Homemade Taco Seasoning Recipe

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My family could live on tacos, which means we can go through those little seasoning packets in a hurry.

Making homemade taco seasoning is cheaper, easier and far more practical than remembering to buy a packet every time tacos land on the meal plan. In about five minutes, I can mix one batch that seasons approximately six pounds of meat. The jar stays in my spice cabinet, ready for tacos, taco salad, taco soup, burritos or one of those nights when I need to turn a pound of ground beef into dinner without overthinking it.

Buying spices in larger containers also costs less per batch than continually buying individual packets. I am using ingredients already stocked in my pantry, and I get to control the salt and heat instead of paying extra for a premeasured mix.

This homemade taco seasoning recipe is quick, economical and genuinely useful. Make it once, and the next several taco nights are already handled.

If you like keeping useful mixes ready in the pantry, my homemade ranch mix and homemade basic dry spice rub are two more worth making.

Homemade Taco Seasoning Mix | Homesteading | livinlovinfarmin

What Is in Homemade Taco Seasoning?

The foundation of this homemade taco seasoning is chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic and dried onion. Coriander adds a little brightness, while cayenne brings the heat.

My recipe also includes Italian seasoning and a small amount of turmeric.

Before anyone comes for me, I know turmeric is not a traditional taco seasoning ingredient. I started adding it years ago, and now that is simply how I make the blend for my family. It adds color without taking over the other spices. You can leave it out if you prefer.

This recipe uses dried diced onion rather than onion powder. The dried onion adds more texture to the finished taco meat. If your family prefers a completely smooth seasoning mix, you can replace it with onion powder.

Why Make Taco Seasoning in a Big Batch?

If I am already pulling ten spices out of the cabinet, I would rather make enough seasoning to use more than once.

This bulk taco seasoning recipe makes a generous cup, enough to season approximately six pounds of meat. Keep it in an airtight jar, and the next several taco nights are already handled.

Making your own seasoning also allows you to adjust the salt and cayenne instead of accepting whatever comes in a store-bought packet. It is an easy pantry project, and it takes about five minutes.

That same bulk-preparation approach is why I keep homemade quick mix ready for breakfasts and baking. A few useful mixes can save a surprising amount of time in the kitchen.

Homemade taco seasoning bulk mix | livinlovinfarmin

Homemade Taco Seasoning

This bulk homemade taco seasoning recipe combines simple pantry spices in about five minutes. Use it for ground beef, turkey, chicken, taco soup, taco salad and more.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cup
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 Tablespoons Dried Diced Onion
  • 4 Teaspoons Garlic Powder
  • 4 Teaspoons Chili Powder
  • 4 Teaspoons Coriander
  • 5 Teaspoons Cumin
  • 3 Tablespoon Paprika
  • 2 Teaspoons Italian Seasoning
  • 1 Teaspoon Cayenne Pepper
  • 1/2 Teaspoon Turmeric
  • 3 Teaspoons Salt

Method
 

  1. Place all the ingredients in a glass mixing bowl.
  2. Stir or whisk until the spices are evenly combined.
  3. Transfer the seasoning to a clean, dry airtight container.
  4. Label the container with the date and store it in a cool, dark spice cabinet.
  5. Shake or stir the seasoning before each use because the ingredients may settle.

Notes

  • Three tablespoons replaces approximately one standard taco seasoning packet.
  • For milder seasoning, omit the cayenne or reduce it to 1/4 teaspoon.
  • For a spicier blend, increase the cayenne to two teaspoons.
  • Turmeric is my personal addition and is not traditional. It can be omitted.
  • Store the seasoning in an airtight container for six to eight months for the best flavor.
  • This recipe makes about 19 tablespoons, enough to season approximately six pounds of meat.

How Much Taco Seasoning Per Pound of Meat?

Use three tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning for every pound of ground beef.

Three tablespoons will also replace approximately one standard packet of taco seasoning in recipes calling for a packet. Because packet sizes and formulations vary, you can adjust the amount slightly according to your taste.

For a milder flavor, begin with two tablespoons per pound and add more after tasting.

How to Make Taco Meat With Homemade Seasoning

Brown one pound of ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into small crumbles as it cooks.

Drain off the excess fat if necessary. Add three tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning and 1/3 cup of water. Stir until the seasoning is evenly distributed, then reduce the heat to medium-low.

Simmer uncovered for five to seven minutes, stirring occasionally, until most of the water has cooked away and the seasoning coats the meat. If the meat becomes too dry, add another splash of water. If it is wetter than you prefer, let it simmer for another minute or two.

Use the seasoned meat for tacos, taco salad, stuffed peppers or burrito bowls. It is also good stirred into beans, tomato-based soups or a jar of home-canned tomato sauce.

For an easy meal from the pantry, serve it with green tomato enchilada verde sauce. You can also use it to season ground beef added to canning tomato soup concentrate or spoon the meat over a bowl of homemade coleslaw for a simple taco-style bowl.

Mild and Spicy Taco Seasoning

For mild homemade taco seasoning, leave out the cayenne pepper or reduce it to 1/4 teaspoon. Be sure to use a mild chili powder as well.

For a spicier blend, increase the cayenne to two teaspoons. You can also add one teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a little chipotle powder.

The heat in chili powder can vary, so taste the cooked taco meat before adding more cayenne.

How to Store Homemade Taco Seasoning

Transfer the finished seasoning to a clean, completely dry jar with an airtight lid. Label the jar with the date and write “three tablespoons per pound” on the label so you do not have to look it up every time.

Store the jar in a cool, dark spice cabinet away from the stove. For the strongest flavor, use the seasoning within six to eight months. Ground spices do not suddenly become unusable after that point, but their color, aroma and flavor will gradually fade.

Homemade seasoning mixes also make practical additions to a well-stocked pantry alongside recipes such as canning tomato marinara, old-fashioned homemade ketchup and homemade Bloody Mary mix.

Homemade Taco Seasoning FAQ

How long does homemade taco seasoning last?

It has the best flavor when used within six to eight months. Store it in an airtight container away from heat, moisture and direct sunlight.

How much homemade taco seasoning equals one packet?

Use approximately three tablespoons of homemade taco seasoning in place of one standard store-bought packet.

Do I need to add water to taco meat?

Water helps distribute the spices evenly and creates a seasoned coating on the meat. Add 1/3 cup of water per pound, then simmer until most of the liquid has cooked away.

Can I use this taco seasoning with other meats?

Yes. Use it with ground turkey, ground chicken, pork or shredded beef. Start with two tablespoons per pound and add more according to taste.

Can I make taco seasoning without turmeric?

Absolutely. Turmeric is my own nontraditional addition. Leaving it out will not prevent the recipe from working.

Is this homemade taco seasoning spicy?

The original recipe has a moderate amount of heat from cayenne pepper. Omit or reduce the cayenne for a mild blend, or increase it for a hotter seasoning.

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