Homemade Taco Seasoning
Whip up this quick and easy Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe with just a few pantry staples; it’s more affordable and flavorful than store-bought versions and can be customized to your liking.
![Homemade Taco Seasoning](https://allgoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1717121137211-682x1024.jpg)
This simple homemade taco seasoning mix requires just 5 ingredients plus salt, all of which are common and easy to find (ideally in the back of your pantry); using 2 tablespoons of this blend in place of one store-bought packet will season one pound of your preferred ground meat.
I omit garlic powder and onion powder from my custom taco blend and prefer to include fresh onions and garlic directly in my taco meat for a more flavorful taste. Creating your own taco seasoning goes beyond removing excess sodium and preservatives from your dishes; it’s about crafting a superior blend to enhance the flavor of your food.
With that said, every recipe serves as a starting point for experimentation, allowing you the freedom to incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, or any other ingredients that appeal to you in your taco seasoning mix – after all, you are the head chef in your kitchen!
Ingredient notes
- Cayenne pepper:Adjust the level of spiciness to suit your taste preferences or accommodate children by omitting it altogether, or intensify the heat by adding more, or opt for red pepper flakes as an alternative.
- Cornstarch:You can include this gluten-free thickening agent typically found in store-bought packets as an optional addition.
Step-by-step instructions
![Homemade Taco Seasoning](https://allgoodrecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/1717121624679-1024x682.jpg)
- Mix chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste (around 2 teaspoons) in a small bowl with a whisk or in a jar with a tight-fitting lid, and optionally add cornstarch before storing in a cool, dark location for up to 6 months.
- For taco preparation, blend 2 tablespoons of the seasoning mixture with each pound of ground beef or alternative ground meat, which matches the quantity in a store-bought packet.
These quick and flavorful Ground Chicken Tacos are ideal for busy weeknights as they are juicy, perfectly seasoned, and can be ready in just about 15 minutes.
Recipe tips and variations
- Yield:With a yield of ½ cup of taco seasoning (excluding salt or cornstarch), and utilizing 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound of meat, the complete recipe provided is adequate for seasoning 4 pounds of ground meat.
- Storage:Keep the seasoning mixture in an airtight container in a cool, dark place and consume within 6 months; while it’s suitable to prepare double batches for frequent taco-making, avoid making more than you can reasonably use in that time frame.
- smoky:If you enjoy the flavor, smoked paprika can replace the regular one; however, be cautious with chipotle chili powder, as it adds a smoky taste and considerable heat, especially for those sensitive to spice.
- More spices:Consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, and black pepper for added flavor, while red chili flakes are a great option for those who enjoy spicier dishes.
- Ground turkey tacos:In the Best Turkey Tacos you’ve ever had, ground turkey appears unexpectedly with a few tricks up its sleeve to ensure each bite is juicy and perfectly seasoned.
- Taco Dip Recipe:These quick and juicy Ground Chicken Tacos, ideal for busy weeknights, are also lightning fast, ready in about 15 minutes.
- Taco Roll Ups:Bring the flavors of taco dip on the go with my simple Taco Tortilla Roll Ups recipe, a make-ahead appetizer that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds).
- Taco Soup recipe:Bring this easy, delicious Taco Soup Recipe to life in just 30 minutes with ground beef and pantry staples, offering a fusion of Midwest-meets-Tex-Mex flavors in this cult favorite.
- Dorito Taco Salad:Inspired by the Midwestern-classic “walking tacos,” my crowd-pleasing Dorito Taco Salad is fully loaded with taco-seasoned beef, cheese, fresh vegetables, and nacho cheese chips.
- Stuffed Tomatoes:These taco-flavored Stuffed Tomatoes create a perfect, unfussy end-of-summer meal, ideal for warm nights with abundant ripe tomatoes. This easy low-carb recipe, prepared in under half an hour in one skillet, features ground beef seasoned with zesty taco seasoning and topped with lettuce, shredded cheese, and sour cream.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Whip up this quick and easy Homemade Taco Seasoning recipe with just a few pantry staples; it’s more affordable and flavorful than store-bought versions and can be customized to your liking.
- Prep Time: 1 minutes
- Total Time: 1 minutes
- Yield: 8 tablespoons 1x
- Category: Pantry
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (see note 1)
- salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch optional (see note 2)
Instructions
- Combine chili powder, cumin, paprika, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt (2 teaspoons preferred), and cornstarch if desired in a small bowl with a whisk or a jar with a tight-fitting lid, and store the mix in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Cornstarch:This is a gluten-free thickening agent found in many store-bought packets that is optional here, so add it if you want to.
- Yield:This recipe makes ½ cup of taco seasoning (without salt or cornstarch), which is enough for 4 pounds of ground meat if using 2 tablespoons of seasoning per pound.
- Storage:Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place and use within 6 months for best results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 teaspoon
- Calories: 35kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
Keywords: Homemade Taco Seasoning