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 for our ground beef tacos. 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 supreme recipe later in the week. I used this seasoning blend to make it too.✅
Tools Used to make this recipe
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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
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Measure out all ingredients into a bowl, and stir together until well-combined.
Instructions for Taco Ground Beef
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Brown the meat, and drain.
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Return the meat to the pan, and sprinkle the seasoning on top, along with 3/4 cup water.
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Stir to combine, and bring to a simmer.
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Reduce heat, and simmer on low until the liquid evaporates, about 7 minutes.
Recipe Video
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).
Robert Williamson says
You may be interested to know that you are essentially making chili powder with cumin, oregano and salt. The chili powder in your recipe is (almost) redundant, because it is really just a brand-specific variation of garlic, onion, black pepper and paprika!
So, I suggest making a large batch of homemade chili powder instead. I use granulated garlic and onion rather than powder (anti clumping as an alternative to silicon dioxide – which is utterly harmless microscopic quartz, found naturally in most vegetables, but hard to buy outside of a mass-market spice mix).
Paprika is a variable because…it varies. My ratio is 1 part each of granulated garlic, onion, and a fairly coarse ground black pepper (“restaurant grind”), and 2 parts paprika, but tune it to your preference and your supply of paprika. Once you find “your” mix, go big. I buy bulk spices and mix it a quart at a time. It disappears in a few weeks!
When you want tex-mex, add cumin and oregano just like you did above (and maybe a little cayenne ;). Greek? Oregano. Italian? Basil and oregano. Salt separately if you want (I usually skip it entirely). A spice rub? Try adding sage and chipotle powder. The chili powder mix works as a base for a surprising number of store-bought spice mixes, avoiding _all_ mix mystery and unremovable salt, and cutting cost by up to a factor of 4. In my recipe app, I call it “Don’t Ever Buy Chili Powder!”
Jessica says
Thank you so much for sharing this recipe! Was absolutely delicious!! Very easy to make, and was so great!!! If anyone is reading this wondering if they should try it out, stop reading This and make it now!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
That is such great feedback, Jessica. Thank you!💖
Hilary says
We are a big Texmex family and we haven’t bought a seasoning pack since trying this recipe. I absolutely love it.
We do half the salt and double the cumin (because I’m obsessed with the taste lol)
If anyone is feeling on the fence about switching out their packet for this – don’t be! You won’t regret it.
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
That is so great to hear! Thank you for letting me know, and for taking the time to leave a rating.💖🙌🏻
Blockchain ideas says
Looks so yummy!
Marjorie @APinchOfHealthy says
Thank you! I cannot remember the last time I bought a taco seasoning packet. Enjoy!
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!