My favorite taco seasoning used to be the packet seasoning I bought at the grocery store.

The packet seasoning seemed so simple, but if you have a well-stocked spice cabinet, it really takes no more than five minutes to make your own homemade taco seasoning.

Over the last year, I’ve been experimenting with different combinations of spices for taco seasoning, and I think today I’ve come up with the perfect combination.

In the same way that you can get one packet of this from the grocery store, it’s ten times more flavorful. There is even the option of mixing it up in batches and storing it already mixed in an airtight container to prevent contamination.

Since herbs and spices are hard to measure and weigh, I use a flat cost estimate for them.

Therefore, I have no idea how much they would cost. In general, I estimate ten cents for every tablespoon of herb or spice, unless the item is particularly expensive.

For salt, I usually estimate half that. So, don’t be too surprised if I say this recipe is cheap (pun intended).

Apronese believes that this is the recipe that you can easily use in your daily dishes, what are you waiting for, do it right away.
Individual ingredients for homemade taco seasoning in a small wooden bowl, surrounded by chips, limes, cilantro, and garlic.

Table of Contents hide
Taco Seasoning: What’s in it?
Add-ins and Options:
What Is the Taco Seasoning Amount for 1lb of Meat (or Beans)?
Taco Seasoning: How to Use It
Here Are Some Recipes That Use Taco Seasoning Mix
Taco Seasoning Made at Home
Ingredients
Instructions
Nutritional

Taco Seasoning: What’s in it?

There are just seven simple ingredients you will need to make this homemade taco seasoning, all of which you probably already have in your fridge or pantry.

  • Chili Powder
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Ground cumin
  • Cayenne Pepper
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Add-ins and Options:

Smoked Paprika –There is no doubt that the smoked paprika really added a special touch to this seasoning, but if you can’t find it, you can use regular paprika in its place as well.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder –In my taco meat recipes, I usually include diced onions, minced garlic, and a clove or two of garlic as well, so I did not add any garlic powder or onion powder to this recipe. In the recipe below, you are going to find the ingredients to make the dish as easy as possible. If you do not want to use fresh onion and garlic, you can use 1/4 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp onion powder instead.
Cornstarch – In order to create the perfect taco meat consistency, add about a teaspoon of cornstarch to the spice mix if you prefer a milder flavor and add 1/3 cup water if you want a more saucy one. Adding cornstarch and water together will allow the spices to enhance the flavor of the meat or beans.

What Is the Taco Seasoning Amount for 1lb of Meat (or Beans)?

There are many uses for this taco seasoning and you can use it in place of one packet purchased from a store.

You can use it in any recipe as an alternative to one packet purchased at the store. You can use it to season beef, chicken or even beans and vegetables.

There will be around one pound of ground beef (beef, turkey, chicken) or about three cups of cooked beans that will be season with one batch of this recipe.

Using the recipe below as a guide, it makes about 2 tablespoons of seasoning, so if you are planning to scale it up to make the seasoning in bulk, you would need approximately 2 tablespoons for every pound of meat when making the seasoning in bulk.

Taco Seasoning: How to Use It

It is best to brown the ground meat first, then add a batch of the taco seasoning below, and then sauté the meat for about two minutes to toast it.

If you intend to use this taco seasoning in conjunction with beans, simply add the spices and heat through the beans.

To use this taco seasoning for the entire surface of your chicken breast, simply sprinkle the seasoning all over each chicken breast, and then roast it in a skillet until the outside has browned and it has cooked.

As well as seasoning potatoes or chicken before roasting, you can also use it.

Here Are Some Recipes That Use Taco Seasoning Mix

Individual spices used for homemade taco seasoning in a small wooden bowl.

Taco Seasoning Made at Home

There are a few ingredients in your pantry that can be used to make this easy, fast, and delicious homemade taco seasoning. It will keep your tacos tasting great for a long time to come.

Prep Time: 5 mins/ Total Time: 5 mins

Servings: 1 recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp chili powder ($0.30)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika ($0.10)
  • 1 tsp cumin ($0.10)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper ($0.02)
  • 1/2 tsp oregano ($0.05)
  • 1/2 tsp salt ($0.05)
  • 1/2 tsp 15 cranks fresh black pepper ($0.05)

Instructions

  • Use right away, or store in an air-tight container away from heat and sunlight for up to a week until ready for use. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix until evenly mixed.

Note: In addition to these ingredients, you can also include 1/4 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp onion powder (either or both according to whether you are using fresh garlic or onion); 1/2 tsp cornstarch (add 1/3 cup water to the meat or beans in order to create a saucy consistency).

Nutritional

Serving: 1 Serving ・ Calories: 20.3 kcal ・ Carbohydrates: 3.1 g ・ Protein: 0.5 g ・ Fat: 0.4 g ・ Sodium: 1901.9 mg ・ Fiber: 1.3 g
The nutritional values shown here are only estimates. Please see our nutrition disclaimer .

Spices are indispensable in your daily dishes, right, try the Taco seasoning just for you with just 5 minutes, Apronese believes you will do it and do it very well.

Comment your homemade experiences and other recipes you made with taco seasoning.