The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (2024)

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This Homemade Taco Seasoning is so flavorful and takes less than 5 minutes to make. You will never buy taco seasoning from the store again!

Want to know what to make with this seasoning? Try these Taco Stuffed Peppers, this classic Taco Soup or this Rotel Dipwith this homemadetaco seasoning.

The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (1)

Taco Seasoning Recipe

Isn’t it the worst when you go to cook and don’t have the seasoning that you need for the recipe. That’s where homemade seasonings come in! If you don’t have store bought taco seasoning on hand, this recipe can be made in less that 5 minutes from classic seasonings that we all have in our pantry!

Once you try out this homemade recipe, you will never buy store bought again. These flavors make any taco have more flavor and make them taste SO much better! Try it out with this easy Taco Ring. It takes even the most simple recipe to the next level.

What is Taco Seasoning Mix Made of?

Taco Seasoning is made up of simple spices that, when they are mixed together, make the best flavor. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

  • Chili Powder: This gives it some kick. Add more if you like your seasoning extra spicy!
  • Garlic Powder: The garlic powder complements all of the other flavors without being too overpowering.
  • Onion Powder:This is a subtle onion flavor that really stands out.
  • Dried Oregano: The oregano brings in a spicy but sweet flavoring.
  • Paprika: Paprika has a smokey flavor and helps add color to the taco seasoning.
  • Ground Cumin: This unique flavored seasoning adds lots of flavor with a little spice.
  • Salt andBlack Pepper: These enhance all of the flavors in the recipe.
The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (2)

How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning

You can also change the flavor up to have more or less heat depending on your preference. That’s the beauty of homemade seasonings, you can customize them to be however you want!

  1. Mix spices together: Combine all the seasonings together in a bowl.
  2. Store:Place the mixture in an airtight container.

How much homemade taco seasoning equals one packet?

A standard store-bought packets of taco seasoning holds about 2 tablespoons of seasoning.

The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (3)

How much taco seasoning for 1 pound of meat?

I use about 2 tablespoons in one pound of ground turkey or ground beef. This is such a simple recipe and it all comes together quick and easy for you to make several taco dishes! The recipe can easily be doubled and use more or less to taste.

Tip:I also like to add 1/2 cup of water to the meat and seasonings to make the meat more moist.

How long does taco seasoning last?

This is the best part! When you store your seasoning, make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container and it will last up to 6 months.

The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (4)

Want more taco recipes?! Try these ones!

Who doesn’t love a good taco? I’ve gathered up a few of my favorites for you to try with this seasoning!

Dinner

Easy Shrimp Tacos

30 mins

Dinner

8 Can Chicken Taco Soup

30 mins

Dinner

Taco Stuffed Avocados

10 mins

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The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning

4.68 from 50 votes

By: Alyssa Rivers

This Homemade Taco Seasoning is so flavorful and takes less than 5 minutes to make. You will never buy taco seasoning from the store again!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 Tablespoons

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all of the seasonings in a bowl and stir to combine.

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

  • This recipe can easily be doubled! To use the seasoning, cook 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink. Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning to the ground beef along with 1/2 cup of water.

Video

Notes

Originally Posted on August 27, 2019

Updated on March 12, 2023

Nutrition

Calories: 12kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 616mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 731IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook', a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

Read More About Me

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The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (2024)

FAQs

What makes tacos taste better? ›

Not enough people use cilantro. Iceberg lettuce can be refreshing in a burrito, but when it comes to tacos, cilantro, onion and lime are king. I know Tex-Mex enthusiasts love their dairy on a taco. Big pinches of cheddar cheese that lack flavor or the ability to melt.

What are the ingredients in original taco seasoning? ›

Ingredients. Corn Starch, Chili Pepper, Maltodextrin, Salt, Spice, Onion Powder. Contains 2% or less of: Vegetable Oil (high oleic canola and/or soybean oil), Silicon Dioxide (anticaking agent), Natural Flavor, Modified Corn Starch.

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.

Why add cornstarch to taco meat? ›

Cornstarch absorbs the moisture in the meat and turns it into a creamy sauce that's full of flavor from the other spices.

What is the most important ingredient in tacos? ›

Salsa: Salsa and sauces are the soul of your taco, tying all other ingredients together.

What is McCormick Taco seasoning made of? ›

McCormick Taco Seasoning is crafted with a premium blend of zesty herbs and spices including chili pepper, paprika, oregano and garlic. Blended especially for chefs, McCormick Taco Seasoning gives chefs an all-in-one, ready-to-use mix to deliver intense, concentrated flavor to Mexican-inspired dishes and beyond.

What do authentic tacos have on them? ›

Lime is probably the most essential of authentic Mexican taco toppings. A squeeze of lime adds a dash of acid that brings out the other flavors in a taco beautifully. Onions, cilantro, pico de gallo, sliced radishes or cucumbers, avocado, and chili peppers are also standard toppings for authentic tacos.

What does Old El Paso taco seasoning have in it? ›

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 is the best substitute for 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.
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
  • ¼ teaspoon onion powder.
  • Pinch of cayenne pepper.
  • ¼ teaspoon dried oregano.
  • ½ teaspoon paprika.
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin.
  • 1 teaspoon salt.
Mar 16, 2021

What kind of seasoning do Mexican restaurants use? ›

With garlic and onions as the savory cornerstone, the most common Mexican spices and herbs are coriander, allspice, cloves, thyme, Mexican oregano, Mexican cinnamon (ceylon), cumin and cacao which showcase the breadth of Mexican food.

Which is hotter original or mild taco seasoning? ›

McCormick Spices on X: "@DialedIn6 Whoops, sorry for the confusion! Our Original Taco Seasoning Mix is spicier than our Mild Taco Seasoning Mix.

Why does my taco meat taste bland? ›

The number one reason why people end up with bland tacos is because the meat wasn't seasoned properly. Luckily, that isn't an issue with this dish. However, if you find that your tacos aren't spicy enough for your liking, feel free to adjust the seasoning as needed or add a few shakes of your favorite hot sauce.

How to make really fine taco meat? ›

Boiling ground beef is the best way to cook it so that it comes out in small, fine crumbles. Trust me, this is the secret to all those amazing tacos and pasta sauces at your favorite restaurant! It's also a healthier option, because the boiling process helps separate the fat from the meat, and it comes out quite lean.

Why do people put water in taco meat? ›

What you're doing when you add water is helping the cornstarch create a smooth sauce flavored with the spices. The heat then activates the cornstarch, thickening the mixture.

What can I add to tacos to make them better? ›

  1. 01 of 23. Cheese. Cheese is often the first thing to go on the taco bar, so make sure you have enough to refill the bowls. ...
  2. 02 of 23. Shredded Lettuce. ...
  3. 03 of 23. Tomato Relish. ...
  4. 04 of 23. Fresh Tomatillos. ...
  5. 05 of 23. Sliced Radishes or Jicama. ...
  6. 06 of 23. Sliced Fresh Chiles. ...
  7. 07 of 23. Pickled Onions. ...
  8. 08 of 23. Pickled Chiles.
Jan 30, 2024

What gives the taco taste? ›

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 makes the perfect taco? ›

Mexican-style tacos are traditionally served on small, double-wrapped corn tortillas and may feature fish, chicken, pork, carne asada (steak), or vegetables. Topped with a pinch of diced onions, fresh herbs, and a savory or spicy sauce, tacos are the perfect vehicle to deliver a quick and satisfying bite.

How to elevate a taco kit? ›

Upgrade Boxed Tacos
  1. Box of Taco Shells.
  2. Taco Seasoning Packet.
  3. Ground Meat ( we use beef or chicken)
  4. Diced sweet or white onion.
  5. Bell Pepper any color will do.
  6. 1 Diced Jalapeno.
  7. 1 Chipotle in adobo (you can add more if you want it hotter)
  8. Salsa.

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