Best Taco Seasoning Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (2024)

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Updated on Jun 16, 2023

This taco seasoning recipe makes the best tacos, taco soup, and more! It takes just minutes to make, using spices that you likely have in your kitchen.

Best Taco Seasoning Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (1)

Once you start making your own taco seasoning, you’ll never go back to store bought! This taco seasoning recipe is incredibly easy, made from just a handful of spices and seasonings. You will love the flavor that it brings to taco night!

Store-bought packets of taco seasoning often contain a few questionable ingredients. When you make your own seasoning blends at home, you’ll know exactly what’s going into your meals. You can also adjust the ingredient amounts, salt and spiciness to your tastes.

You can make this taco seasoning recipe ahead of time and store it in your spice drawer to use in quick meals later on. Once you mix together the spices, the taco seasoning will stay fresh for months. Below you’ll find a list of my favorite ways to use homemade taco seasoning.

Best Taco Seasoning Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (2)

Why you’ll love this Taco Seasoning Recipe:

  • Quick & Easy: This recipe takes less than 5 minutes to make, using ingredients that you likely keep on hand in your kitchen.
  • Simple Ingredients: It’s healthier than many of the store bought seasoning packets, and tastes better, too.
  • Flavor: This taco seasoning has the best flavor! You can customize the recipe to suit your tastes, such as making it more or less spicy by adjusting the amounts of chili powder and cayenne pepper.
  • Versatile: You can use this taco seasoning in so many healthy meals, such as burrito bowls, tacos, ground turkey tacos and taco salad. You can even use it to season veggies such as roasted sweet potatoes.

Taco Seasoning Recipe Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this taco seasoning recipe. Find the full recipe with ingredient amounts in the recipe card below.

  • Chili Powder: I use mild chili powder because my kids don’t like too much spice; you can use a spicier chili powder if you wish. Try adding a little chipotle chili powder for lots of smoky spice, but not too much, since it can be very spicy.
  • Ground Cumin: Cumin is a common, earthy spice that is often used in Mexican cuisine.
  • Paprika: You can use sweet paprika or smoked paprika, depending on your preference.
  • Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Onion powder and garlic powder are often used in spice mixes and add mild onion and garlic flavor.
  • Dried Oregano: Dried oregano adds another layer of flavor. While it’s often used in Italian cuisine, oregano is also commonly used in chili and Mexican dishes.
  • Cayenne Pepper: This recipe uses just a small amount since cayenne is spicy.

Ingredient Notes

  • I usually wait and add salt when cooking, rather than adding it to this seasoning mix. This way, you can season to taste with salt and adjust the amount depending on how much salt is called for in the recipe you’re using. This taco seasoning recipe has plenty of flavor from herbs and spices, so you won’t miss the extra salt found in the little packets from the store.
  • The freshness of your spices will determine the freshness of your taco seasoning, so check the expiration dates before you mix the ingredients together.
Best Taco Seasoning Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (3)

How to Make Taco Seasoning

This taco seasoning couldn’t be easier to make!

  1. Combine the taco seasoning ingredients in a small bowl.
  2. Use a small whisk or spoon to mix the spices together until everything is well combined.
  3. Use right away or store in an airtight container.

Like this Recipe? Pin it to Pinterest!

How Much Taco Seasoning Per Pound of Meat

Use 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of ground beef or ground turkey. To make taco meat, first brown the ground meat in a large skillet. Then add the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water. I also like to add 1/2 cup of canned tomato sauce for added moisture and flavor, but this is optional. Cook at a low simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. After cooking, season with salt and pepper to taste. I usually add about 1/4 teaspoon of salt per pound of meat.

Best Taco Seasoning Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (4)

Storage Instructions

Store homemade taco seasoning in a labeled zip-top bag or other sealed container. I like to use a small glass Weck jar to store my spice mixes. Keep it in a cool, dry place, at room temperature. I keep mine in a spice rack with the rest of my spices. Stored this way, taco seasoning will stay fresh for about 6 months, or for as long as the individual spices would be fresh.

Recipes that Use Taco Seasoning

  • Taco Recipe
  • Crockpot Chicken Tacos
  • Instant Pot Taco Meat
  • Turkey Taco Soup
  • Crockpot Taco Soup
  • Slow Cooker Taco Pasta
  • Instant Pot Taco Pasta
  • Taco Salad
Best Taco Seasoning Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (5)

More Homemade Seasonings

Once you start making your own spice blends, you won’t want to go back to store bought! Here are a few more favorite homemade spice blends:

  • Chicken Seasoning
  • Pork Rub
  • Salmon Seasoning
  • Cajun Seasoning
  • Pumpkin Pie Spice

5 from 3 ratings

Best Taco Seasoning Recipe

Servings: 24 servings (makes about 1/2 cup)

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 5 minutes mins

This taco seasoning recipe makes the best tacos, taco soup, taco salad and more! It takes just minutes to make, using spices that you likely have in your kitchen. You won't want to go back to store-bought!

Print Recipe Leave a Review Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons cumin
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Instructions

  • Place all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk or stir until well combined. Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 6 months.

  • To make taco meat, use 2 tablespoons taco seasoning per pound of ground beef or turkey. Brown the meat, then add in 2 tablespoons taco seasoning, 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste), 1/2 cup of water and an optional 1/2 cup of canned tomato sauce. Simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally. Serve taco meat in warmed tortillas or as desired.

Notes

  • I usually make this taco seasoning without salt and then add salt to taste when cooking. If you prefer to add salt to the seasoning mix, I recommend adding 1 teaspoon.

Serving: 1teaspoon, Calories: 6kcal, Carbohydrates: 1g, Sodium: 17mg, Potassium: 35mg, Vitamin A: 395IU, Vitamin C: 0.1mg, Calcium: 10mg, Iron: 0.6mg

Nutrition information is an estimate.

Cuisine: Mexican

Course: DIY, How To, Seasoning

Tried this recipe?Mention @kristines_kitchen on Instagram or tag #kristineskitchenblog.

This site contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting Kristine's Kitchen!

Homemade Favorites How To Sauces / Seasonings / Dressings / Spreads

posted by Kristine Rosenblatt on Mar 6, 2023 (last updated Jun 16, 2023)

15 comments Leave a comment »

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15 comments on “Taco Seasoning Recipe”

  1. Pingback: Homemade Taco Seasoning « Can Be Dun

  2. Kristine Puzel Reply

    This looks great – I use taco seasoning frequently, and am excited to use a homemade version. I will also look into your recipes and other season mixtures! I pinned this !

  3. marcie Reply

    I totally agree — it’s so easy to make your own spice mixes so why buy them? This would be used weekly at my house because tacos are always in the rotation. It sounds perfect!

  4. Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice Reply

    I really need to start making my own taco seasoning! Your recipe proves that it’s so easy and even better than the store-bought kind. And I definitely know the store bought stuff contains ingredients I probably don’t want to know about. Pinning this to remember for the next taco Tuesday! 🙂

  5. Susan Reply

    Sounds delicious..will try tonight! New insta pot user…so looking for ideas

    • Best Taco Seasoning Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (10)

      Kristine Reply

      Hi Susan, You’ll find all of my easy Instant Pot recipes here. I hope you find some new favorites!

  6. Kathy Reply

    Delicious- love that you can adjust the heat! Is there a fajita recipe too?

    • Best Taco Seasoning Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (11)

      Kristine Reply

      I do have a fajita recipe, which you can use this with in place of the other seasonings if you prefer. 🙂

  7. Andrea Reply

    Looks delicious ! I was wondering how much of each ingredient as it doesn’t specify the quantities . Thanks for your help 🙂

    • Best Taco Seasoning Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (12)

      Kristine Reply

      Hi Andrea

      The recipe card at the end of the post has the measurements for each ingredient. Click the Jump to Recipe link at the top of the post to taken to recipe ingredients/instructions card.

  8. Michele Reply

    I have enjoyed making many more dishes from scratch. Everyone enjoys your taco mix. How do you buy your spices. I have a real hard time getting measuring spoons in the spice jars.

    • Best Taco Seasoning Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (13)

      Kristine Rosenblatt Reply

      Hi Michele,
      I have multiple sets of measuring spoons. I’m not sure where I got them but one is narrow enough to fix in most spice jars. Or I carefully pour, tapping the spice jar.

  9. Wendy Willett Reply

    Can you tell me what onion powder is in UK as I have not been able to find it wendy

    • Best Taco Seasoning Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (14)

      Kristine Rosenblatt Reply

      It is powdered onions, found with other spices in the spice aisle of the grocery store. If you can’t find it, you can leave it out of the recipe.

  10. Suzanne Reply

    I made this taco seasoning for my grandson’s birthday party instead of using a premade seasoning packet . The tacos were delicious using these fresh spices . I will never use the premade packets again. A very healthy recipe without preservatives!! Thank you for sharing

Leave a comment »

Best Taco Seasoning Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen (2024)

FAQs

Do you brown meat before adding taco seasoning? ›

I, personally, just add the seasoning once the meat starts browning and just let the water cook out. You will end up with that crumbly texture that I just love about that certain, unnamed taco place. This works with those little packets too.

What does adding water to taco seasoning do? ›

Turns out it's essential for giving the proper consistency to the taco meat because those seasoning mixes contain cornstarch, which requires water and heat to create a sauce.

How important is cumin in taco seasoning? ›

Ground cumin – Next to chili powder, cumin is the most important ingredient in taco seasoning. It adds an earthy flavor and aroma.

Do you drain meat before adding taco seasoning? ›

Cook and stir ground beef in the hot skillet until browned and crumbly, 7 to 10 minutes. Drain and discard any excess grease. Pour water and seasoning mix over beef; stir to combine.

How much taco seasoning for 1 pound of meat? ›

To use: Use about 2 tablespoons of the taco seasoning for every 1 pound of meat. Use more or less depending on your preference. Brown meat and drain the fat. Add your taco seasoning along with about 1/2 cup of water.

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's in old El Paso taco seasoning? ›

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

Do you add taco seasoning after cooking meat? ›

Once the beef is cooked, you want to cook it with the seasoning and liquid on medium low and just until the sauce starts to thicken. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't dry out. Heat up the tortillas before adding the ground beef on top. You can heat them up in the microwave, oven or on a skillet for 1-2 minutes per side.

What is al pastor taco seasoning? ›

Our Al Pastor Seasoning is a blend of versatile spices like chili, paprika, onion, and garlic powder. Great for seasoning ground turkey, chicken, shrimp or veggies! Al Pastor makes a great spice base to add flavor to burritos, tacos, kabobs, or roasted vegetable salad.

What is in Club House taco seasoning? ›

Club House Taco Seasoning uses the perfect mix of onions, peppers and Mexican seasoning to create a delicious but mild flavour that your children will love.

What's in Chi Chi's taco seasoning? ›

Ingredients. Spices, Wheat Flour, Salt, Sugar, Dehydrated Onions, Garlic Powder, Monosodium Glutamate, Onion Powder, Yeast Extract, Contains 2% or less of Citric Acid (To Acidify), Silicon Dioxide (Anticaking Agent), Paprika, Natural Flavor.

What can you add to taco seasoning to make it better? ›

Change it up to tweak the flavor or intensity of the heat.
  1. Sub chipotle chili powder, ancho chili powder or New Mexican chili powder.
  2. Add more or less salt, and use Maldon, Himalayan or kosher salt.
  3. Increase the cayenne or eliminate if you have spice-averse eaters.
Oct 15, 2017

What do Mexicans call cumin? ›

1. ( spice) el comino (M) Add two teaspoons of ground cumin to the pan. Agregar dos cucharaditas de comino molido a la olla.

Do Mexicans use a lot of cumin? ›

Cumin is a popular seasoning for tacos, sweet vegetables, and mild bread. The bitter flavor is hard to replace with any other spice, making cumin a quintessential spice for Mexicans. It contains high amounts of iron, with one teaspoon offering up to 20% of the daily recommended value.

Do you add seasoning before or after browning meat? ›

When it comes to seasoning your ground beef, wait until after it has been browned and drained. Adding salt to raw ground beef pulls out moisture, drying the meat out and creating steam while it cooks, which prevents it from browning properly.

Should I season taco meat before or after? ›

Optional Instructions for Cooking Taco Meat:

Add seasoning to ground meat and incorporate spices into meat, using your hands. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add lard to pan, let it melt, and swirl to coat the pan. Add seasoned meat to pan and spread meat out into a thin layer.

Do you sear meat before seasoning? ›

Forgetting To Season Your Meat

Seared meat is some of the most flavorful types of meat around, but that great taste doesn't materialize out of thin air! Searing only enhances its preexisting flavors. So for the best taste, you need to season your meat before cooking it.

Do you add seasoning before or after meat? ›

We recommend seasoning your meat a bit before cooking to allow it to settle and absorb for a tastier outcome. You can also add some seasoning towards the end of the cooking to subtly enhance the taste. Take note that this is only to enhance the flavor and not the initial seasoning.

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