Get my Cookbooks! Taco Seasoning Recipe
This homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is so easy to make and tastes worlds better a packet! It brings savory home cooked flavor to tacos, soups, fajitas, and more!
Check out all of my recipes that call for Taco Seasoning HERE so you can put this recipe to good use!
Taco Seasoning Recipe
Nothing beats replacing a packet of anything, but especially when it comes to Taco Seasoning! Making it from scratch takes just a few minutes and takes levels up the flavor profile of any recipe – the packets don’t compare and aren’t nearly as fresh or vibrant in flavor as homemade seasoning is.
It’s easy to make this in bulk and doing so will save you money while adding savory homemade flavor to so many recipes. I can’t wait for you to try it, definitely check out my PRO TIPS below, they may be more helpful than you think!
How to Make It
Note: This is an overview. See recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to an airtight container until ready to use.
To use for taco meat: Cook the meat and drain grease. Add the taco seasoning along with 2/3 cups water. Bring to a boil until thickened, then reduce to a simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
Optional: Soften some diced onions when you add the meat, and add 3 cloves of minced garlic after you drain the grease.
Amount of Seasoning in this Recipe
- This recipe makes 3 tablespoons, equal to most 1-oz. seasoning packets, making them interchangeable, or enough to season 1 lb. of meat.
- To double (or triple) this recipe: Hover over the number of servings at the top of the recipe card in the middle (3 tablespoons). A slider will appear. Drag it right until it reaches 6, 9, or the desired number you’d like.
Pro Tips
- Thickening Power: Unlike many online recipes, this recipe contains cornstarch. When using this seasoning for tacos, it thickens the meat mixture and makes it saucier (and less dry) when used with 2/3 cups water. (We’re mimicking what the packets do!)
- Cost Savings: Making your own seasoning costs much less than buying individual packets!
- Make it in Bulk: This will make it just as easy as using a packet when you’re making something that calls for Taco Seasoning!
- Salt: I use Redmond Real Salt for my recipes, it’s especially great in this one since it’s a seasoning recipe. (Enter code ‘COZY‘ for 15% off!) Of course, table salt can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
- Glass Seasoning Jars: These are perfect for storing your homemade taco seasoning mix!
- Recipes to call for Taco Seasoning: These recipes call for taco seasoning! Some of my favorites are: Easy Baked Tacos, One Pot Taco Pasta, Loaded Nachos, Taco Soup, Burrito Bowls, Taco Spaghetti, and more!
- More From Scratch Recipes:
- Brown Gravy & Chicken Gravy (super easy, no drippings needed, and so much better than a packet!)
- Condensed Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom Soup (goodbye cans!)
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce, Salsa, Tortilla Chips, Olive Oil Bread Dip, and more!
Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. (After that it’s likely still good, just not quite as fresh.)
Tools For This Recipe
(Amazon affiliate links*)- Check out all of my kitchen essentials here.
- Glass Seasoning Jars
- Spice Rack–This is the one I have, it’s a snap to measure out your seasonings quickly and easily. (Big time saver.)
- Measuring Spoons– I have these magnetic ones which stay nice and organized in my utensil drawer.
*As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Try These Next
-
- Loaded Nachos
-
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta
-
- Chicken Enchilada Casserole
-
- Chicken Corn Chowder
-
- Chicken Milanese
-
- Chicken Enchilada Soup
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Taco Seasoning Recipe
This homemade Taco Seasoning recipe is EASY to make and tastes SO much better than a packet! It brings home cooked flavor to tacos, soups, fajitas, and more!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon EACH: pepper, paprika
- ¼ teaspoon EACH: garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 pinch cinnamon, optional
Equipment
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Transfer to an airtight container until ready to use. This makes enough to season 1 lb. of meat.
- To use for taco meat: Cook the meat and drain grease. Add the seasoning mix along with 2/3 cups water. Bring to a boil until thickened, then reduce to a simmer for 1 minute. Remove from heat.
- Optional: Soften some diced onions when you add the meat, and add 3 cloves of minced garlic after you drain the grease.
Notes
How much this makes:
Storage:
- This recipe makes 3 tablespoons, equal to most 1-oz. seasoning packets, making them interchangeable, or enough to season 1 lb. of meat.
- To double (or triple) this recipe: Hover over the number of servings at the top of the recipe card in the middle (3 tablespoons). A slider will appear. Drag it right until it reaches 6, 9, or the desired number you'd like.
- Thickening Power: Unlike many online recipes, this recipe contains cornstarch. When using this seasoning for tacos, it thickens the meat mixture and makes it saucier (and less dry) when used with 2/3 cups water. (We're mimicking what the packets do!)
- Cost Savings: Making your own seasoning costs much less than buying individual packets!
- Make it in Bulk: This will make it just as easy as using a packet when you're making something that calls for Taco Seasoning!
- Salt: I use Redmond Real Salt for my recipes, it's especially great in this one since it's a seasoning recipe. (Enter code ‘COZY‘ for 15% off!) Of course, table salt can be used if that’s what you have on hand.
- Glass Seasoning Jars: These are perfect for storing your homemade taco seasoning mix!
- Recipes to call for Taco Seasoning: These recipes call for taco seasoning! Some of my favorites are: Easy Baked Tacos, One Pot Taco Pasta, Loaded Nachos, Taco Soup, Burrito Bowls, Taco Spaghetti, and more!
- More From Scratch Recipes:
- Brown Gravy & Chicken Gravy (super easy, no drippings needed, and so much better than a packet!)
- Condensed Cream of Chicken and Cream of Mushroom Soup (goodbye cans!)
- Homemade Enchilada Sauce, Salsa, Tortilla Chips, Olive Oil Bread Dip, and more!
Storage:
- Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months. (After that it's likely still good, just not quite as fresh.)
Nutrition
Calories: 18kcal, Carbohydrates: 3g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Sodium: 821mg, Potassium: 78mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 0.2g, Vitamin A: 840IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 22mg, Iron: 1mg
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