The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (2024)

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This Homemade Taco Seasoning is so flavorful and takes less than 5 minutes to make. You will never buy taco seasoning from the store again!

Want to know what to make with this seasoning? Try these Taco Stuffed Peppers, this classic Taco Soup or this Rotel Dipwith this homemadetaco seasoning.

The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (1)

Taco Seasoning Recipe

Isn’t it the worst when you go to cook and don’t have the seasoning that you need for the recipe. That’s where homemade seasonings come in! If you don’t have store bought taco seasoning on hand, this recipe can be made in less that 5 minutes from classic seasonings that we all have in our pantry!

Once you try out this homemade recipe, you will never buy store bought again. These flavors make any taco have more flavor and make them taste SO much better! Try it out with this easy Taco Ring. It takes even the most simple recipe to the next level.

What is Taco Seasoning Mix Made of?

Taco Seasoning is made up of simple spices that, when they are mixed together, make the best flavor. Check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for all of the exact measurements.

  • Chili Powder: This gives it some kick. Add more if you like your seasoning extra spicy!
  • Garlic Powder: The garlic powder complements all of the other flavors without being too overpowering.
  • Onion Powder:This is a subtle onion flavor that really stands out.
  • Dried Oregano: The oregano brings in a spicy but sweet flavoring.
  • Paprika: Paprika has a smokey flavor and helps add color to the taco seasoning.
  • Ground Cumin: This unique flavored seasoning adds lots of flavor with a little spice.
  • Salt andBlack Pepper: These enhance all of the flavors in the recipe.
The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (2)

How to Make Your Own Taco Seasoning

You can also change the flavor up to have more or less heat depending on your preference. That’s the beauty of homemade seasonings, you can customize them to be however you want!

  1. Mix spices together: Combine all the seasonings together in a bowl.
  2. Store:Place the mixture in an airtight container.

How much homemade taco seasoning equals one packet?

A standard store-bought packets of taco seasoning holds about 2 tablespoons of seasoning.

The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (3)

How much taco seasoning for 1 pound of meat?

I use about 2 tablespoons in one pound of ground turkey or ground beef. This is such a simple recipe and it all comes together quick and easy for you to make several taco dishes! The recipe can easily be doubled and use more or less to taste.

Tip:I also like to add 1/2 cup of water to the meat and seasonings to make the meat more moist.

How long does taco seasoning last?

This is the best part! When you store your seasoning, make sure to keep it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container and it will last up to 6 months.

The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (4)

Want more taco recipes?! Try these ones!

Who doesn’t love a good taco? I’ve gathered up a few of my favorites for you to try with this seasoning!

Pin this now to find it later

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The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning

4.68 from 50 votes

By: Alyssa Rivers

This Homemade Taco Seasoning is so flavorful and takes less than 5 minutes to make. You will never buy taco seasoning from the store again!

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 Tablespoons

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Combine all of the seasonings in a bowl and stir to combine.

  • Store in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

  • This recipe can easily be doubled! To use the seasoning, cook 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet until no longer pink. Add 2 tablespoons of taco seasoning to the ground beef along with 1/2 cup of water.

Video

Notes

Originally Posted on August 27, 2019

Updated on March 12, 2023

Nutrition

Calories: 12kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 616mgPotassium: 70mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 731IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 19mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Additional Info

Course: Dinner, Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Mexican

Tried this recipe?Mention @alyssa_therecipecritic or tag #therecipecritic!

About Alyssa Rivers

Alyssa Rivers is the author of 'The Tried and True Cookbook, a professional food photographer and experienced recipe-developer. Having a passion for cooking, her tried and true recipes have been featured on Good Morning America, Today Food, Buzzfeed and more.

Read More About Me

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The Best Homemade Taco Seasoning - The Recipe Critic (2024)

FAQs

What makes tacos taste better? ›

Not enough people use cilantro. Iceberg lettuce can be refreshing in a burrito, but when it comes to tacos, cilantro, onion and lime are king. I know Tex-Mex enthusiasts love their dairy on a taco. Big pinches of cheddar cheese that lack flavor or the ability to melt.

What's the difference between Mexican seasoning and taco seasoning? ›

Mexican seasoning typically consists of a blend of traditional herbs and spices while taco seasoning is a specific blend of spices that may not be used as much in traditional Mexican dishes.

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 brown meat before adding taco seasoning? ›

How do you make ground beef taco meat
  1. Place the ground beef in a skillet with olive oil.
  2. Brown the beef with olive oil and then drain any fat.
  3. Add the spices along with the tomato paste and water (or tomato sauce)
  4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and then cook for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
Mar 10, 2022

What is the most important ingredient in tacos? ›

Salsa: Salsa and sauces are the soul of your taco, tying all other ingredients together.

Why do restaurant tacos taste different? ›

A restaurant-quality taco starts with a great tortilla — and that means one made from scratch. More than a vessel to hold the goodness inside, the tortilla is essential to the taste and texture of the taco.

What kind of seasoning do Mexican restaurants use? ›

With garlic and onions as the savory cornerstone, the most common Mexican spices and herbs are coriander, allspice, cloves, thyme, Mexican oregano, Mexican cinnamon (ceylon), cumin and cacao which showcase the breadth of Mexican food.

What is the best substitute for taco seasoning? ›

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.
Mar 16, 2021

What spices does taco seasoning contain? ›

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

Like more heat? Toss in a little cayenne pepper. Or you've got a garlic fanatic in your house, so when you add the tablespoon of garlic powder, you make sure it's a heaping one.

What's in Lawry's taco seasoning? ›

Ingredients. Spices (Including Paprika, Cumin, Oregano, Chili Pepper), Onion, Salt, Lactose (Milk), Sugar, Garlic, Enriched Wheat Flour (Flour, Niacin, Iron, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Cocoa Powder Processed with Alkali and Natural Flavor.

Does McCormick taco seasoning have cumin in it? ›

Tacos are tortillas curled into shell shape and fried. It is filled with ground meat sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and topped with cheese. McCormick Taco Seasoning Mix is a special blend of Herbs & Spices with prominent cumin flavor & aroma, intended to impart a unique flavor to meat dishes.

Why does my taco meat taste bland? ›

The number one reason why people end up with bland tacos is because the meat wasn't seasoned properly. Luckily, that isn't an issue with this dish. However, if you find that your tacos aren't spicy enough for your liking, feel free to adjust the seasoning as needed or add a few shakes of your favorite hot sauce.

Why add water to taco seasoning? ›

It also doesn't take as much cornstarch to thicken a sauce, making it ideal for including in a taco mix packet. The amount of flour needed would make the packet unwieldy. However, because cornstarch needs to be dissolved in liquid, you have to add water when cooking.

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.

What can I add to tacos to make them better? ›

  1. 01 of 23. Cheese. Cheese is often the first thing to go on the taco bar, so make sure you have enough to refill the bowls. ...
  2. 02 of 23. Shredded Lettuce. ...
  3. 03 of 23. Tomato Relish. ...
  4. 04 of 23. Fresh Tomatillos. ...
  5. 05 of 23. Sliced Radishes or Jicama. ...
  6. 06 of 23. Sliced Fresh Chiles. ...
  7. 07 of 23. Pickled Onions. ...
  8. 08 of 23. Pickled Chiles.
Jan 30, 2024

What gives the taco taste? ›

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 makes the perfect taco? ›

Mexican-style tacos are traditionally served on small, double-wrapped corn tortillas and may feature fish, chicken, pork, carne asada (steak), or vegetables. Topped with a pinch of diced onions, fresh herbs, and a savory or spicy sauce, tacos are the perfect vehicle to deliver a quick and satisfying bite.

How do you make taco tortillas taste better? ›

10 Tips For Making Store-Bought Tortillas Taste Restaurant...
  1. Char them. ...
  2. Toast them in the oven. ...
  3. Fry them. ...
  4. Add water before warming. ...
  5. Steam them to keep them moist. ...
  6. Heat flour tortillas in butter. ...
  7. If you must use a microwave, wrap tortillas in plastic or a damp towel. ...
  8. Heat in large batches in the oven.
Jul 10, 2023

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