Skip the prepackaged taco seasoning and make a fresh, customizable homemade taco seasoning mix. It’s easy, economical if you already stock the spices, and you’ll get brighter flavor and control over sodium and heat.
Looking for more ground beef ideas? See our collection of 90 best ground beef recipes here.
Why this recipe works
I’ve used this homemade taco seasoning for nearly 20 years because it consistently delivers more flavor than the store-bought packets. The mix tastes fresher, lets you adjust salt and spice to your preference, and is convenient to batch prep and store. Measuring the spices takes only a couple of minutes, and having jars or portioned packets ready makes weeknight meals faster.
Ingredients you will need
Full measurements and printable instructions are in the recipe card below. The single-recipe seasoning batch is sized to season one pound of ground meat (about 3–4 servings).
Ingredient info and substitution suggestions
The recipe makes enough seasoning for one pound of ground beef. Double or triple to make larger batches for storage.
Instant minced onion – Dehydrated chopped onion that rehydrates in the meat. You can substitute onion powder, but use about half the amount (1 teaspoon instead of 2 teaspoons).
Chili powder – The foundation of taco seasoning; don’t skip it.
Crushed red pepper flakes – Adds a subtle kick without overwhelming heat. Increase to 1 teaspoon if you prefer spicier tacos.
Instant minced garlic – Dehydrated chopped garlic (sometimes labeled granulated garlic). Garlic powder can be used instead at a similar ratio.
Other spices – Salt, oregano, and ground cumin round out the blend. Cornstarch is optional (1/2 teaspoon) to thicken the sauced meat if desired.
How to make homemade taco seasoning
Step-by-step photos and the printable recipe are below. You can jump to the recipe card for measurements and a print-friendly format.
- Mix all spices together until evenly combined. This yields enough seasoning for one pound of ground beef.
To make tacos
- Brown 1 pound ground beef in a skillet. Combine 2 tablespoons of the seasoning mix with 1/2 cup water and stir to form a paste.
- Drain excess fat from the pan, wipe it out if needed, and return the browned beef to the skillet.
- Add the seasoned water to the beef and stir. If the mixture is too dry, add up to 3/4 cup water total. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer gently for 20–30 minutes to develop flavor and thicken the sauce.
Frequently asked questions & expert tips
This blend works well with ground beef, venison, chicken, or turkey. It’s also suitable for recipes calling for taco seasoning such as taco soup or taco dip.
The single recipe seasonings yields about 2 tablespoons of mix, enough for one pound of ground meat (3–4 servings). Multiply the recipe for larger quantities.
Yes. Multiply the ingredients by 10 or 20 to make a pantry-sized batch. Store in a jar with a tight lid and measure out 2 tablespoons per pound of meat when ready to cook.
Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, the mix will stay flavorful for up to a year. Over time the aroma and potency will gradually decline.
Use a sealed jar or zip-top bag and keep it away from heat and moisture to preserve freshness.
Serving suggestions
Use this seasoning for more than tacos: add it to soups, dips, roasted vegetables, burrito bowls, or any recipe that calls for taco seasoning. For a finer texture, pulse the mix briefly in a spice grinder or blender.
If you make a large batch, portion 2-tablespoon servings into small zipper bags for easy use. A jar of homemade taco seasoning also makes a thoughtful edible gift.
More homemade seasoning recipes
- Mexican Seasoning
- All Purpose Seasoning
- French Fry Seasoning
- Homemade Montreal Steak Seasoning
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Homemade Taco Seasoning
IMPORTANT – FAQ and tips are listed above in the post if you need additional guidance.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons instant minced onion
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon instant minced garlic
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch optional for thickening
For Tacos:
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ – ¾ cup water
- 2 Tablespoons taco seasoning mix 1 full recipe
- 8 taco shells
- toppings of your choice lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese, salsa, cilantro, etc
Things You’ll Need
-
Measuring spoons
Before you begin
- Nutritional info covers the seasoning mix only; taco shells, meat, and toppings are not included.
- Instant minced onion rehydrates in the meat; if using onion powder, reduce the amount by half.
- Instant minced garlic can be swapped with garlic powder at a similar ratio.
- Optionally add 1/2 teaspoon cornstarch for extra thickening.
Instructions
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For the seasoning: mix all ingredients together. This makes enough for one pound of ground meat.
To make tacos
-
Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Mix 2 tablespoons seasoning with 1/2 cup water.
-
Drain excess fat, return beef to the pan, add the seasoned water, and stir. Add up to 3/4 cup water if needed. Bring to a boil, then simmer on low 20–30 minutes to thicken and blend flavors.
Expert tips & FAQs
- Store the mix in an airtight jar or sealed bag in a cool, dry place.
- Properly stored, the mix stays flavorful for up to a year; potency fades over time.
- To bulk prep, multiply the ingredients by 10 or more and portion 2 tablespoons per pound when cooking.
Nutrition
Recipes on this blog are tested on conventional ovens and stovetops; appliance differences may require slight adjustments to time and temperature.
This post was originally published on September 23, 2008