Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (2024)

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I have made my own taco seasoning for years and I know that once you start making your own you will be hooked as well. One of the main reasons I make my own is that so many of the prepacked seasoning is fairly expensive + there are TONS of preservatives in them! A extra plus is this recipe is gluten – free.

If you’d like a quick, off-the-shelf, gluten-free option with no added chemicals, check out the spice blends at the Bearded Butchers!

What You Need

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

What To Do

Mix all ingredients together. Use 2 FULL Tablespoons of seasoning for 1 pound of beef.

Enjoy

Homemade Taco Seasoning

Print

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:

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: Sara @ Budget Savvy Diva

: Seasoning

Simple and Easy Taco Seasoning.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ÂĽ teaspoon onion powder
  • ÂĽ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ÂĽ teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Mix all ingredients together. Use 2 FULL Tablespoons of seasoning for 1 pound of beef.
  2. Enjoy

Categorized:

  • Gluten Free
  • Recipes

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Comments

  • Robin

    My family loves taco salad and I like to mix taco seasoning in cream cheese to go with it or for dipping taco chips in. My girlies love it! So thanks much for a home made recipe. I was just thinking about finding a recipe for it, so perfect timing. I imagine will be cheaper than buying the packaged stuff. Magic bullet gives a nice homemade guacamole recipe in their booklet to go with tacos too.
    I like to be frugal and resourceful when I can so thanks much :).

  • Bethany Foster

    I want to make quite a bit at a time and store for future use. Does this recipe double well? (I’m still new to the cooking world! :] )

    • Budget Savvy Diva

      I actually make this recipe up to 10 times at a time and it works great. I keep it stored in a airtight container.

  • Joyce W

    I’ve been making my own for over 20 years as I cook. I just add the ingredients directly. This is fantastic for fajitas or tacos. …..store bought has such a nasty after taste.

  • Catherine

    Do you add water to this one like you would to the packets?

    • Budget Savvy Diva

      nope

    • Brian

      The only reason you add water to the packets is because they include corn starch. The water is used to create a kind of thickened sauce. I happen to like that, so I added about 1/2 tablespoon of corn starch and added water. Perfect.

  • denise

    this will be a money saver, thanks for the recipe

  • karma

    I went straight out and bought all the ingredients right away after seeing your recipe! My husband made some this week and he and I both loved it! thanks for sharing!

  • Sam j.

    Lol. Just had to let you know I love the pictures you put up with the burn mark on your cutting board that your hubby made! Just makes me smile each time. Makes you seem more real! Thanks for all you do!

  • Chipper Norris

    Great seasoning recipe. Now I don’t have to buy the Old El Paso packets anymore (that was my favorite before I found your recipe). Thanks for the help!

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    […] 2 teaspoons of taco seasoning – Budget Savvy Diva’s recipe –> HERE […]

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    […] 1.5 ounces of taco seasoning ( about one packet worth) – I used my homemade seasoning HERE […]

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    […] Here is my own personal taco seasoning – Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe […]

  • Jennifer Rae

    So good! I used this on the fantastic taco casserole, and it was so very delicious! Highly recommended!

  • Maija-Liisa

    At our home we use one pan for hamburger with taco seasoning and a pot with beans. I use taco seasoning in those too for my vegetarian kids and friends and serve both. For super easy just open a can of black or kidney beans, add taco seasoning, stir and heat.

  • shannon

    Just yesterday I was thinking that you can make your own taco seasoning. So, I googled homemade taco seasoning recipes and stumbled upon your site. I just made my own taco seasoning using your recipe. It smells just like the packages from the stores. Can’t wait to try it!!

    • Budget Savvy Diva

      Enjoy!

  • nancy

    I’m just getting into making my own mixes/seasonings and really want to try a Taco Mix; how would you compare your Homemade version to your Copy Cat Taco Bell version as far as taste and also shelf-life (i.e. making a large batch to store)?? Thanks!!

  • Crock Pot Chicken Tacos « ohappydaze

    […] packet of tacoseasoning – (I used an awesome recipe for homemade seasoning that I found here. It was SUPER easy to throw together and cuts back on the preservatives found in the packaged kind. […]

  • Shannon

    Any way to alter this to not use the cayenne pepper? I have everything else, but I have no other use to buy cayenne pepper for.

    • Budget Savvy Diva

      You can make it without – it will have less heat

  • Rebecca B

    do you have any idea what the sodium content would be? We are on a low sodium diet here, so I’m looking for low sodium subs – Thanks

  • Stacey

    Have tried several recipes an your’s is my fave! Thanks so much 🙂

  • Lori

    Made this for a taco bar for my daughter’s birthday party and it was a huge hit. I didn’t have any Cayenne pepper so I used a seasoning mix I had in my cupboard called “Arizona Heat” which is just a blend of various seasonings. I am planning on making up a bunch of this recipe this afternoon and storing it in a jar. Thanks for letting me cross one more packaged item off my grocery list.

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  • Alyssa

    Is there a bulk recipe somewhere? I thought I’ve seen it before but now can’t find it…

    • Watson

      Love it!!!!!

  • Lindsay L

    This is going to be such a money saver!!

  • Allie Talley

    I haven’t bought a taco packet in ages! I love this stuff!

  • One Pan Enchilada Pasta Recipe | Budget Savvy Diva

    […] my own. You can make your own taco seasoning for only pennies (every penny counts in my house) Go HERE for the […]

  • Stephanie Heiple

    i am new to being gluten free, but I read that ketchup, and spices contain gluten. Are there certain brands of ketchup, or spices you’ve found that don’t Cait any gluten in them?

  • kathy

    will this work with chicken tacos?

  • Taco Bowls Recipe | Budget Savvy Diva

    […] I ended up using my own taco season recipe – if you want the recipe head on over HERE […]

Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I use if I don't have enough taco seasoning? ›

Packet Taco Seasoning replacement: if you only want to make enough taco seasoning to replace 1 packet, use the following amounts:
  1. 1 tablespoon chili powder.
  2. ÂĽ teaspoon garlic powder.
  3. ÂĽ teaspoon onion powder.
  4. Pinch of cayenne pepper.
  5. ÂĽ teaspoon dried oregano.
  6. ½ teaspoon paprika.
  7. 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin.
  8. 1 teaspoon salt.
Mar 16, 2021

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.

How much taco seasoning should I use for 1 pound of beef? ›

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 to add to taco seasoning? ›

Mix chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, red pepper flakes, and oregano together in a small bowl until combined.

What is similar to taco seasoning? ›

Combine chili powder, paprika, onion powder, sea salt, garlic powder, cumin, oregano, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and red pepper flakes in a bowl; mix well. Enjoy!

What can I substitute for paprika in taco seasoning? ›

Our favorite smoky substitutions are:
  • Chipotle chili powder (For smoked sweet paprikas)
  • Cayenne pepper powder (For hot/sharp paprikas)
  • Ancho pepper powder (For sweet paprikas)
  • Guajillo Pepper powder (For hot/sharp paprikas)
  • Chili powder (For hot/sharp paprikas)

What is the order of taco ingredients? ›

To assemble tacos, layer beef mixture, cheese, lettuce and tomatoes in each taco shell. Serve with salsa; top with sour cream.

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 are the most popular taco ingredients? ›

The most common toppings that you will find for crispy tacos are shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg lettuce), finely shredded cabbage, sliced or chopped tomatoes, and onions (white onion is more popular than red onion). This list can go on for ages, but I will only mention the most popular fried tacos. Shredded Beef.

How many tacos will 3 pounds of meat make? ›

Each taco shell or small soft taco-size tortilla fits about 2 ounces or 1/4 cup of meat. If you add diced onions, you could stretch a pound of ground beef to make about a dozen tacos. With just the meat and spices, you can make about 8 tacos from a pound of meat.

Do you drain ground beef 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 many people will 2 pounds of taco meat feed? ›

As a general rule, you should plan for about 1/4 to 1/2 pound of meat per person when making tacos. So for a family of four, you'll need around 1 to 2 pounds of ground beef. Of course, this can vary depending on your personal preferences and appetite, so adjust accordingly.

What can I add to taco meat to make it taste better? ›

I make my own homemade taco seasoning with dried spices I always have in my pantry: garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, cumin, and chili powder. Of course I add pink salt and freshly ground black pepper, and if the toddler isn't eating with us, I add red pepper flakes, too!

What gives the taco taste? ›

Mexican Tacos: For authentic Mexican flavor, use a blend of spices that includes cumin, paprika, chili powder, garlic powder and/or onion powder. These spices will give your tacos a warm, earthy flavor and just a touch of heat.

What are the ingredients 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.

What can I add to taco meat to make it go further? ›

Potatoes!! The potato skin to be exact. I asked the waiter about this and he said that's what gives it its creaminess and that his mother used to add potatoes (and sometimes pinto beans) to their ground beef to make it go further. They had a lot of mouths to feed and potatoes were a lot cheaper than meat.

How do you season without seasoning? ›

Jams, preserves, honey, and maple syrup can be used for glazing meats or roasted vegetables. Brown sugar can be mixed with savory spices as a rub for dry meat. All types of vinegar (cider, wine vinegar, Balsamic, rice, or flavored) can be used as marinades or to drizzle on veggies or fruit.

How do you spice up bland taco meat? ›

Ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder and dried oregano: Pretty straight-forward. Paprika: I prefer to use smoked paprika, but you could also use standard or sweet paprika if you prefer. Salt and black pepper: I used fine sea salt and finely-ground black pepper for this recipe.

Can I use tajin in place of taco seasoning? ›

Replace about 2-3 tablespoons of the chili powder with Tajin chili and lime seasoning to give your mix a little zip. Add about 1 tablespoon or so of dried oregano for something different! Swap the traditional paprika for smoked paprika to give this taco seasoning a smoky flavor.

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