby made! Just makes me smile each time. Makes you seem more real! Thanks for all you do!

  • Chipper Norris

    Great seasoning recipe. Now I don’t have to buy the Old El Paso packets anymore (that was my favorite before I found your recipe). Thanks for the help!

  • Quick and Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Recipe | Budget Savvy Diva

    […] 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning – Budget Savvy Diva’s recipe –> HERE […]

  • The Best Crock Pot Chicken Tacos Recipe | Budget Savvy Diva

    […] 1.5 ounces of taco seasoning ( about one packet worth) – I used my homemade seasoning HERE […]

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    […] Here is my own personal taco seasoning – Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe […]

  • Jennifer Rae

    So good! I used this on the fantastic taco casserole, and it was so very delicious! Highly recommended!

  • Maija-Liisa

    At our home we use one pan for hamburger with taco seasoning and a pot with beans. I use taco seasoning in those too for my vegetarian kids and friends and serve both. For super easy just open a can of black or kidney beans, add taco seasoning, stir and heat.

  • shannon

    Just yesterday I was thinking that you can make your own taco seasoning. So, I googled homemade taco seasoning recipes and stumbled upon your site. I just made my own taco seasoning using your recipe. It smells just like the packages from the stores. Can’t wait to try it!!

    • Budget Savvy Diva

      Enjoy!

  • nancy

    I’m just getting into making my own mixes/seasonings and really want to try a Taco Mix; how would you compare your Homemade version to your Copy Cat Taco Bell version as far as taste and also shelf-life (i.e. making a large batch to store)?? Thanks!!

  • Crock Pot Chicken Tacos « ohappydaze

    […] packet of tacoseasoning – (I used an awesome recipe for homemade seasoning that I found here. It was SUPER easy to throw together and cuts back on the preservatives found in the packaged kind. […]

  • Shannon

    Any way to alter this to not use the cayenne pepper? I have everything else, but I have no other use to buy cayenne pepper for.

    • Budget Savvy Diva

      You can make it without – it will have less heat

  • Rebecca B

    do you have any idea what the sodium content would be? We are on a low sodium diet here, so I’m looking for low sodium subs – Thanks

  • Stacey

    Have tried several recipes an your’s is my fave! Thanks so much 🙂

  • Lori

    Made this for a taco bar for my daughter’s birthday party and it was a huge hit. I didn’t have any Cayenne pepper so I used a seasoning mix I had in my cupboard called “Arizona Heat” which is just a blend of various seasonings. I am planning on making up a bunch of this recipe this afternoon and storing it in a jar. Thanks for letting me cross one more packaged item off my grocery list.

  • Taco Egg Rolls Recipe | Budget Savvy Diva

    […] Taco Seasoning – Homemade Recipe […]

  • Alyssa

    Is there a bulk recipe somewhere? I thought I’ve seen it before but now can’t find it…

    • Watson

      Love it!!!!!

  • Lindsay L

    This is going to be such a money saver!!

  • Allie Talley

    I haven’t bought a taco packet in ages! I love this stuff!

  • One Pan Enchilada Pasta Recipe | Budget Savvy Diva

    […] my own. You can make your own taco seasoning for only pennies (every penny counts in my house) Go HERE for the […]

  • Stephanie Heiple

    i am new to being gluten free, but I read that ketchup, and spices contain gluten. Are there certain brands of ketchup, or spices you’ve found that don’t Cait any gluten in them?

  • kathy

    will this work with chicken tacos?

  • Taco Bowls Recipe | Budget Savvy Diva

    […] I ended up using my own taco season recipe – if you want the recipe head on over HERE […]

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (2024)

FAQs

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

Packet Taco Seasoning replacement: if you only want to make enough taco seasoning to replace 1 packet, use the following amounts:
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder.
  • ÂĽ teaspoon garlic powder.
  • ÂĽ teaspoon onion powder.
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • ÂĽ teaspoon dried oregano.
  • ½ teaspoon paprika.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin.
  • 1 teaspoon salt.
Mar 16, 2021

What is taco seasoning mix made of? ›

Most taco seasoning mixes contain salt, warming spices (such as paprika, oregano, and chili), onion powder, and garlic powder. This top-rated recipe is made with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.

What can you add to taco seasoning to make it better? ›

You could also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a little spice kick. Making taco seasoning at home allows you to tweak the flavor profile to your preference.

Why do you add water to taco seasoning? ›

It also doesn't take as much cornstarch to thicken a sauce, making it ideal for including in a taco mix packet. The amount of flour needed would make the packet unwieldy. However, because cornstarch needs to be dissolved in liquid, you have to add water when cooking.

What if I don't have cumin for taco seasoning? ›

Cumin is an earthy, aromatic spice that brings citrusy notes to a dish. If you're in a pinch, there are many great alternatives you might already have in your pantry. Caraway seeds and ground coriander most closely mimic cumin's flavor, while curry and chili powders contain cumin.

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

Seven Ingredients You Can Substitute for Cumin
  • Whole coriander or ground coriander. Coriander is the seed of the cilantro plant, which is also in the parsley family. ...
  • Caraway seeds. ...
  • Fennel seeds. ...
  • Garam masala. ...
  • Curry powder. ...
  • Chili powder. ...
  • Paprika. ...
  • Use it in a savory rub for a spicy whole roasted cauliflower.
Jan 2, 2020

What is in Old El Paso taco seasoning? ›

Ingredients: Corn Starch, Maltodextrin, Salt, Chili Pepper, Spice, Sugar, Garlic Powder. Contains 2% or less of: Sea Salt (potassium magnesium chloride, salt), Citric Acid, Onion Powder, Vegetable Oil (canola and/or soybean oil), Silicon Dioxide (anticaking agent), Natural Flavor.

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

Mexican seasoning typically consists of a blend of traditional herbs and spices while taco seasoning is a specific blend of spices that may not be used as much in traditional Mexican dishes.

Is Mexican spice same as 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 makes tacos taste better? ›

Acidity and fresh toppings provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of taco meat, cheese, and sour cream, and a bit of fresh lime juice squeezed over the top goes a long way.

How to doctor up taco seasoning? ›

Additional spices you can add:
  1. Onion powder.
  2. Ancho chili powder in place of chili powder.
  3. Smoked paprika in place of sweet.
  4. crushed red pepper flakes, chipotle chili powder or cayenne pepper, to make it spicy.
  5. black pepper, to taste.
  6. Make it low-sodium by using less salt or omit altogether.
Jun 5, 2023

What is the thickening agent for taco meat? ›

A typical 12-serving taco seasoning mix recipe uses about 1 ½ tablespoons of cornstarch. If you want to skip the cornstarch in your homemade seasoning to use it for other purposes, just sprinkle ⅓ to ½ teaspoon of cornstarch per pound of browned, spiced meat before adding ¾ cup of water and heat until thickened.

How much taco seasoning do I need for 1 pound of meat? ›

To use: Use about 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning for every 1 pound of meat. Use more or less depending on your preference. Brown meat and drain the fat. Add your taco seasoning along with about 1/2 cup of water.

When making taco meat do you drain the grease? ›

Crumble the ground chuck into a large skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring, until browned. Remove from heat, rinse meat with hot water, and drain water and grease from beef. Return meat to skillet, and pour in seasoning.

Do you drain ground beef before adding taco seasoning? ›

Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 7 to 10 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease. Pour water and seasoning mix over beef; stir to combine.

How do you season without seasoning? ›

Experiment with vinegars (white and red wine, rice wine, balsamic, and others). For the most flavor, add it at the end of cooking time. Toasted sesame oil adds a savory flavor without added salt.

Can you cook ground beef without seasoning? ›

That depends on the quality of the ground beef, and what cut of the animal it came from. If it's fairly average “ground beef” from an average grocery store, then it probably won't taste all that good without seasoning - particularly without salt.

Can you replace taco seasoning with chili seasoning? ›

Yes, taco seasoning can be used as a substitute for chili seasoning and vice versa in a pinch. However, it's important to note that the flavor profile may not be exactly the same due to the different spice blends.

How do you season food without seasoning? ›

Acids act a little like salt in that they help bring out the natural brightness of foods and work to meld flavors together. Try making a quick salad dressing with lemon juice and zest or red wine vinegar with a smidge of oil—or toss veggies and grains with citrus or vinegar to brighten them up.

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