This homemade taco seasoning takes only a moment to make and will replace your store bought seasoning packets. Made with easy to find spices that may already be in your pantry.
Do you have a weekly taco night for dinner? If so, you'll love this taco seasoning because it's easy to make, filled with flavor, and easy to customize to suit your tastes.
What can you use taco seasoning for? Taco seasoning is used in the US to season ground beef, chicken, steak, or shrimp in Tex-Mex or Southwestern style dishes. It can also be used to season dishes like chili, casseroles, or soups.
This taco seasoning is made with spices that you probably already have on hand in your own pantry. Plus, making your own at home is much more flavorful than the store bought packets! Once you make your own, you'll never go back to the store bought version again.
Ingredients
For this recipe, you'll need:
- chili powder
- cumin
- paprika
- black pepper
- salt
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- red pepper flakes
- dried oregano
- red cayenne pepper
While it looks like a long list, you'll appreciate the complex flavor of this taco seasoning. I couldn't believe how much more flavorful my homemade seasoning was compared to a store bought mix.
It's especially important to use new herbs and spices. The longer your dried herbs and spices sit, the more their flavors will dull. Fresh dried spices are always best!
How much taco seasoning do I need?
Add 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning per half pound of meat. This works for shrimp, beef, chicken - any protein you'd like to season. This will give your meat a medium amount of heat.
If you prefer a very mild flavor, use 1 teaspoon of seasoning per half pound of meat.
Remember - it's impossible to remove seasoning once it's been added in. Start slow and add more to taste!
Store bought packets
How much homemade taco seasoning equals one store bought packet?
Store bought packets contain about 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning. Use 2 tablespoons of homemade seasoning to substitute in any recipe calling for one packet of store bought seasoning.
Recipes using taco seasoning
Looking for more unique ways to use homemade taco seasoning? Here are a few of my favorite recipes:
- Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken Tacos
- Shrimp Tacos with Jalapeño Lime Slaw
- Easy Taco Pasta Skillet (vegetarian one-pan meal)
- Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup
- Beans and Rice Taco Soup (vegan)
- Fajita Stuffed Chicken
- Beef Enchilada Casserole
Easy Taco Seasoning
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon red cayenne pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine all ingredients until well blended. Store in an airtight container.
- For every half pound of meat, add 2 teaspoons of spice and up to ¼ cup of water to create a sauce. This will give you a medium amount of heat. Feel free to add as much as you'd like to taste.
Notes
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to fill your favorite spice jar.
- As a general rule of thumb, 1 teaspoon per half pound of meat will give a mild flavor. 2 teaspoons per half pound of meat will give a medium spice level of flavor. For spicier flavor, add one tablespoon (or more) per half pound of meat.
Kelley Aroura
Thanks for this.. I have been looking for a great taco seasoning recipe. it is way crazy to spend .99 on a packed when I have everything right here already!.
Heather
Yes I agree! I am glad I don't have to buy those seasoning packets anymore 🙂