You could buy those tiny packets of taco seasoning but with this easy homemade taco seasoning recipe you won’t have to. Plus, no flour in this recipe so it’s gluten-free and keto friendly too.
It’s the perfect combination of spices to flavor your tacos, try it and see if you’ll ever go back to the store-bought packets again.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe
Taco seasoning packets are so easy to use. All you need to do is rip open the package and sprinkle them. But have your read the ingredients?
Why in the world do they put flour or cornstarch in them? Is it to make it look like you are getting more for your money?
And the additives like anti-caking agents and sometimes even sugar.
It seems like odd ingredients to add to a spice mix that could be made with well, spices.
And that’s what this taco seasoning from scratch recipe is just spices and that’s it.
No added flour or cornstarch. No additives you don’t need. Just spices to make the ground beef or turkey or even tofu taste great in your tacos.
And that’s what you’re looking for right?!
Once you see just how super simple this homemade taco seasoning is to make, you’ll never need to buy those seasoning packets again, unless you want to.
Plus, you’ll know exactly what’s in your taco seasoning from scratch because you made it yourself.
And you can adjust the spice to fit your family perfectly. More on that below.
Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe Video
If you have a small jar with a lid, you don’t even have to have a spoon. Here’s how easy it is to make….
Variations on this Homemade Taco Seasoning
What’s great about making your own seasoning mixes is you can customize them to fit your family. To get you started here are a few ideas and how to save money when making them too.
Paprika…
You can use regular paprika which I love. But I recently tried a smoked paprika in this recipe and it will add a slight hint of smokey flavor. It was so good, made the tacos taste like they were grilled. Yum!
Chili Powder…
If you like spicy tacos you can use hot chili powder instead of regular chili powder. I’m a wimp with spicy foods but maybe you like to really spice up your tacos. This would be a good variation to try if that suits you.
Onion Powder…
My son can spot onions easily in dishes so we opt to use onion powder. But if you don’t have a picky onion person, you might like to use dried diced onions instead.
Save With Bulk Spices…
Now you might think those spice packages aren’t that expensive and buying spices in those bottles will cost me a fortune. Well, that might be right.
But when you purchase spices in the bulk, you can really save.
Locally here we have three options for buying spices in bulk. Our WinCo Foods stores have bulk spices in the bulk food section. We also have other stores with bulk spices like Fred Meyer a Kroger affiliate and Whole Food has a bulk food section too.
If you don’t have any of those stores near you, try looking for large bottles of spices at Costco or a local restaurant supply store. Both have good prices on spices over the small bottles at the grocery store.
Doing a little research can help you save not only on this recipe but on spices you use every day.
Get the Printable Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe…
Grab the printable recipe below. It’s enough for one pound of meat but you can double or triple it if you want to have it ready and waiting in the cupboard.
Homemade Taco Seasoning
Shelly
Why buy those small packages of taco seasoning when it’s so easy to make at home. And this recipe doesn’t have any cornstarch or flour so it’s low carb, gluten-free, and keto friendly too.
Print Recipe Save Pin Recipe
Course Baking Mixes
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 1
Calories 29 kcal
Instructions
Measure the spices into a small jar with a lid.
Once all spices are added, shake well.
Use 1-2 Tablespoons for 1 pound of meat.
Notes
Enough for 1 batch double or triple for extra to store.
Nutrition
Serving: 2tablespoonsCalories: 29kcalCarbohydrates: 5.4gProtein: 1.2gFat: 1.1gSodium: 913mgFiber: 2.1g
Tried this recipe?Click here to tell us how it was!
That’s how simple and easy it is to make your own homemade taco seasoning recipe, so you’ll never have to buy those tiny overprice packets of spice again.
And if you need to eat gluten-free or keto, this recipe is friendly for both.
Print the recipe or pin it for later so you can find it when you need to make your own taco seasoning at home.
More Homemade Seasoning Mixes…
Pizza Seasoning Mix
Garlic and Herb Seasoning Mix
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FAQs
Packet Taco Seasoning replacement: if you only want to make enough taco seasoning to replace 1 packet, use the following amounts:
- 1 tablespoon chili powder.
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder.
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder.
- Pinch of cayenne pepper.
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano.
- ½ teaspoon paprika.
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin.
- 1 teaspoon salt.
Most taco seasoning mixes contain salt, warming spices (such as paprika, oregano, and chili), onion powder, and garlic powder. This top-rated recipe is made with chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, ground paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and crushed red pepper flakes.
What is the measurement of a taco seasoning packet? ›
How much taco seasoning is in a packet? A typical package contains 1 ounce/ 2 tablespoons of seasoning mix. Simply substitute 2 tablespoons of this Taco Seasoning in any recipe calling for one package of seasoning.
How much water and taco seasoning per 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.
How much taco seasoning per pound of ground beef? ›
Plan for about 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound of meat. To season ground meat tacos, first sauté the meat until it loses its pinkish color. Then sprinkle with taco seasoning and stir to combine. Add one cup of vegetable, chicken or beef stock per pound of meat and stir to combine.
How to improve homemade tacos? ›
“Salsa and guacamole are great, but look to mix it up with fresh radish, chicharrones, or pickled onion. A fresh, warm tortilla is made better by a crunchy counterpart.” One of Romero's favorite toppings is a morita pepper and peanut salsa, which lends a spicy, smoky, crunchy lift to any taco.
What are the ingredients in Old El Paso taco seasoning mix? ›
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.
What is a common ingredient in a taco? ›
A taco can be made with a variety of fillings, including beef, pork, chicken, seafood, beans, vegetables, and cheese, and garnished with various condiments, such as salsa, guacamole, or sour cream, and vegetables, such as lettuce, onion, tomatoes, and chiles.
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 much taco seasoning per pound packet? ›
Each packet comes with enough powder to use with 1 lb of steak, ground beef and more.
The Rules. Remember the ½ Rule - Start off with 1/2 teaspoon of spice for any dish that serves four to six people. And for herbs, use 1/2 teaspoon for powders and 1-1/2 teaspoon for dried or chopped.
How much water do you add to a packet of taco seasoning mix? ›
1/2 cup water: After you've browned your meat, add in 1/2 cup water with 3 tablespoons of the taco seasoning mix. Stir to combine and mix all together. Slowly add in another 1/2 cup water as some will begin to absorb – you want it with a little sauce, just not too watery!
How much taco seasoning for 2 lbs? ›
I use 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning per pound. For 2 pounds, I would use 4 tablespoons. After sprinkling over your burger mixture, don't forget to add about 2/3 cup of water (since your doing 2 pounds) to your mixture.
What happens if you don't add water to taco seasoning? ›
The heat then activates the cornstarch, thickening the mixture. Without it, the meat would be very dry and crumbly, and it could spill out of your taco shell instead of holding together, an issue you've probably noticed if you make your own taco seasoning blend.
What is the difference between Mccormick taco seasoning mild and original? ›
Our Original Taco Seasoning Mix is spicier than our Mild Taco Seasoning Mix.
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.
How do you season without seasoning? ›
Acids act a little like salt in that they help bring out the natural brightness of foods and work to meld flavors together. Try making a quick salad dressing with lemon juice and zest or red wine vinegar with a smidge of oil—or toss veggies and grains with citrus or vinegar to brighten them up.
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.
How much water do I add to Old El Paso taco seasoning? ›
Ingredient List
- 1 box (12 count) Old El Paso™ taco shells.
- 1 lb (500 g) lean ground beef.
- 2/3 cup (150 mL) water.
- 1 package (24 g) Old El Paso™ taco seasoning mix.
Shelly
