Homemade taco seasoning is such a versatile seasoning, perfect for tacos, nachos and so much more! Plus, it’s easy to make from scratch with a few pantry staples.
This is such a handy trick to have up your sleeve! Whether you want to avoid sketchy mystery ingredients, or if you forgot to get a taco seasoning pack from the store, this is the DIY taco mix for you!
We use this to make taco meat. One serving of this homemade taco seasoning is perfect to season a pound of ground beef (or any meat used for tacos, nachos, fajitas). You can use it in any recipe that calls for a packet of taco seasoning.
I love that it is made with five simple spices that I always keep on hand anyway, plus some salt and pepper.
Just mix everything together, right there in the bowl.
If you want to make a big batch, I recommend bumping up the serving size to 4 on the recipe card below. This will make 1 cup of seasoning, and you just measure out 1/4 cup when you are ready to use it. I don’t recommend making much more than that, unless you plan to use it pretty quickly (since there are no preservatives or anti-clumping additives, like the store brand mixes may contain).
Did you know you could do that? Yep, it’s a handy little trick on my site. I always publish in suggested batch size/ serving size, but you can move the needle to right-size the recipe just for you.🙌🏻
When I get ready to use it in meat, I brown the meat and drain it first. Then I add water plus the seasoning blend, and stir to combine. Then I simmer it until most of the liquid evaporates. It is SO delicious and easy. I hope you enjoy this recipe!
Side note: stay tuned for an epic beef nacho recipe later in the week. I used this seasoning blend to make it too.✅
Tools Used to Make Homemade Taco Seasoning
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- Measuring spoons – I have these magnetized ones, and they are fantastic!
- Mason jar with lid or other storage container
- Small bowl and spoon or whisk
- On the nails – Zoya Kaitlyn (optional😉 – I get asked about nail polish colors a lot)
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (DIY, From Scratch)
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Homemade Taco Seasoning (DIY, Made from Scratch)
Homemade taco seasoning is such a versatile seasoning, perfect for tacos, nachos and so much more! Plus, it's easy to make from scratch with a few pantry staples. Cumin, chili powder, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt and pepper.
Ingredients
Single Serving (used on pound of beef/ meat)
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
To make the seasoning blend
Measure out all ingredients into a bowl, and stir together until well-combined.
Instructions for Taco Ground Beef
Brown the meat, and drain.
Return the meat to the pan, and sprinkle the seasoning on top, along with 3/4 cup water.
Stir to combine, and bring to a simmer.
Reduce heat, and simmer on low until the liquid evaporates, about 7 minutes.
Recipe Notes
If you want to make a big batch, I recommend bumping up the serving size to 4 on the recipe card under "servings." This will make 1 cup of seasoning, and you just measure out 1/4 cup when you are ready to use it. I don't recommend making much more than that, unless you plan to use it pretty quickly (since there are no preservatives or anti-clumping additives, like the store brand mixes may contain).
Christy says
I will never buy a taco packet again. This is so delicious! And we use it for so many different Tex Mex dishes – tacos, nachos, fajitas, etc. Thanks for the great recipe!